Swimex

HIGHLY COMMENDED

2023

acrylic on reused canvas

40 x 28 cm

In June 2002, en route to the Persian Gulf and approximately 500 nautical miles south of India, the skipper called for a Swimex.

A pipe echoed throughout the ship, “Hands to bathe … the HMAS Melbourne pool is now open on the port side”. The crew were able to let their hair down and have a dip in the Indian Ocean. Some brave souls leapt from the bridge wing, others – including me – sprang from 1 deck.

A Swimex is not common. The schedule, location, weather and current all determine whether a morale-boosting swim can occur. They also allow for a ‘Jack’ to get some gammas on the uppers. The ships’ rigid-hulled inflatable boat is launched, and an armed ‘dibbie’ keeps an eye out for any hungry sharks.

I can still feel the cool of the water and see the rays of sunlight shimmering as my jump took me deep beneath the surface.

Following my swim, I scrambled up the cargo net and headed to the bridge. I was shocked to learn the ocean was around four kilometres deep beneath us. An incredible experience in such a remote part of the planet. My painting recreates this event by combining several photographs.