Maritime Focus

MULTI-ROLE Aviation Training Vessel (MATV) Project – 94m vessel (MV Sycamore).

MATV Client: CAPT A Whittaker – states in letter of reference `The PL Solutions team has been essential to the success of this complex acquisition and sustainment program. I have been impressed with the commitment and focus on task achievement of PL Solutions and their consistent level of support in meeting Defence outcomes’.

PL Solutions provided broad support to establish a wholistic in-service arrangement, realising the full capability of the platform and meeting “Defence Seaworthiness” requirements for the Multi-role Aviation Training Vessel (MATV), now known as MV Sycamore.

Initially PL Solutions people supported acquisition design review milestones through to acceptance of the vessel; followed by the establishment of a comprehensive performance-based operation and maintenance model.

PL Solutions supported achievement of Initial Operating Capability (IOC) as the MATV capabilities were progressively realised. Currently PL Solutions is progressing achievement of Defence Seaworthiness requirements and minor vessel updates to achieve Final Operating Capability (FOC).

PL Solutions deliverables included:

  • Development of the Project Management Plan, with scheduling, financial and risks management parts or sub plans.
  • Development of Capability Definition Documentation including but not limited to the Operational Concept Document (OCD), with a supporting Functional and Performance Specification (FPS).
  • Supported the Vessel Design Reviews, Assurance and Acceptance.
  • Development and supported the Inservice Support (ISS) Procurement Strategy, tender stage, evaluation and contract negotiation.
  • In-service support contract establishment and management, based on availability and performance based contracting approach.
  • Management of ISS Contract deliverables, including Contract Status Reporting, Configuration Management Plan, Safety Management Plans, Intellectual Property Plan, Operational Support Plan and other associated plans.
  • Training Plan, leading to the Training Needs Analysis (TNA) for Navy and the Contract Vessel Operator (CVO).
  • Logistics Management (including tailoring Navy’s Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) Certification requirements).
  • Establishing the Project’s Capability Realisation Plan (CRP) including Fundamental Input to Capability (FIC) engagement and support elements.
  • Transition into service, supporting Navy Operational Test & Evaluation ‘like’ activities, including Helicopter first of class flight trials (FOCFT) and other roles such as diving support, navigational training, weapon recovery and sea familiarisation for new people entering the Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
  • Scoping and managing MATV Certification, Safety & Seaworthy Programs within Defence (incorporating Commercial vessel aspects).
  • Establishing a new command, management and assurance framework while linking into Seaworthiness requirements, titled a Regulated Australian Vessel Delivery Organisation (RAVDO) for the MATV and other Large Hull Vessels (LHVs)
  • Scoping a new regulatory White to Red Flag regulatory transfer process, with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Defence and Navy Seaworthiness, Navy Safety and Environment Policy Coordination (NSEPC) and the CVO, supported by legal advice.
  • In-service Project or Product, Contract and Engineering Management.

MATV Particulars

Length = 94m, Breadth = 14.4m, Draught = 3.9m.

Speed = 17knots, Range between 4400 to 5550 nm.

Damen vessel design, with a military flight deck.