The Forgotten People

The systems and equipment were procured ‘in house’ in large numbers and the training was given by those with recent live experience. Then defence was an understood national priority for the ‘Cold War’ and funding less constrained. The RUM overview was constant throughout the life and operation of a warship.

Today Warships systems and equipment have benefited from the advances in technology, systems integration and the opportunity to use innovative kit developed for the commercial fleet. Reduced defence funding has led to a shrinking fleet numbers, streamlining of both acquisition and training and a loss of the experienced, intelligent RUM overview throughout the acquisition cycle. Reduction in the RUM oversight in a build project leads to duplication, an absence of ‘design for support’ concepts, increased through life training expenses and extra obstacles for RUMs to overcome during the ship’s life.

Mabway Marine teams use comprehensive ILS approaches to facilitate efficient, innovative and interactive use of ship’s systems. This method simplifies training courses and ensures extra operational performance through designs, systems and equipment that are fit for purpose, robust, intuitive, simple, easy to use and repairable after battle damage.

Examples of the approach are:
Engineers’ eye on system / equipment selection – is cruise ship equipment, functional, suitable and cost effective?
Location and layout effect on repair and maintenance
Optimising tooling and sparing inventories
Setting appropriate maintenance level for ship’s staff.
Balancing ships complements – senior and junior
Evaluating investment in manufacturers training or adjusting content.
Early review of OEM documentation – fit for purpose.
Incorporating training for new systems within career / PJT training.
Review and feedback

Training for sailors (RUMs) in Warships is different.
Civil RUMs have space, time and deeper training on the specific systems that they are responsible for. They summon assistance when they encounter a more difficult problem and may be ‘contracted for availability’.
In contrast the Naval RUM has to be knowledgeable about a number of systems and equipment fitted across the Fleet since under the appointing patterns she may go from mine hunter to aircraft carrier. Summoning help in fighting situations is more difficult. Naval training is based on principles in career training with specific courses being completed as Pre-Joining Training (PJT).
This method is vital when battle damage is encountered.

Mabway training experience and knowledge produces ‘Fighting Ships’ and can also find programme savings from ship build to disposal.
Happy RUMs raise capability, morale and efficiency in the warships.