At the best of times, Sydney Harbour is one of the world's busiest waterways, so when the Royal Australian Navy puts on a show, it brings in its own specialised team.
Maritime Trade Operations (MTO) supports maritime operations by developing an understanding of commercial shipping activity and assisting military commanders to maintain awareness of the maritime environment.
On March 21, it was a critical component for the Kakadu Fleet Review, when 31 ships from 19 international navies - the largest gathering of foreign warships in Sydney Harbour for more than a decade - entered The Heads.
Commander Colin McMaster, officer-in-charge of the MTO for Exercise Kakadu, said extensive digital engagement with commercial vessels was a key feature.
"This enabled vessels to receive information prior to arrival, improving awareness of exercise activity and allowing questions to be addressed early," Commander McMaster said.
Sydney Harbour spans 240km of shoreline, with thousands of recreational, passenger and working vessels sharing the waters, including more than 1200 large commercial craft each year and 240 cruise ships that pass through the harbour's two cruise terminals.
'It was a great experience having our partner nations working alongside us, which gave us the chance to continue learning from one another.'
For the Kakadu Fleet Review, meticulous planning, coordination and communication were mission-critical.
MTOs served as the point of contact for commercial shipping, liaising with ship masters and conducting more than 100 briefings to vessels arriving in Sydney or transiting the coast.
An MTO engagement team was also embedded with Port Botany Vessel Traffic Services as well as with exercise control at Fleet Base East during Kakadu.
"Feedback from masters was consistently positive, with vessels reporting that information provided was clear and useful in understanding activity in the area," Commander McMaster said.
"This enabled early engagement, reduced uncertainty and supported coordination between naval operations and commercial traffic."
The Australian MTO team was also well-supported by international counterparts, including Lieutenant Commander Khai Dao and Lieutenant Junior Grade Taren Robledo-Thompson from the United States Navy, and Lieutenant Commander Alerry Swan from the Royal Canadian Navy.
"It was a great experience having our partner nations working alongside us, which gave us the chance to continue learning from one another and building our capability together," Commander McMaster said.
