HMAS Cerberus Open Day

Welcome

Aboard

Welcome aboard HMAS Cerberus, the Navy’s premier training establishment. About 6,000 personnel are trained annually, averaging 800 trainees onboard at any one time.

The establishment covers 1517 hectares and is 70km from Melbourne near Crib Point on Hanns Inlet, Western Port Bay. Purchased in 1911 and called Flinders Naval Depot, it was commissioned as HMAS Cerberus 10 years later. It comprises numerous training and recreation facilities, two chapels, small marina and attractive grounds.

The primary role of HMAS Cerberus has always been Navy personnel training. With the establishment of four tri-service schools over the last 13 years, this role has been extended to training Army, Navy and Air Force personnel.

Despite change, the charm of HMAS Cerberus remains. Its historic presence, heritage buildings, chapels, sports facilities and gardens create a pleasant training environment. Navy-specific training includes School of Survivability and Ship Safety, which specialises in firefighting, damage control and nuclear biological chemical defence, seamanship and weapons training. HMAS Cerberus is also the home of the Recruit School and, for all sailors, their first contact with life in the Navy.

CAPTAIN AINSLEY MORTHORPE CSM, RAN Commanding Officer HMAS CERBERUS

A Brief History

The site for HMAS Cerberus was recommended by Admiral Sir Reginald Henderson KCB RN after an extensive search of the Australian coastline for suitable locations for major Naval bases. He proposed that a base be established on Hann’s Inlet between Sandy Point and Stony Point on Westernport Bay.

The base was to include a Torpedo School, a Destroyer Base and a Submarine Base, and be capable of accommodating up to 2,000 personnel. The site, covering over 1,500 hectares (nearly 3,600 acres), was purchased in 1911. The first sod was turned in 1913. The old wharf and hospital were erected first, followed by A, B and C Blocks. The Wardroom, Warrant Officers’ Mess, Captain’s and other Officers’ residences were built between 1915 and 1917.

The Drill Hall, Gunnery School and Torpedo School (now part of the Technical Training Centre) were established in 1917 at the height of building activity. The power house and other residences were built between 1918 and 1920.

The base was officially opened in September, 1920, under the command of Commander FC Darley RN. The idea of using it as a Fleet Base was soon abandoned and it became known as Flinders Naval Depot in 1921. The Depot was commissioned HMAS Cerberus on 1 April that year.

Royal Colours were first presented to HMAS Cerberus, on behalf of His Majesty King George V, by the then GovernorGeneral the Right Hon John Lawrence Baird, 1st Baron Stonehaven, GCMG, DSO, PC, JP, DL, in 1927. They were the first Royal Colours to be presented to an Australian Naval Unit. The Queen’s Royal Colours were presented in 1954 by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

Royal Colours incorporating the Southern Cross were later presented by Governor-General Lord Casey in 1968. The present Royal Colours were presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1986.

In 1930, during a period of naval retrenchment, the Royal Australian Naval College moved from Jervis Bay to HMAS Cerberus, where it remained until 1958 when it returned to Jervis Bay.

Historical gangway

Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel

The outbreak of World War II found the facilities inadequate to deal with the needs of wartime recruits who were passing through Cerberus at the rate of 400 a month. Temporary buildings were erected to cope with the needs of this sudden influx.

The first Women’s Royal Australian Navy (WRANs) arrived in 1942 and, apart from a short post-war

break, have been part of the RAN ever since. 1942 also saw the introduction of an Officers’ Training School to train selected recruits as officers for war service.

The school trained 1,000 sailors during the war and closed in 1945.

There have been many changes to since the war. Progressively, many of the temporary buildings have been dismantled and replaced.

The Roman Catholic Chapel, Our Lady Star of the Sea, was opened in 1948, followed by St Mark’s Chapel in 1954. Other additions include the present accommodation blocks, cinema, Senior Sailors’ Mess, Club Cerberus, gymnasium and aquatic centre, Seamanship School and Wharf, Communications School, Recruit School and Health Centre.

The phasing out of apprentice training, the closure of HMAS Nirimba and the introduction of tri-service training has resulted in many changes at HMAS Cerberus.

Street names of HMAS Cerberus

HMAS Cerberus has a rich history with extensive links to notable personnel and ships from the past. Many of the streets and roads within the base have been named in recognition of individuals who have strong links to the base or ships with geographical connections to Victoria.

Flinders Naval Depot, Circa 1924

St Mark’s Chapel

Welcome to HMAS Cerberus, we trust that your visit is enjoyable. Important safety information is provided below to assist you during your visit to the Royal Australian Navy’s premier training establishment.

Be aware that Navy Photographers will be taking photographs throughout the day for Navy public relations purposes. Should you have concerns about you or your children being photographed please advise the photographer accordingly.

HMAS Cerberus was opened in 1920 and contains a number of heritage buildings and areas. The age and condition of HMAS Cerberus’s buildings (including steps and entrances) roads and pathways vary. Visitors are to be particularly careful walking within the public grounds and buildings. Issues with access and mobility will require consideration during your visit. Defence recognises that it has an obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act of 2011, to provide a healthy and safe working environment for its employees (military, civilian, contractors and cadets). This obligation also extends to visitors to Defence establishments. Similarly, all individuals within the establishment have a responsibility to act safely at all times.

VISITOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safety requires your cooperation. For this reason all visitors shall:

• Abide by all safety directions given by a Defence employee.

• Ensure the adequate supervision of accompanying children.

• Immediately report any hazard or hazardous condition to a Defence employee.

• Report all incidents/injuries to a Defence employee.

• Not bring alcohol/illegal drugs into a Defence facility.

• Not wilfully or recklessly interfere with any Defence property.

• Not enter any restricted area without authorisation.

SMOKING

Safety Message

Smoking is not permitted in any Defence facilities within HMAS Cerberus. Please consider the harmful effects of smoking on others. Designated smoking areas are located throughout the establishment.

INCIDENT OR INJURY

If you are injured or an incident has occurred during your visit you are required to report this as soon as possible to any Defence employee.

FIRST AID

These services will be provided by St. John Ambulance who will have a First Aid Station in Main Arena 1 (adjacent Bus Stop 3 - see map on page 14) and a roving team based out of the Wharf area. Your assistance with the completion of an Incident Report form may also be required. This form will enable Defence to take corrective action where appropriate.

Building Evacuation - In the event that a building evacuation is required, visitors should follow the directions of emergency signage or Defence staff and proceed immediately to the nearest fire exit and vacate the facility.

HMAS Cerberus Map

EVENT KEY

BUS ROUTE & DIRECTION

DISPLAYS

ADF FEDERATION GUARD PRECISION DRILL TEAM

HELICOPTER WET WINCHING DISPLAY

VINTAGE WAR PLANES FLYOVERS

DRONE DISPLAYS

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE DISPLAYS

COMMUNITY HUB

ATTRACTIONS

VIRTUAL REALITY HELO DISPLAYS

RAN BAND RECITALS

VINTAGE MILITARY VEHICLES

CHILDREN ACTIVITIES

AMENITIES

HANDICAP RESTROOMS

BABY CHANGEROOMS

INFORMATION POST

HANDICAP PARKING

RESTROOMS

LOST CHILDREN ATM

MAIN ARENA 1 MAIN ARENA 2 FIRST AID POST

STRICTLY OUT OF BOUNDS - DO NOT ENTER

STRICTLY OUT OF BOUNDS

FLINDERS ROAD

HENDERSON ROAD

LAIDLAW CIRCUIT

MEEK CIRCUIT PANTER ROAD

BILLY McBRIDE STREET

DARBY ALLEN STREET

BOWDEN STREET HORSHAM STREET McCLEMANS STREET

Open Day 2023

Open Day Commences

Beat to Quarters & Ceremonial Sunset

Conclusion of the 2023 HMAS Cerberus Open Day

DISPLAYS

ADF Federation Guard Precision Drill Team

Helicopter Wet Winching Display

Australian Defence Force School of Catering

Australian Regular Army Vehicle Display

Australian Defence Force Drone Racing Team Display

Australian Maritime College Drone Display

Australian Defence Industry

SPECIAL EVENTS

Survival at Sea Training Centre

Seamanship School Displays

School of Survivability and Ships Safety Displays

Navy Recruit School Displays

Rock Wall Climbing Gym

RAAF Roulettes

Vintage War Planes Flyovers - Mustang Aerobatic Display

Submariner Specialist Recruiting Team

Defence Force Recruiting Display

ATTRACTIONS

Royal Australian Navy Band Recitals

Virtual Reality Helo Simulators

Community and Veteran Groups

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• Flooding Unit and portable pump

Gym/PDF PT simulation displays Survival at Sea Training Centre

3 Recruit School & Defence Force Recruiting

Dynamic and static displays

PT activities incl. rock wall climbing Virtual Reality Helo Simulators

4 Chapel Precinct and Garden

• LAKE — STRICTLY OUT OF BOUNDS

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• ADF Drone Racing Team Display

• Historical displays and tours of Cerberus Museum

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7 Seamanship School & Wharf — Open All Day Helicopter Wet Winching Display

Small weapons, sewing and knot tying displays

• Survival at sea and rigid hull inflatable boat displays

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Open Day 2023

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Westernport Model Aircraft Club Display | All Day

View many and various types of model aircraft both new and old. Model aircraft enthusiasts will love the range of information and first hand knowledge available in relation to this popular activity.

Marine Engineering Demonstration | All Day

The Engineering Challenge showcases the Navy’s technical talent, promoting teamwork, trade skills and job planning. It involves teams of five stripping and rebuilding Diesel Engines, in parallel with the servicing of an air conditioning system and the construction of an external power supply.

RAAF/Army Comms. Display | All Day

Members of the RAAF and Australian Army will be conducting Mobile Cyber and Satellite Towers plus Communications displays. Information Technology service and support, visual communications and operational security are all important components of the entire Defence Communications community.

Marine Rescue Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR)

Mornington & Hastings, Southern Peninsula Rescue, and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association provide world class marine safety services. These include marine search and rescue, offshore vessel tracking, search for missing persons and boats and also contribute to salvage operations.

Vintage Warplanes Fly-Over | 11:30

Classic Vintage Warbirds Flying over HMAS Cerberus and Hanns Inlet. These planes are part of the Peninsular Aero Club and have been involved with previous Open Days and have a strong connection with HMAS Cerberus. Ensure you don’t miss the flyovers, you will certainly hear them.

Vintage Military Vehicles Static Display | All Day

The Vintage Military Vehicle Group (VMVC) is a group of enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation and restoration of all ex-military vehicles. The VMVC provides displays and assistance to Veterans, Defence events and commemorative parades. New members are also encouraged.

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Special Demonstrations

ADF Federation Guard Precision

Drill Team | 10:30, 12:45 & 14:30

Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) is a tri-service ceremonial unit. The precision drill team (PDT) is a smaller group who travel all over Australia. The drills performed are a combination of over 300 specific movements without any words or commands.

Australian Army Contingent Mock

Battle | 12:00

The Australian Army contingent will demonstrate the tactics used to conduct a simulated ground based infantry attack involving two opposing forces. Very exciting and a demonstration not to be missed!

Seamanship Rivers | 11:00, 13:00 & 15:00

Traditional evolution used to sharpen seamanship skills while maintaining fitness during times away from operational activities. The activity on display is a race between teams with the winner of the fastest time taking home the trophy. Very exciting to watch.

Navy Wet Winching | 14:45

Watch Navy Helicopter pilots demonstrate some of their duties and evolutions including wetwinching rescues and fast roping. You’ll also have the chance to talk with pilots and crew members about careers in Naval aviation. A must-see demonstration.

Model Warship/Submarine Display

| All Day

View various model warships and submarines, both static and active displays, also using the Cerberus Indoor swimming pool to capture these models in action. To see the models is one thing however to see them actually underway is a different experience. Operating submarine models, as well a few vessels that can fire small VLS missiles from their onboard VLS.

Survival at Sea Training Simulation

| 10:30

The survival at sea simulator provides facilities for training recruits and Defence members in the techniques and procedures for controlling emergency situations which may be encountered while serving at sea. The simulator provides realistic ‘life at sea’ conditions including gasfired diesel fire-fighting simulator, and a dynamic leak stop and repair simulator.

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Training

Upon graduation from Recruit School, Recruits will be promoted to Seaman Star and undertake training at their respective category school.

The RAN School of Survivability and Ship Safety is an actual mock-up of a ship structure designed to teach students (under direction of highly qualified senior staff) to work in teams to attack and fight onboard fires.

Countersink is designed to teach students (under direction of highly qualified senior staff) how to combat floodwaters in compartments and ruptures in the hull caused by attacks from missiles or torpedoes.

Students also undergo training in combating Nuclear (radiation), Biological and Chemical Defence (NBCD) attacks.

The Seamanship School is the lead authority for all seamanship, corrosion control and survival training for Officers and Sailors alike. The School is also responsible for the delivery of Shipborne Lifesaving, Survival Equipment Maintenance, and RAN small boat Coxswains’ and Certificate II Surface Finishing courses. A fully enclosed Demonstration hall houses large scale models designed specifically to support key training activities i.e. replenishment at sea, berthing, etc.

School of Survivability and Ship Safety Training AuthorityMaritime Logistics

The Training Authority - Maritime Logistics and Health is a Tri-Service training organisation that comprises the Maritime Logistics School, Maritime Personnel School, the ADF School of Catering, the ADF Dental School, the ADF Physical Training School, the RAN Medical School, Training Support Group and Driver Training, Machinery and Plant Training.

The Training Authority - Maritime Logistics and Health provides a comprehensive array of initial, intermediate and advanced courses for all categories within Maritime Logistics and Health. The specialist training delivered is designed to provide the critical skills, knowledge and application required by ADF personnel for future employment in logistics and Health roles.

& Health

Courses are delivered to Royal Australian Navy Maritime Logistics and Health Officers and Sailors, and also to the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force Logistic and Health personnel. The Training Authority - Maritime Logistics and Health also administers Driver Training and Machinery and Plant Training to a wide cross section of the Defence Organisation.

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) all of our training is nationally accredited meeting Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) standards. Training is conducted utilising a variety of different methods and media including computerised simulation with a focus on practical applications and operational preparedness.

While under training, trainees will be divided up into small groups of about 12-20 people known as a Division. They will study together and take lessons together, and form great friendships that last throughout their naval careers.

Engineering Faculty

The Engineering Faculty is the largest training section within HMAS Cerberus. Both Electronics Technical (ET), and Marine Technical (MT) sailors undergo both their Initial Technical Training and Advanced Training within the faculty.

The faculty houses a vast array of full size working pieces of equipment, from a gas turbine to an ice machine.

School of Music

Training courses for Musicians are carried out at the Defence Force School of Music (DFSM) at Simpson Barracks, Watsonia (approx 15km north east of Melbourne and 80kms north of HMAS Cerberus).

The Basic Musicians’ course is a self-paced course of up to 15 months duration. Although the Basic course is primarily aimed at Army trainees, the RAN utilises the promotion courses including the Section Leader Course, Group Leader Course, Assistant Band Leader Course and the Band Officer Course.

Supply and Health Faculty

The Supply and Health Faculty provides a comprehensive array of courses ranging from initial employment training for Cooks, Stewards, Writers, Stores and Health Services personnel at Level II, through to Post Graduate Diploma in Resource Management for Supply Officers.

Divisional System

For all officers and sailors throughout the Navy, the structure of the Divisional System is in place. Members will continue to be managed and supervised by senior personnel, and will have a divisional officer who will be available for directions and instructions, provide guidance, advice, discipline and monitor well-being and morale.

The Wardroom at HMAS Cerberus offers a wellstocked bar, reading room and TV lounge for use by all officers not under training. Other facilities include BBQ, the aquatic centre, cinema, cable tv (Foxtel), gymnasium, tennis and snooker.

For junior sailors, HMAS Cerberus has an excellent junior sailor’s mess and recreation facility, allowing all junior sailors to unwind and relax and bring civilian guests onboard.

Facilities include Club Cerberus, the Anchorage Club BBQ, aquatic centre, cinema, cable tv (Foxtel), tennis, gymnasium, snooker, darts and of course a well stocked bar (alcohol is not served to personnel under 18 years of age).

Accommodation and meals

Trainees are accommodated in three storey accommodation blocks (see above). Each block has a common room with a large tv, dvd player and armchairs. Every level of the block has shared bathrooms and laundry. Cabins are comfortable and fairly spacious, and include a double bunk, desk with shelves and a wardrobe. You share toilets and showers with other members of ship’s company (including females).

Lifestyle &

For officers and ship’s company undertaking training or posted to Cerberus, proximity of Bell’s Beach - venue for World Surfing Championships - would entice any surfer to take their surfboard across the bay and try their luck on this world renowned break.

Mornington Peninsula is also home to an abundance of boutique wineries, boasting some of the countries best emerging wines.

Geographical & demographic information

HMAS Cerberus is located at Crib Point, approx 30kms from the City of Frankston, (population approaching 100,000), which offers a variety of hotels, restaurants, cafes, cinema, a large shopping complex and TAFE College. Frankston is located on Port Phillip Bay, a popular holiday destination especially around Christmas and New Year.

The beach and bushlands around the bay provide beautiful surrounds for walks and expeditions and activities such as horse riding, trail bike riding, and canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking are fun ways to spend the weekend.

Additional maps and directions to HMAS Cerberus are available from Google Maps.

Recreation

Sport

It is a mandatory requirement that all personnel are healthy, fit and active and ready to deploy, and sport is therefore encouraged and supported throughout the fleet and establishments. The Australian Defence Force is the only organisation that pays you to play sport eg, golf, adventure training, sailing, netball, Aussie Rules and rugby union (just to name a few). If particularly skillful, members may be selected to play for Navy in inter-service competitions against Army and Royal Australian Air Force, and play all around Australia and possibly overseas.

Sport is a popular activity for all trainees whether they’re really good at it or really bad at it - everyone has a go. A variety of team sports ensure everyone has the chance to show off or learn something new, and schools and departments play against each other regularly.

Cerberus has a modern well-equipped gymnasium, which includes weights, cardio machine such as rowing, cycling and walking machines.

Extra-curricular activities

From time to time officers, ship’s company (Seaman and above) and trainees will be required to undertake outside activities such as leadership expeditions, small arms training and adventure training. Personnel will also be required to undertake guard training for specific events, such as ‘Navy Week’ or Day.

Leave

If personnel are not rostered for duty, and have no service commitments, then they can proceed ‘ashore’ on local evening/overnight leave.

Note: If members are under 18 years of age, then they are required to return to quarters before 11:59pm.

If trainees wish to travel further than Frankston or Melbourne, they must request Short Leave, which is a very simple process. Some people like to go home on weekends when they have the chance and some people prefer to stay at HMAS Cerberus simply exploring or just hanging out.

THE TAIL BEHIND THE HOUND

Cerberus, a most ferocious and terrifying character in Greek mythology had three heads and a serpent for a tail. Often referred to as ‘the Hound of Hades’, is the son of Typhoon, father of hurricanes and of Echidna, half maiden and half serpent. Cerberus, owned and commanded by Hades, guarded the gates to the underworld and welcomed all that entered. Those who tried to escape he seized and returned.

Mythology says that the twelfth and final labour set for Heracles was to bring Cerberus up to the realm of the living. Heracles descended into the underworld and there Hades granted him permission to take the dog to the land of day, if he could do so unaided by weapons. This Heracles succeeded in doing and after carrying Cerberus to the earth’s surface, Heracles presented him to Eurystheus as commanded. Heracles then returned the dog to the underworLd.

Sailors should be reassured - seaman have special privileges with Cerberus; he takes care of them and guides them to safe shores.

Cradle of the Navy