Login
iscover
Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester has welcomed news that 57 officers have completed their first at-sea training as Junior Maritime Warfare Officers thanks to the Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
These voyages are being conducted in line with COVID Safe practices. In addition to developing personal attributes such a leadership, communication and teamwork, the intensive three-day voyages provided each junior officer with a practical introduction to navigation and seamanship skills.
Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester congratulated the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme (YEYS) and Royal Australian Navy team who developed a modified youth development program.
“These newly appointed officers were unable to complete their scheduled sea training earlier in the year, and have benefited significantly from the world-class Young Endeavour program,” Minister Chester explained.
The decision to resume youth development voyages will be dependent on advice from the Australian Defence Force Surgeon General and the Department of Health.
Minister Chester added, “This initiative has given them a taste of life at sea and a valuable introduction to their future roles and responsibilities as well as ensuring the ship and crew are ready to resume youth development voyages when it is safe to do so.
“I appreciate that the many young Australians who were scheduled to sail and who continue to apply are disappointed by the ongoing suspension, however, it is one of many steps being taken around the country to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus.”
Minister Chester said that, unfortunately, due to ongoing travel and social restrictions across Australia, YEYS had extended the suspension of youth development voyages until the end of the year.
The government has committed to continuing the Young Endeavour program with the introduction of a new vessel in 2023. Expressions of interest for future voyages in Young Endeavour are now being accepted.
