Replacement NSR Launch / New NS Port Security Launches

[na grohmiti]

I remember seeing a parade down O’Connell Street with a NS RHIB c/w mounted GPMG

Yes, but have you ever seen one being fired in any of the many promotional clips DF social media is so good at?

[batterysgt]

I remember see those boats and looks can be deceiving.

That is an old pic but maybe they still do but it's only them if any. Even the drive club hasn't tried that yet but they may be planning it.

[DeV]

I remember seeing a parade down O’Connell Street with a NS RHIB c/w mounted GPMG

[na grohmiti]

That was a long time ago. Check out the AUG HB!
But yes, firing from boats is not new. To do it right though a new offshore range needs to be created. Used to be one off the Galley head to 7 heads(D13), but I'm not sure if it still exists.

[apod]

No units fires from boats in the DF, so that a new departure and will take alot to put in place.

You sure about that.???????

[batterysgt]

Each boat is in a marina and they can easily do required work.
They are tendered as motor launches and not NSR boats but I bet NSR will have no problem using them on a regular basis.
Largest investment in years in the reserve.
Training needed to fire from these new boats, these will really help in recruitment. Great to see RDFFRAs push to get these types of results for the RDF.
Best of luck everyone.

[DeV]

Read what I said again..."appropriately qualified". The NS is complaining continuously about a lack of skilled personnel/retention/ unable to sail vessels for lack of skilled techs, etc, etc. So, if they take on new small vessels, where will the techs come from to keep them serviced? In case you missed it, the Army do have civvy vehicle mechs and they can be seen in operation in Base Workshops countrywide. If the priority is generating sea time for first line ships, then NSR launches will take a back seat from the off,with regard to servicing and ongoing maintenance. I suspect a servicing contract with the manufacturer, like Pilatus, will have to be in place from the off.

Recruit FLR into AR & NSR

no brainer
another WP15 project not started

[GoneToTheCanner]

There are no appointments for Mechs or any technicians in the NSR Orbat. You don't see civvy mechanics crawling over the engine of an Army lorry when it breaks down, do you? There are daily checks that the operator can do, there are other things best left to those trained to do them, particularly with watercraft.
Its not a wheelbarrow you can whack with a hammer. I used to do my own motorbike servicing but I wouldnt touch a marine engine, petrol or diesel. Different system completely. Same with electrics. Leave it to the people trained to do so.Even using the wrong type of paint on a GRP boat can cause serious problems.

Read what I said again..."appropriately qualified". The NS is complaining continuously about a lack of skilled personnel/retention/ unable to sail vessels for lack of skilled techs, etc, etc. So, if they take on new small vessels, where will the techs come from to keep them serviced? In case you missed it, the Army do have civvy vehicle mechs and they can be seen in operation in Base Workshops countrywide. If the priority is generating sea time for first line ships, then NSR launches will take a back seat from the off,with regard to servicing and ongoing maintenance. I suspect a servicing contract with the manufacturer, like Pilatus, will have to be in place from the off.

[spider]

Maybe the NSR ORBAT needs looked at...there are bound to be Marine Engineers living / working in the catchment areas for recruiting to these units.

They could do the work on these vessels...with a bit of effort a targeted recruiting campaign might find some interested people.

Or contract it out to a civilian company...then full-time NS Engineers won't need to be diverted from their primary role...engineering support to make OPVs available for patrols.

[A/TEL]

There were NS engineering personnel assigned to look after the launches maintainance and repairs. Any reported issues were rectified quickly and the availability of the lauches were quite good taking into account the age of them.

I would imagine that will be resumed once the launches are in service.

With them being newly built, hopefully the serviceability will be good.

The worry is that the use of the launches will be slim to none if the numbers are too low in the NSR.

I am hopeful that will not be the case and the introduction of the boats into service will swell the numbers of each unit.

[Auldsod]

There are no appointments for Mechs or any technicians in the NSR Orbat. You don't see civvy mechanics crawling over the engine of an Army lorry when it breaks down, do you? There are daily checks that the operator can do, there are other things best left to those trained to do them, particularly with watercraft.
Its not a wheelbarrow you can whack with a hammer. I used to do my own motorbike servicing but I wouldnt touch a marine engine, petrol or diesel. Different system completely. Same with electrics. Leave it to the people trained to do so.Even using the wrong type of paint on a GRP boat can cause serious problems.

At my unit's level, we have personnel who may have a mechanical background but none would go near a marine engine. They aren't qualified and even if they were, I'm sure there are procedures and standards on the base that need to be adhered to in any case. If there is ever an issue with a boat, it will get sorted by appropriate trained personnel.

[na grohmiti]

So,if the slightest thing needs to be fixed on these boats, the users wont be able to repair them and must wait for the already hard pressed Naval tech to find the time to come and fix them?! Even if an NSR person is appropriately qualified? remind me what century this is, again?

There are no appointments for Mechs or any technicians in the NSR Orbat. You don't see civvy mechanics crawling over the engine of an Army lorry when it breaks down, do you? There are daily checks that the operator can do, there are other things best left to those trained to do them, particularly with watercraft.
Its not a wheelbarrow you can whack with a hammer. I used to do my own motorbike servicing but I wouldnt touch a marine engine, petrol or diesel. Different system completely. Same with electrics. Leave it to the people trained to do so.Even using the wrong type of paint on a GRP boat can cause serious problems.

[DeV]

So,if the slightest thing needs to be fixed on these boats, the users wont be able to repair them and must wait for the already hard pressed Naval tech to find the time to come and fix them?! Even if an NSR person is appropriately qualified? remind me what century this is, again?

Individuals might be lucky in some units and get skills recognised

[GoneToTheCanner]

The Navy will maintain the boats. The NSR are Seamen only so no engineering/technical personell.

Even if they have external skills, unless recognised internally by the DF the, will not be able to carry out repairs/technical maintainance on the launches.

All they will be doing is day trips and the odd weekend.

Thereasoning for providing mounts etc is for a security function for the likes of visiting warship security etc.

In that case you would imagine a mixed NS/NSR crew to provide extended coverage over days as stated by by Auldsod.

The NSR have a small Cadre so that could be possible.

So,if the slightest thing needs to be fixed on these boats, the users wont be able to repair them and must wait for the already hard pressed Naval tech to find the time to come and fix them?! Even if an NSR person is appropriately qualified? remind me what century this is, again?

[Auldsod]

The Navy will maintain the boats. The NSR are Seamen only so no engineering/technical personell.

.

Again, I agree with everything here but when I said 'maintain', I meant maintaining the resourcing the boats require to be manned and not the actual technical maintenance.

I hadn't though of additional security functions like for visiting warships. Food for thought.