A new health support initiative from the Fleet Health Directorate has enhanced medical care for more than 300 young Australians on board Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour.
As part of the initiative, the ship’s permanent Navy crew was augmented with a rotation of medical officers and an expanded suite of medical supplies, enabling a higher standard of health care for the staff and young Australians who took part in the ship’s final Australian circumnavigation.
During seven months and 14 voyages covering more than 8000 nautical miles, Young Endeavour was supported by at least five healthcare professionals, primarily from Navy, alongside a Navy reservist general practitioner and an Air Force medical officer.
Historically, Young Endeavour sails with first-aid care provided by one of the ship’s two chefs, who are trained above and beyond their catering and watch leader duties, and relies on shore-based health support for emergencies.
However, in preparing for the Australia circumnavigation, it was clear that there would be prolonged periods in remote areas where the 24 youth crew, and up to 14 Navy crew, would have no immediate access to shore-based services.
Medical officer Commander Aaron Fielding said the initiative reflected Fleet Health’s mission to deliver safe, timely and effective health care at sea.
“Fleet Health coordinates health support across the fleet, from deploying healthcare providers and providing on-call clinical advice, through to health planning, governance and medical logistics,” Commander Fielding said.
“Ultimately, this new initiative ensured that this significant voyage had safe, effective health care around Australia’s remote coastline.
“It also provided many of our medical professionals the chance to increase their sea time in a unique environment. For some of the members, this was their first time at sea.”
‘There is a challenge and risk that comes from life at sea, and for many of these young people, it’s the most challenging environment they have experienced in their lives so far.’
Commanding Officer Young Endeavour Lieutenant Commander Andrew Leupen said the collaboration delivered clear benefits throughout the deployment.
“Youth safety is paramount during each voyage in Young Endeavour,” Lieutenant Commander Leupen said.
“The rotation of healthcare providers and the bespoke medical inventory – tailored for extended remote sailing – enabled us to sail confidently into some of the most remote waters of Australia.
“A voyage in Young Endeavour is no pleasure cruise. There is a challenge and risk that comes from life at sea, and for many of these young people, it’s the most challenging environment they have experienced in their lives so far.”
For Air Force reservist medical officer Squadron Leader Martin Copland, it was his first time at sea on a Navy ship.
“I was made to feel very welcome by the crew and I was well supported by the ship’s medical emergency team,” Squadron Leader Copland said.
“I found the voyages very enjoyable and professionally satisfying.”
Navy medical officer Lieutenant Melwin Nelapati said it was a privilege to join the ship.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time on board Young Endeavour and I’m a huge believer in the Youth Development Program,” Lieutenant Nelapati said.
“As one youth crew member wrote, the staff are ‘in the business of changing young people’s lives’.”
