Naval Reservists take to the sea

Naval reservists on the bridge of PCT Orca during their first training sail of the year. Photo by A/SLt Alistair Hirst, HMCS Malahat

SLt Donald Den
HMCS Malahat
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With black cloth masks wrapped tightly around their nose and mouth, 20 naval reservists from HMCS Malahat climbed aboard the Patrol Craft Training vessel Orca on Oct. 10.

The COVID-19 environment did not deter them from accomplishing their first Orca-class day sail of the training year.

Masks remained on throughout the day as they cycled through training exercises. 

“At-sea training opportunities are critical to ensuring members of Malahat maintain their sea-going capability,” said Lieutenant (N) Michael Liu, Malahat’s Training Officer. “Nothing can replace training on a ship at sea.”

The goal of the day was to refresh basic ship and Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) operations, with the aim of increasing levels of complexity for future Orca sails.

The day started with a person overboard drill, which had a dummy tossed into the water followed by the launching of the ship’s Zodiac and crew for the rescue.

The reservists took a break with a boxed lunch taken in shifts to maintain appropriate physical distancing.

Routine training quickly turned into a live event when Malahat’s RHIB became dead in the water near the Orca. The Zodiac with a small crew was sent to the RHIB to with repairs. Once in working order, the RHIB headed back to Patrol Craft Training Unit for further inspection.

“The unplanned mechanical issue with the RHIB during the sail provided an excellent opportunity for members to utilize their training during a real event,” said Commander Cameron Miller, Malahat’s Commanding Officer. “Orca sails like this one provide members of HMCS Malahat with much-needed training and experience, and that is just as important now in the current COVID-19 environment.”

With the winds increasing the sea state, Orca and crew returned to the jetty.   

“We were thunking up and down hard,” said A/SLt Alistair Hirst. “My boots were wet, my trousers were soaked, and I had a few bruises, but it was really fun.”

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