Bay-class landing ship dock HMAS Choules sailed in formation with vessels from the Indian Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Thai Navy and the Philippine Navy, while conducting replenishment-at-sea approaches (RASAPs) as part of Exercise Kakadu.
The RASAP requires ships to match course and speed so that, if required, fuel lines or cargo can be safely passed between vessels during a replenishment at sea.
During the manoeuvre it is vital that bridge teams ensure both ships maintain precise positioning while operating in close formation.
Crew members aboard Choules and Royal Thai Navy frigate HTMS Naresuan exchanged courtesies as the ships manoeuvred alongside during the approach off the Australian coast.
Commander Australian Maritime Task Group Captain Darin MacDonald said that during a RASAP, one vessel acts as the guide.
"Other ships will approach from close astern and settle alongside at about 120 to 150 feet from the guide," Captain MacDonald said.
"The approaching ship is responsible for matching the course and speed of the guide to ensure fuel or jackstay lines can be passed across safely.
"The ability to replenish at sea means ships can remain on station for longer without needing to return to port for fuel, supplies, ammunition or spare parts."
While the activity was conducted in calm oceans, Navy meteorologist Lieutenant Chayce Pullen said replenishment operations could also be carried out in more challenging sea states.
"During peacetime, we often practise in calmer conditions, but RAS operations can be conducted in rougher sea states if required," Lieutenant Pullen said.
"In those situations, the larger ship will take the brunt of the waves and shield the smaller ship to be able to transfer fuel on the leeward side."
The multinational task group is now sailing south towards Sydney for the Kakadu Fleet Review.
During the transit, ships will conduct more officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres, communication exercises and photographic exercises, to strengthen interoperability and shared seamanship across the multinational force.
