Post by vgp on Dec 11, 2007 8:44:36 GMT 12
www.stuff.co.nz/4319161a10.html
Navy in strife as key staff quit
By MARTIN KAY - The Dominion Post | Tuesday, 11 December 2007
The Royal New Zealand Navy faces "the very real probability" that its ships will be stranded at port because of an exodus of specialists, an internal memo has revealed.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David Ledson has introduced a $45,000 bonus for sought-after marine technicians who agree to stay for three years after a retention crisis threatened the navy's ability to set sail.
The technicians run and maintain crucial engine and power systems.
A frigate requires 28 technicians and inshore patrol craft, such as the four bought under the $500 million Project Protector scheme, need three.
In a briefing sent to all naval staff, Ledson said there was pressure on all naval trades, but the shortage of marine technicians was critical.
"The attrition rates and personnel shortages within the marine technician (MT) trade have now reached the point where if I do not intervene, then there is a very real probability that ships will not be able to go to sea," he said.
"The MT trade very directly affects our ability to have ships at sea over the next few years.
"If our ships have to stay alongside the naval base, then this will have a negative effect on just about everyone in the navy - and on our reputation."
The note says Defence Force chief Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae has approved a retention scheme that will see marine technicians given a lump sum in return for committing to three years service.
The Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Bruce Pepperell, said the $45,000 payment would be delivered after the three years.
The scheme was targeted at the leading hand and petty officer ranks, where the attrition rate was "particularly serious".
A leading hand marine technician has an annual salary of $48,600, as well as pension and other financial and non-financial benefits.
Pepperell said the marine technician shortage was due to the tight labour market, which had hit other parts of the armed forces.
The retention scheme was a short-term measure while other initiatives, such as a recruitment drive, took effect.
The navy has 323 marine technicians, including those in training.
In his note, Ledson said the fleet's programme next year, including deployments and the introduction of new Project Protector ships, depended on how many technicians were in the retention scheme.
Project Protector will see six new ships -- two offshore patrol craft and four inshore -- delivered to the navy next year. Some have already been launched but are undergoing trials by the provider, Australian firm Tenix.
The multi-role vessel Canterbury, also part of the seven-vessel project, was commissioned in June.
Navy in strife as key staff quit
By MARTIN KAY - The Dominion Post | Tuesday, 11 December 2007
The Royal New Zealand Navy faces "the very real probability" that its ships will be stranded at port because of an exodus of specialists, an internal memo has revealed.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral David Ledson has introduced a $45,000 bonus for sought-after marine technicians who agree to stay for three years after a retention crisis threatened the navy's ability to set sail.
The technicians run and maintain crucial engine and power systems.
A frigate requires 28 technicians and inshore patrol craft, such as the four bought under the $500 million Project Protector scheme, need three.
In a briefing sent to all naval staff, Ledson said there was pressure on all naval trades, but the shortage of marine technicians was critical.
"The attrition rates and personnel shortages within the marine technician (MT) trade have now reached the point where if I do not intervene, then there is a very real probability that ships will not be able to go to sea," he said.
"The MT trade very directly affects our ability to have ships at sea over the next few years.
"If our ships have to stay alongside the naval base, then this will have a negative effect on just about everyone in the navy - and on our reputation."
The note says Defence Force chief Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae has approved a retention scheme that will see marine technicians given a lump sum in return for committing to three years service.
The Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Bruce Pepperell, said the $45,000 payment would be delivered after the three years.
The scheme was targeted at the leading hand and petty officer ranks, where the attrition rate was "particularly serious".
A leading hand marine technician has an annual salary of $48,600, as well as pension and other financial and non-financial benefits.
Pepperell said the marine technician shortage was due to the tight labour market, which had hit other parts of the armed forces.
The retention scheme was a short-term measure while other initiatives, such as a recruitment drive, took effect.
The navy has 323 marine technicians, including those in training.
In his note, Ledson said the fleet's programme next year, including deployments and the introduction of new Project Protector ships, depended on how many technicians were in the retention scheme.
Project Protector will see six new ships -- two offshore patrol craft and four inshore -- delivered to the navy next year. Some have already been launched but are undergoing trials by the provider, Australian firm Tenix.
The multi-role vessel Canterbury, also part of the seven-vessel project, was commissioned in June.