HMCS Malahat’s newest recruits get competitive during summer training

Sailor Third Class Daniel Heath, a new HMCS Malahat recruit, practices throwing a line as part of summer training at the naval reserve unit. Photo by S2 Emma Stewart

Sailor Third Class Daniel Heath, a new HMCS Malahat recruit, practices throwing a line as part of summer training at the naval reserve unit. Photo by S2 Emma Stewart

SLt Donald Den
HMCS Malahat
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Throughout July, HMCS Malahat’s new recruits have been undergoing summer training at Victoria’s Naval Reserve Division, following all COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

This latest batch of Naval Reserve recruits are currently under contract at Malahat through the Guaranteed Employment Offer (GEO) as outlined in Canada’s Defence Policy Strong, Secure, Engaged, which offers summer employment for Reservists.

The main focus for the summer has been learning the basics of the sea, and giving recruits their first navy on-the-water experiences. This is something they will be immersed in throughout their navy career.

“Allowing new sailors the opportunity to experience life in the navy is essential, not only for their training but for unit cohesion and morale as well,” says Sub-Lieutenant Eric Jakubowski, GEO Coordinator. “Having recruits go through activities based on the fundamentals of sailorship gives them something to look forward to in their future career as Naval Reservists.”

Some navy duties recruits have been undertaking include knot-tying, person-overboard training, kisbee (life/buoy) ring tossing, nautical flag recognition, and, being able to drive a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) outside of Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

“The idea in taking recruits out and letting them drive the boats is to get them familiar with how the throttle feels, how the boat goes, and what it is like to operate in a sea-based environment,” explains Sailor Second Class Emma Stewart, Acting Chief Boatswain Mate.

Training culminated in Malahat’s first-ever Boatswain’s Olympics. Recruits competed in events based on their training, including flag recognition, seamanship trivia, and a kisbee ring toss, with both the recruits and current Malahat members of taking part.

“The recruits were learning pretty quickly, and we can be pretty competitive, so it was a great opportunity and a fun contest,” says S2 Stewart.

For those new members of Malahat, the summer training period has been filled with both new experiences and challenges.

“The opportunity to learn about the day-to-day duties of a Naval Reservist has been great, and being able to go out on the boats and learn some maneuvers has helped make the summer more enjoyable,” says Sailor Third Class Claire Jackson, a new Malahat member.

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