MINISTERS RECONSIDER
MOTHBALLING CARRIER THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT is planning to reverse a controversial decision to mothball the first of the Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth. A defence review decided she would be mothballed in Portsmouth to save cash when she arrives in 2016. But the Minister of Defence, Gerald Howarth, has hinted at a U-turn in the next defence review in 2015. "All of us would like two aircraft carriers to give us continuous at-sea capability." Queen Elizabeth will remain a helicopter landing vessel when she is launched. The government will then have to stump up an extra £1 billion tearing her apart so F-35C jets can use her flight deck. The former First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, called the current situation "untidy at best". However, the plan had a silver lining. "This will allow Queen Elizabeth to be commissioned, do all the trials and make sure the design is fine," Sir Jonathon said. "Then, when HMS Prince of Wales (the second carrier) is built, we can go straight in with flying trials.'
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LEFT TO RIGHT: Colin Small (CNZ), Catherine Taylor (MNZ), Peter Marshall (Police) SAR groups remain united
over water safety MARINE SEARCH AND rescue agencies will continue to work together to provide efficient services for New Zealanders with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on September 8. The memorandum commits Coastguard New Zealand, New Zealand Police and Maritime New Zealand to building a cohesive training programme jointly and within their own organisations. It aims to improve the skills of all relevant personnel to maximise their effectiveness in responding to incidents.
The president of Coastguard New Zealand, Colin Small, said it was great to see the country's critical marine SAR agencies working towards a common goal of keeping Kiwis safe on the water.
"Our relationship is based on the spirit of goodwill and co-operation. Coastguard is completely committed to upholding our part of the agreement, providing support and guidance where we can in order to make our ocean a fun and safe place to be." Each organisation will also aim to raise awareness of marine SAR services to enhance community understanding and subsequently help keep New Zealanders out of harm's way on the water.
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November/December 2011 Professional Skipper 49
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