Ketiz Singh

The Orca Class Patrol Vessels: Training and Teamwork on the High Seas

Picture this – the ropes are released, the crews are ready, and for the first time all eight of the Orca class Patrol vessels slip off to sea together. It’s a sight to behold, and it takes a massive amount of effort to make it happen.

Behind the Scenes

The Royal Canadian Navy vessels were up and running between 2006 and 2008, but usually at least one of them is out of commission for maintenance or repairs. The engineering department has been working day and night to get everything set up and all those ships on water.

Think of the Orcas as bikes with training wheels operated by trainees at CFB Esquimalt. Today, they’re heading out to sea for a special photo op but first, they need to get camera ready.

Training Like Ballet

Close Quarter Maneuvers, arranging into a nice shape, practicing seamanship, and navigation – it’s like doing ballet with ships at sea, except with a lot more math involved. If the math is wrong, the consequences can be serious.

There are roughly 150 people working on the vessels, many of them hired within the past few years. More trainees are needed as recruitment has been lagging, but those in the Navy are doing everything they can to make things happen.

Photo Op on the High Seas

On Wednesday, eight vessels got cozy off the waters near CFB Esquimalt for the photo op. These exercises prepare Navy members for real-world scenarios and showcase their training capabilities.

To be prepared for anything, it’s important to train like you fight. These exercises ensure that all their skills are at their peak, bringing the vessels and crew closer together as they sharpen those skills.

So, young Indian readers, if you dream of sailing the high seas and protecting your country, consider a career in the Canadian Armed Forces. It’s not just about ships and waves, it’s about teamwork, training, and making a difference in the world. Who knows, one day you could be out there, steering a ship like a pro and keeping the seas safe. The possibilities are endless, so why not give it a shot?