Naval Establishments Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Naval Defence Act 1910-1918 aimed to establish and maintain a naval force for the defence of Australia and its territories. Enacted by the Parliament of Australia, the Act sought to provide a framework for the regulation and administration of the naval service. The Statutory Rules 1920, No. 49, issued under the authority of the Act, detail amendments to the Naval Establishments Regulations, addressing various administrative and procedural aspects of naval apprenticeships. These amendments include changes to the entry requirements for apprentices, stipulating that candidates must pass a competitive examination and meet specified educational and medical standards. The regulations also detail age restrictions, nationality requirements, and conditions for transfers from private establishments. The policy objective of these amendments is to ensure that the naval service maintains a competent and qualified workforce, adhering to the high standards necessary for effective naval operations.

Scope and Application

The Naval Defence Act 1910-1918 Regulations 1920, made under the authority of the Act, govern the entry and conditions of apprenticeships at Naval Dockyards and Establishments within the Commonwealth of Australia. These regulations apply to apprentices who must pass a competitive examination and meet specific conditions set by the Naval Board. Candidates must be between fourteen and sixteen years of age, of pure European descent, and the sons of natural-born British subjects. Additionally, they must meet certain educational, medical, and physical standards. Apprentices who fail to attend workshops or the Technical College on twelve or more occasions in a year will not receive the allowance specified in the regulations. Apprentices holding scholarships at the Technical College are entitled to have their textbooks and instruments, up to a value of twenty-five shillings per annum, paid for by the Department of the Navy. The regulations extend their application through various amendments and the introduction of new sub-regulations, ensuring that the standards and conditions for apprenticeships are effectively enforced and maintained.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918, particularly in Regulations 77 and 78, specify the conditions and requirements for the entry of apprentices into the Naval Dockyards and Establishments. Regulation 77(1) mandates that apprentices must pass a competitive examination and meet the conditions of entry set by the Naval Board. It also allows for the entry of boys from private establishments if they meet certain educational and medical standards, as outlined in Regulation 77(2). Regulation 77(3) sets the age requirement for candidates, stating they must be at least fourteen but not yet sixteen years of age by 31 March of the year following the examination. Regulation 77(5) stipulates that candidates must be of pure European descent and the sons of natural-born British subjects. In terms of obligations, Regulation 78(1)(c) requires that each candidate must have a minimum standard of eyesight, either 6/9 in each eye without glasses or 6/12 corrected to normal by glasses. The new paragraphs (d) and (e) added to Regulation 78(1) further require that candidates should possess sufficient teeth and be of good general physique. Boys entered under Regulation 77(2) must produce their indenture and provide reasons for their transfer, which the Apprenticeship Committee will consider for recommendation to the Naval Board for final appointments. The Regulations also impose specific penalties for non-compliance. Regulation 80(a)(2) states that apprentices who are late to their workshops or the Technical College on twelve or more occasions during the year will not receive the allowance provided for in Regulation 80(a)(1). Similarly, Regulation 84(2) provides that the Department of the Navy will pay for textbooks and instruments to the value of twenty-five shillings per annum for apprentices holding scholarships at the Technical College, as deemed desirable by the Superintendent. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in disciplinary actions and the withholding of allowances or financial support as outlined. The Regulations ensure that the entry and maintenance of apprentices in the Naval Dockyards and Establishments meet the necessary standards for health, education, and conduct.