Royal Australian Naval Brigade (Mine-sweeping Section) Regulations (Cth)

STATUTORY RULES.

1917. No. 161.

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REGULATIONS UNDER THE NAVAL DEFENCE ACT 1910–1912.

Regulations for the Royal Australian Naval Brigade (Mine-sweeping Section).

I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations to come into operation on and from the 1st March, 1917.

Dated this eighteenth day of July, One thousand nine hundred and seventeen.

R. M. FERGUSON,

Governor-General.

By His Excellency’s Command,

JOSEPH COOK,

Minister of State for the Navy.

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REGULATIONS FOR ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVAL BRIGADE (MINE-SWEEPING SECTION).

Constitution.

1. The Mine-Sweeping Section of the Royal Australian Naval Brigade shall comprise such Masters, Mates, Engineers, Deck, and Engine-room Hands as may from time to time be duly engaged, sworn in, appointed to and employed therein under the Naval Defence Act 1910–12.

2. All applicants for engagement in the Mine-Sweeping Section of the Royal Australian Naval Brigade must produce a satisfactory discharge, or evidence showing that they have seen service in fishing-trawlers or steam-tugs.

3. No applicant will be eligible for appointment unless he is of pure European descent, and is the son of either natural-born or naturalized British subjects, is free from physical defects, and is in all respects suitable.

4. All candidates must pass a medical examination by a Naval Medical Officer as to fitness for duty in Mine-Sweeping.

SECTION I.—MASTERS.

I.—Appointments.

Masters—Qualifications for:—

5. (a) Masters on appointment must be between the ages of 23 and 45 years.

(b) They must have commanded a steam-trawler or tug for at least twelve months, and possess a Board of Trade Certificate either as Skipper or Master (Foreign or Coastal).

Masters—Applications and Appointments:—

6. (a) Candidates for the rank of Master R.A.N.B., must forward their application by letter to the District Naval Officer of the District in which they reside.

(b) The District Naval Officer will ascertain whether the candidate complies with the Regulations as to fitness, &c., and if so, will arrange for his examination by a Naval Medical Officer.

(c) If declared physically fit for service, the candidate’s papers with the Medical Officer’s Certificate will be forwarded to the Director of Naval Auxiliary Services for transmission to the Secretary to the Naval Board as eligible for appointmnet as Master R.A.N.B. (Provisional).

7. (a) Appointments to the rank of Master R.A.N.B. will be made by the Naval Board.

(b) Masters will rank with, but after, Warrant Officers of the Royal Australian Navy.

8. All appointments as Master will be made provisionally, but will be confirmed as from date of first appointment, when a Master has completed his first period of eight days’ training, provided he is recommended by the Officer-in-Charge of training operations as suitable in all respects for confirmation in rank.

9. The appointment of a Master who is not confirmed in rank within eighteen months after the time of first appointment will be cancelled.

10. Masters will be borne on the books of the Royal Australian Naval Brigade for discipline, pay, &c.

II.—Training.

11. Masters are required to perform the following training:—

(a) Eight days’ continuous training at sea subsequent to their appointment as Masters (provisional). (See Regulation 8.)

(b) Masters will subsequently be required to perform eight days’ continuous training at sea in each training year ending 30th June,

(c) In cases where training is interfered with by bad weather the period of training may be extended to insure that actual training time at sea is not reduced,

(d) Officers undergoing training for an extended period as in (c) will be paid for the extra days for which they are retained, but extra training under these circumstances will not affect the payment of retainer.

12. Training will be carried out by the Masters under the orders of the District Naval Officers at the training ports as arranged.

III.—Pay.

13. (a) While undergoing training Masters will receive pay at the rate of 16s. 8d. per diem, payable on completion of each period of annual training.

(b) Note is to be made of all payments in the Master’s Training Certificate Book (Form A.N.B. 48).

IV.—Peace Retainers.

14. (a) Masters will be paid a retainer of £16 per annum in peace time by the District Naval Officer of their District so long as they comply with the conditions laid down in these Regulations as to training, &c.

(b) This retainer will be payable in quarterly instalments of £4 each on the first day of January, April, July, and October, and is to be paid to each Master in person; retainers are not to be paid to Agents or sent through the post.

(c) Provided however that no retainer will be payable until a Master is confirmed in appointment when payment will be made in arrears, from the date of first appointment, on the first day of the following quarter.

(d)The payment of retainers will also be dependent on satisfactory conduct and will be forfeited or suspended in every case where the Naval Board may consider that the Officer’s conduct, either on duty or in civil employment, is unsatisfactory.

(e)Payment of the ordinary peace retainer ceases from the date on which a Master is called up for Service by proclamation in time of war or emergency and the war retainer becomes payable in lieu. (See Regulation 20.)

V.—Messing Allowance.

15. (a) While undergoing training, or on active service under Proclamation, a Master will receive an allowance of 5s. per diem in lieu of rations but must make his own messing arrangements. When practicable facilities will be afforded for purchasing (for cash) supplies of Government provisions from H.M.A. Ships or Establishments at the usual service-issuing prices.

(b) Messing allowance will not be paid when for any reason members of this Section of the R.A.N.B. are victualled in H.M. or H.M.A. Ships.

VI.—Uniforms.

16. (a) Each Master, on confirmation, will be provided with the following uniform, and, except where otherwise stated, these articles of uniform are to be of the pattern prescribed for Warrant Officers of the Royal Australian Navy of under 10 years’ seniority:—

1 Undress Coat with R.A.N.B. buttons,

1 Waistcoat,

1 Pair plain blue Trousers,

1 Cap with R.A.N.B. badge,

1 Sou’ Wester,

1 Long Oilskin Coat (black),

1 Necktie,

3 White Shirts,

6 Collars,

1 Pair Black Boots.

(b) An additional issue of the above articles is to be made after every five years’ service.

VII.—Discipline.

17. While undergoing training or when on active service under Proclamation, Masters will be subject to the same discipline as Officers of the Royal Australian Naval Brigade.

VIII.—Service when called out by Proclamation.

18. When the Mine-Sweeping Section of the Naval Brigade is called out for service, the District Naval Officers will take the necessary steps to inform all Masters borne on their books, but irrespective of such notice it is the duty of every Master, upon the issue of the Proclamation, to report himself at once to the District Naval Officer of his District, or if absent in another district, to the nearest District Naval Officer who will notify the Master’s home port by telegram.

Period of Service.

19. Masters will be liable to serve during the continuance of war or any national emergency or until they are regularly discharged by the direction of the Naval Board.

Pay.

20. (a) When called up for active service under Proclamation, Masters will be paid at the rate of £25 per month with a minimum of one month’s pay.

(b) When discharged to civil employment (other than for misconduct) after serving for more than one year on active service a Master shall be granted one month’s pay at the above rate. (See Regulation 27.)

War Retainer.

21. (a) While on active service under Proclamation each Master will be credited with a war retainer at the rate of £30 per annum (with a minimum payment of £10).

(b) Payment of war retainer will be made in cash by the District Naval Officer in arrear on discharge from active service provided the conduct and service of the Officer have been satisfactory. (See Regulation 27.)

Messing Allowance on Active Service—(See Regulation 15).

Uniforms.

22. (a) When called up for active service in time of war or emergency, a Master shall be provided with the following articles of uniform in addition to that, already in his possession:—

1 Blue, Undress Coat with R.A.N.B. buttons,

1 Pair Blue Trousers,

1 Waistcoat,

1 Cap and R.A.N.B. badge,

1 Pair Black Boots.

(b)In addition to the above, a Master shall also receive after being on active service for six months an allowance towards the upkeep of uniform of 1s. per diem payable quarterly in arrears.

(c) Masters, R.A.N.B. (Mine-Sweeping Section) may wear overcoats of the pattern worn by Warrant Officers of the R.A.N. (with R.A.N.B. buttons), the overcoats required for this purpose being taken up from Naval stocks on payment of the service-issuing price.

IX.—Compensation for Injuries Received or Disease Contracted on Duty.

23. Claims for compensation for injuries received, or disease contracted while on active service under Proclamation or while undergoing training, will be dealt with as may be prescribed for the members of the Permanent Naval Forces (Sea-going).

X.—Discharges.

24. Masters will be discharged on reaching the age of 55 years.

25. Except in time of war or emergency Masters who wish to resign may do so, subject to the approval of the Naval Board.

26. A Master will be liable to forfeit his appointment and have his name removed from the Navy List by order of the Naval Board for misconduct, incompetence, or for failure to comply with these Regulations.

27. A Master who is discharged under the provisions of Regulation 26 forfeits all claim to retainer or to extra pay under Regulation 20 (b).

XI.—General.

28. The Royal Australian Naval Brigade Regulations shall be followed in all matters not specially mentioned in these Regulations.

SECTION II.—MEN.

I.—Classification.

29. (a) Men will be entered provisionally either as Mates, Engineers (1st and 2nd Class), Deck Hands, Firemen or Cooks, and will be confirmed by the District Naval Officers in their respective ratings on completion of the first period of eight days’ training provided they are recommended for confirmation by the Officer-in-Charge of training operations. (See Regulation 41.)

(b) Men who, on the completion of eight days’ training, are not recommended, by the Officer-in-Charge of training as suitable for confirmation will be discharged by the District Naval Officer.

30. Mates and Engineers; (1st and 2nd Class) will be classed as Chief Petty Officers R.A.N.B.; Deck Hands and Cooks, will be classed as Able Seamen, and Firemen as Stokers, 1st Class, respectively in the R.A.N.B.

31. (a) No applicant is to be accepted for enrolment unless he is able to speak and understand the English language and can sign his name.

(b) Coloured men, Natives of India, and Mulattos are not to be entered.

32. (a) Mates, Deck Hands, Firemen and Cooks, must be between the ages of 20 and 50, Engineers between 22 and 55 years.

(b) The age of the applicant must if required be proved by a Certificate of Birth or Baptism or by other satisfactory evidence.

33. (a) A Mate must produce evidence that he has served at least twelve months as Master or Mate of a Steam-Trawler or Steam-Tug of not less than 100 tons register.

(b) An Engineer must hold a Certificate of Competency as an Engine-driver and have served at least twelve months as an Engineman on a Steam-Trawler or a Steam-Tug.

(c) A Deck Hand must produce evidence to prove that he has been at sea at least two years, of which one has been served on a Steam-Trawler or Steam-Tug.

(d) A Fireman must produce evidence to show that he has served as Fireman for at least twelve months on a Sea-going Ship, Steam-Trawler or Steam-Tug.

(e) A Cook must satisfy the District Naval Officer that he is competent to carry out the duties of Cook on a Trawler or Tug.

34. Mates, Engineers, Deck Hands, and Firemen must make a declaration that they intend to follow the sea in Steam-Trawlers, Steam-Tugs, or Coastal Steamers trading inside the waters of the State in which they reside.

II.—Engagement and Re-engagement.

35. The engagement and re-engagement of every man is to be for a period of five years counting from the date of swearing in as shown in the Man’s Certificate Book.

36. Every rating on engagement or re-engagement must take the Oath or Affirmation of Enlistment as laid down in the Second Schedule of the Naval Defence Act 1910–12.

37. Men belonging to any of His Majesty’s Forces (Imperial or otherwise) are not eligible for engagement in this section of the Royal Australian Naval Brigade.

38. Men sworn in to serve in the Mine-Sweeping Section of the R.A.N.B. may not enlist in any other branch of His Majesty’s Forces (Imperial or otherwise); any man who offers or allows himself to be so enlisted or enrolled is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.

39. (a) Each applicant will be examined by the District Naval Officer as to his compliance with the qualification laid down in these Regulations, and if satisfactory, will be examined by a Naval Medical Officer as to fitness for service; should he be passed as medically fit, the District Naval Officer will have him enrolled (provisionally).

(b) In any case of doubt as regards fitness, medical or otherwise, the case is to be forwarded to the Director of Naval Auxiliary Services for final decision.

40. If willing to re-engage, a man is to be passed as medically fit before being re-sworn;

As regards the Medical Examination, minor defects need not militate against retaining a man for a further period of enrolment.

III.—Training.

41. Ratings are required to perform the following training:—

(a) Provisionally enrolled ratings will be required to satisfactorily perform eight days’ continuous training prior to being confirmed in their ratings. (See Regulation 29.)

(b) When confirmed, ratings are required to perform eight days’ continuous training in each subsequent training year ending 30th June.

42. (a) In cases where the training is interfered with by bad weather, the period of training may be extended to insure that the actual training time at sea is completed.

(b) The ratings concerned are to be paid for the extra days for which they are retained, but extra training under these circumstances will not affect the payment of retainer.

43. Ratings who, without satisfactory explanation, fail to attend the Annual Training are liable to be discharged with forfeiture of all claims for pay and retainer.

44. Ratings coming up for training must wear their uniforms and bring their regulation kits with them (provisional ratings will be kitted up after confirmation).

45. While under training, ratings (confirmed or provisional) will be granted the following rates of pay:—

Rating.	Rate of pay per diem.		Amount per annum.
s.	d.	£	s.	d.
Mate...............................................	14	0.............	5	12	0
Engineer, 1st Class..........................	14	4.............	5	14	8
Engineer, 2nd Class........................	12	4.............	4	18	8
Deck Hands....................................	8	4.............	3	6	8
Firemen..........................................	10	4.............	4	2	8
Cooks.............................................	10	0.............	4	0	0

46. Pay is to commence from date of reporting under instructions for training and is to include the day on which the man is discharged from training.

47. Ratings who, from their own misconduct, fall sick during training will receive no pay while on the sick list.

IV.—Retainers.

48. (a) Retainers at the following rates per annum will be paid at the office of the District Naval Officer in four quarterly instalments on the first day of January, April, July and October, so long as the men comply with the conditions of their engagement laid down in these Regulations.

(b) Retainers can only be paid to the men personally and not to any agent or through the post:—

Rating.	Amount per annum.	Quarterly Instalment.
£	£
Mates..........................................................	12	3
Engineers, 1st and 2nd Class........................	12	3
Deck Hands.................................................	8	2
Firemen.......................................................	8	2
Cooks.........................................................	8	2

(c) Provided however that no retainer will be payable until the man is confirmed in his rating when payment in arrears from the date of first appointment will be made on the first day of the following quarter.

49. Payment of the ordinary peace retainer ceases on the date on which a man is called up for service by Proclamation in time of war or emergency and war retainer becomes payable in lieu. (See Regulation 61.)

V.—Messing Allowance.

50. (a) While undergoing training or on active service under Proclamation a man will receive an allowance of 3s. per diem in lieu of rations and must make his own messing arrangements.

(b) When practicable, facilities will be afforded for purchasing (for cash) supplies of Government provisions from H.M.A. Ships or Establishments at the usual service-issuing prices.

VI.—Clothing.

51. (a) When confirmed in his rating each man will be supplied gratuitously with kit according to the following scale:—

Mates and Engineers—

1 Cap and Badge (C.P.O., R.A.N.B.),

2 Serge Jackets, single-breasted,

2 Pair Serge Trousers,

1 Duck Jacket, single-breasted,

1 Pair Duck Trousers,

1 Pair Half Boots (sea service)

2 White Collars,

2 White Shirts.

Mates (only)—

1 Jersey,

1 Comforter.

Engineers (only)—

1 Suit Overalls,

2 Serge Waistcoats.

The blue serge suits are to be of the same pattern as for C.P.O.’s, R.A.N.B.

The jerseys are to have the badge  in red letters on the breast.

Mates are to wear a  badge, with crown above, on the left arm of jacket midway between the elbow and shoulder.

Engineers are similarly to wear  badge, with propeller underneath.

Badges are to be embroidered in red on serge jackets and in blue on duck jackets.

Deck Hands, Firemen, and Cooks—

1 Cap with “R.A.N. Brigade” ribbon,

1 Blue Jean Collar,

2 Flannel Vests,

1 Silk Handkerchief,

1 Jersey,

1 Pair Half Boots (sea service),

2 Pairs Serge Trousers,

2 Serge Jumpers.

Deck Hands and Cooks (only)—

1 Duck Jumper,

1 Pair Duck Trousers.

Deck Hands (only)—

1 Comforter.

A red badge  is to be worn by Deck Hands, Firemen, and Cooks on the left arm of serge jumpers midway between the elbow and shoulder and on the breast of jerseys, and a similar blue badge is to be worn on duck jumpers.

 

(b) The above are the regulation kits, and whenever a man is undergoing training or is called up by Proclamation in time of war or emergency, he must wear the kit and have it in good order and condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

52. A new kit will be issued on re-engagement and the old one will be struck off charge and remain the property of the man.

53. Ratings attending training without full kit may be issued by order of the Commanding Officer with any articles short, the cost of such articles being deducted from the man’s pay.

54. On promotion to higher rating men will be supplied free with articles of kit for that rating which were not contained in their former kits.

VII.—Service when Called out by Proclamation, Etc.

55. All ratings are liable to be called up for service by Proclamation in time of war or emergency.

56. When this section of the R.A.N.B. is called out for service the District Naval Officers will take necessary steps to inform all ratings in their districts accordingly, but irrespective of this notice it is the duty of every man upon the issue of the Proclamation to report himself at once to the District Naval Officer of his district, or if absent in another district to the nearest District Naval Officer who will notify the man’s home port by telegram.

57. Men not labouring under any infirmity incapacitating them from serving, who, when called upon to serve fail to appear, will be liable to be apprehended as deserters or absentees and dealt with by their Commanding Officer in the same manner as deserters or absentees from the R.A.N.; they will also forfeit all claims to pay and retainer.

Discipline.

58. While undergoing training and when on active service men will be borne on ship’s books and will be subject to the same discipline as men of the Royal Australian Naval Brigade (O).

Pay.

59. Men called up by Proclamation will be granted pay at the rates laid down for training with a minimum of 30 days’ pay.

60. They will also be granted an additional allowance of one month’s pay on discharge (other than for misconduct) after twelve months’ service in war time.

60a. Messing allowance when called up by Proclamation will be as prescribed in Regulation 50.

60b. Uniform allowance of 6d. per diem when called up on active service shall be paid after being on active service for six months.

61. (a) In lieu of peace retainer, war retainer will be credited to all ratings on active service at the rate of £20 per annum with a minimum of £5.

(b) Payment of war retainer will be made in cash by District Naval Officer in arrear on discharge from active service provided the conduct and service of the man have been satisfactory.

(c) War retainer will not be paid if the man is dismissed for misconduct.

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(d) War retainers are strictly the private property of the men and are not subject to mulcts or deprivation except for reasons stated above, or for desertion.

62. Men who volunteer and whose services are accepted in a time of emergency although the R.A.N.B. has not been called by Proclamation will be granted the same conditions as if called out under Proclamation.

VIII.—Compensation for Injuries Received or Disease Contracted on Duty.

63. Claims for compensation for injuries received, or disease contracted while on active service under Proclamation or while undergoing training will be dealt with as may be prescribed for the members of the Permanent Naval Forces (Sea-going).

IX.—Promotions.

64. Promotions to Mate or higher ratings will be subject to recommendation of the Officer-in-Charge of Mine-Sweeping and that the rating holds the qualification as laid down in these Regulations.

X.—Discharge.

65. On the completion of each five years’ engagement, men will be entitled to their discharge provided they are not required for active service under Proclamation.

66. Except in time of war or emergency men will be discharged from this branch of the Naval Brigade on reaching the age of 55 years.

67. A man will be liable to be discharged by order of the Naval Board for misconduct, incompetence or for failure to comply with these Regulations.

68. Any man discharged under Regulation 67 will forfeit all claim to pay and retainer.

XI.—General.

69. The Royal Australian Naval Brigade Regulations are to apply in all matters not mentioned in these Regulations.

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Printed and Published for the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia by Albert J. Mullett, Government Printer for the State of Victoria.

C.5537.—Price 5d.