A SHIP operated by the Royal Australian Navy will be crewed by civilians

Published on March 20 2012 by AnshanJohn

Civilians to fill navy's skills void

BY:CAMERON STEWART
From:The Australian
March 20, 2012 12:00AM

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A SHIP operated by the Royal Australian Navy will be crewed by civilians, as the service explores ways to keep its fleet at sea in the face of rampant poaching of sailors by cashed-up mining firms.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith yesterday announced that the navy's newest ship, a $130 million, 6500 tonne amphibious support vessel called the Skandi Bergen -- would operate "under a civilian crewing arrangement".