Defence Instructions and Notices
(Not to be communicated to anyone outside HM Service without authority)
Title: Exercise MEDSAIL 2015
Audience: All Service personnel, especially Commanding Officers and Adventurous
Training Officers, Expedition Leaders and Formation PDev Officers.
Applies: Immediately
Expires: 15 Sep 15
Replaces:
Reference: This Section is completed by DMC Internal Communications
Status: Current
Released: This Section is completed by DMC Internal Communications
Channel: 07 - Training and Education
Content: Adventurous Training Ocean Sailing Expedition
Sponsor: Joint services Adventurous Sail Training Centre (JSASTC)
Contact: Mike Barham – Project Officer, JSASTC, Haslar Road, Gosport,
Hampshire, PO12 2AQ.
Tel Numbers - Mil: 9380 Ext 65316
Civil: 023927 65316
JSASTC_projectofficer@a.dii.mod.uk
JSASTC-Project Officer (Edward Barham)
(note: email address may Change Feb 2014 due to Dii implementation)
Keywords: Offshore sailing, Army Sailing Association, Royal Naval Sailing
Association, Royal Air Force Sailing Association, University Royal Naval
Units, University Officer Training Corps, Adventurous training, Joint
Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre
Local Adventurous Training, Offshore Sailing, Sailing Expedition,
Keywords: Mediterranean, Nicholson 55, Adventure, RYA Competent Crew, JSASTC
Supplements: Annex B: Application Form
(Please click
on the links to
access >>>> )
Related Info: 2013DIN01-007 Insurance for adventurous Training (AT) Activities
Exercise Transglobe
www.pdevportal.co.uk/adventure_training/sailing (www.)
Classification: OFFICIAL
OFFSHORE SAILING - EXERCISE MEDSAIL 2015
References:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
JSP 419.
RN-BR 4024 Chap 6.
Army -AGA1 Vol 1 Chap 11.
RAF-AP 3342.
2013DIN01-007.
JSP 950 Leaflet 1-2-12 1 Assessment of Medical Suitability to Attend Courses and
Training.
Introduction
1.
Exercise MEDSAIL 2015 is a Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre
(JSASTC) exercise taking place from 15 Mar to 13 Sep 2015. The exercise will be
conducted in accordance with Joint and Single Service Policy, References A-D, and also
relevant is Reference E.
2.
The aim of the exercise is to develop adequate rigour, robustness, initiative and
leadership to deliver the resilience that military personnel require on operations. It is open
to all Regular and Reserve personnel.
3.
JSASTC will deploy HMSTC DASHER, a 16 metre (55ft) Sail Training Craft (STC)
from Lanzarote to the Mediterranean. The majority of the exercise will be based from
Alicante until Jun 15 when it will commence a longer reach into the Eastern Med
(supporting RA 300 Exercise) and then return via La Coruna to Gosport. Details of the legs
and provisional costs can be found at Annex A.
Eligibility
4.
This exercise is open to all Regular RN, Army, RAF and Reserve Forces personnel
(normally only those personnel who qualify for COs certificate of efficiency/bounty) and
URNU/University Officer Training Corps/UAS personnel. Novice sailors are particularly
encouraged to apply alongside experienced personnel with RYA qualifications. Both unit
and individual bids are encouraged. Offshore sailing is both physically and mentally
demanding and therefore volunteers should have:
a.
A true spirit of adventure.
b.
Be willing to live in harmony with others in confined, uncomfortable and
sometimes wet and arduous conditions.
c.
Be in-date for the appropriate Service Fitness Test; including a JS AT Swim
Test (JSATST).
d.
Be medically fit for active service (MFD) overseas or have formal approval if
below MFD.
e.
Possess an up to date passport that will remain in-date until six months after
their exercise leg ends.
NB. Pregnant Servicewomen are not eligible to participate in adventurous training.
5.
Visas. If any personnel require a visa for entry into specific countries as part of the
exercise they are to inform the Project Officer on application. This should be achieved a
minimum of 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the specific Leg of the exercise.
Funding & Finance
6.
Expedition members are requested to make a personal contribution (PC) to this
expedition to enable it to go ahead in its planned form in the defined geographical area.
What the PC achieves is that it enables the expedition to be conducted in a location that is
otherwise affordable through routine funding (i.e. UK based training). There is no
mandatory requirement for a personal contribution towards the cost of Adventurous
Training at any level, but without the personal contribution the participant will not be
authorised to attend.
7.
Cost Matrix. Every effort will be made to keep the cost to individuals as low as
possible and it is hoped that the provisional costs, listed at Annex A, will be maintained.
The costs incurred in victualling the boat (when made up of individuals) will be met by Cash
in Lieu of Rations (CILOR), which JSASTC will arrange. Other operating (boat) expenses
will be met from JSASTC budget; however, applicants will need to ensure that they plan for
additional funds to cover personal expenditure ashore.
8.
Personal Contribution Variations. The personal contribution listed in Annex A will
normally cover all costs on the exercise. The personal contribution is principally used for
funding the expedition’s international flights and overseas yacht berthing fees, which can
sometimes vary depending on the leg, but contributions are budgeted at £420 per person.
If the crew decide to contribute to extra-messing above the funding (CILOR) or book into
marinas that are above the funded boat budget, it may occasionally be necessary to make
an additional contribution to the boat berthing costs for that leg. This requirement will be
managed with due consideration of the whole crew by the skipper.
9.
Funding Support. Participants may approach their chain of command for support
from Public Funding, or approach sources of NPF for help. These include unit, formation,
Service and pan-Service NPFs. Guidance is offered, however, there are many other
sources which are not listed below.
a.
RN. RNRM Lottery participants should normally expect to receive a
contribution after completion of the exercise but must apply in advance of the
exercise in order to ensure approval of the grant. AB and JNCOs for whom this
process represents a barrier to participation should contact the Project Officer.
b.
Army. Funding support for Army personnel is found in AGAI Vol 1 Ch 11 part
5 sect 11.082 this accurately signposts units and individuals to the appropriate
funding avenues. Further guidance can be obtained from the unit AT Officer or
through the Regional Sp Comd SO2 AT.
c.
RAF. Personnel should seek advice from their Station AT Reps, and apply
using AT For AT8.
10.
Payment Process. The following process will be used.
a.
A deposit of £150 per person is required with initial applications. Cheques
should be made payable to “EXERCISE MEDSAIL 2015”. This deposit will be
forfeited if a candidate has to withdraw after being allocated a place and a
replacement cannot be found. If a candidate is not selected for any leg their deposit
will be returned, unless they wish to go onto a reserve list. Those personnel who are
withdrawn by the chain of command should seek advice for a refund in accordance
with Reference E.
b.
The balance of the cost of the expedition is to be paid by the allocated
deadline date, which will be detailed in the letter offering allocation of a confirmed
place on the exercise, this will usually be at least 8 weeks prior to departure to fund
flights. Failure to pay the balance by the deadline date may result in forfeiture of the
deposit and allocation of the place to one of those on the reserve list. Withdrawal
from the exercise after the balance due date may still require full payment if a
replacement cannot be found.
c.
If applicants are later unable to take up their allocated place for whatever
reason, every effort will be made to substitute personnel. However, individuals will
be expected to meet the airline’s charges for transfer of name (typically £100).
Additionally, should a reserve not be found to fill the place, the individual will forfeit
the full cost of the ticket. Therefore, it is essential that applicants take out
personal insurance, to cover this eventuality. This cover should also extend to
unavailability of the yacht through technical difficulties (details can be found in
Reference E). Note: It is not necessary to take out specialist insurance which covers
Offshore Sailing. Normal travel insurance to cover flight cancellation or lost baggage
will suffice. Service personnel will be on duty and therefore covered for any medical
or administrative repatriation. An in-date EHIC must be carried by all personnel.
11.
Unit Bids. Unit bids will normally require a higher deposit (to cover risk of reassignment to other mil tasks) and also will normally require unit CILOR to be processed.
Further advice can be sought from the Project Officer.
12.
LSA and LOA. Personnel will not be eligible to claim LSA for this exercise.
Similarly, personnel will not be eligible for LOA unless they are assigned to that area as
part of their primary duties.
13.
Personal Insurance Cover. Service personnel taking part in AT, formally approved
under JSP 419 (Joint Service Adventurous Training (JSAT) Scheme), are considered to be
engaged in the course of their normal duties and the MOD will accept vicarious liability for
any negligent actions or omissions committed in the performance of those duties. MOD will
facilitate medical treatment for personnel whilst undertaking AT including, if necessary,
medical evacuation, family visits, and, in the event of a fatality, repatriation of the body.
This may include rescue/recovery from the accident site where necessary. The MOD will
not accept liability for any negligent actions or omissions committed by personnel in their
personal capacity, for any associated costs, e.g. any additional medical expenses, hotel
accommodation or travel costs for relatives, or for the loss of or damage to, personal
property (unless caused by MOD’s negligence). As a result of this limited cover,
participants are strongly advised to purchase additional insurance having consulted
Reference E.
14.
UK Based Travel. Travel to and from UK airports is expected to be at unit expense.
Individuals should contact their local UPO or Admin Office for advice and authority to travel.
Individuals are responsible for the cost of travel from the airport of arrival to and from the
yacht though this will normally be refunded on production of a receipt to the Skipper,
coordinated in the group move by the 1st Mate.
15.
Crew Shirt. Costs shown at Annex A also include the issue of an exercise
MEDSAIL crew polo shirt.
Fitness to Attend
16.
MFD. Personnel applying who hold a Medical Deployment Standard (MDS) of
Medically Fully Deployable (MFD) should apply as per the application form. In accordance
with JSP 950 all those who are MFD are categorised as ‘Stage 1’ Assessment of Fitness to
Attend, i.e. self-certifying as MFD confirmed by the CO when approving the application.
This process is self-contained within the normal application process.
17.
MDS Below MFD. Those who are categorised with a MDS of less than MFD should
process applications initially as a ‘Stage 2’ Assessment. Applicants should engage with
their CO, MO and the JSASTC Project Officer to assess suitability to undertake the training.
It will be necessary to confirm limitations that may apply, and the management of
associated risks. This may then proceed to a ‘Stage 3’ Assessment; this will likely be
needed for WIS. We will work with the CoC to endeavour to load those below MFD on the
exercise if the applicant’s CO supports the participation.
18.
Joint Service AT Swimming Test (JSATST). The JSATST is the minimum
requirement for participation in water-based AT, confirmed in Reference A. Prior to the
conduct of the exercise the participant’s CO is to ensure that the applicant can swim and
has passed the relevant swim test. The JSATST is to be conducted at Unit level under the
supervision of Unit PT/PEd staff and needs only be undertaken once. The JSATST consists
of the following:
a. Deep water entry wearing light clothing.
b. 50m swim wearing light clothing in a maximum of four minutes.
19.
JPA Access. All participants must maintain NOK information on JPA.
CILOR
20.
Rations. JSASTC will arrange for CILOR for each leg of the expedition, less for the
unit allocated legs where is will be a unit responsibility to feed the whole crew and skipper.
Due to the handover process, units should plan for the first and last meals to be purchased
meals.
Crew Selection
21.
Volunteers will be selected to crew the yacht for particular legs of the exercise
according to the following criteria:
a.
Skipper – Skippers will be selected by JSASTC (Nic 55 Qualified).
b.
First Mate – The first mate will be a RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Skipper or
above. Legs 7, 9, 11 and 12 will require a Yachtmaster Offshore qualification as a
minimum.
c.
Watch Leaders – For Legs 7, 9, 11 and 12 a minimum of 2 Day Skippers are
required and 1 x Competent Crew as Watch Leaders. For all other Legs 2 x
Competent Crew meet the requirement.
d.
Crew – Crew will be selected to a boat manning maximum of 11 including the
skipper, mate and watch leaders, the remaining crew will be made up of various
levels of experience, including complete novices.
Application and Communication
22.
Application and Selection Process. Application forms can be obtained from this
DIN, or via the JSASTC website. All personnel must submit an application form in the
format at Annex B, with CO or delegated authority’s approval. Applications must be
accompanied by a cheque for £150 which can be accepted by a UK bank. Selections will
be made by JSASTC using ‘military judgement’ to select a crew which will produce the
optimum training impact, a fair allocation to the three Services and a suitable spread of
ranks and experience.
23.
Crew Qualifications. Whenever possible, priority will be provided on JSASTC
courses for those needing Comp Crew and Day Skipper and higher qualifications. Apply as
per the routine process, identifying on your application form intended attendance on this
deployed expedition.
24.
Unit Allocated Legs. Unit allocated Legs may still have crew places available; in
particular for the command appointments (1st Mate and Watch Leaders). There may also
be novice crew gaps to fill. Please contact the Leg Leader or the Project Officer for further
advice. Leg leaders will be issued administrative instructions in order to prepare flight
manifests and crews lists.
25.
Joining Instructions (JIs). Generic JIs will be published on the JSASTC website in
order to allow early preparation. Movement details to the airport will be confirmed when
known. Leg specific JIs will be either distributed on the website or promulgated via the Leg
1st Mate and Project Officer. The 1st Mate will be responsible for coordinating a crew
rendezvous at the airport, and distribution of the boarding passes.
Project Officer
26.
The Project Officer for exercise MEDSAIL 2015 is:
Mike Barham
JSASTC Programming and Project Officer
Exercise TRANSGLOBE
JSASTC
Haslar Road
GOSPORT
Hampshire PO12 2AQ
Mil: 9380 65416 Civ: 023927 65416
Fax: 9380 65211 Civ: 023927 65211
E-mail: jsastc_projectofficer@a.dii.mod.uk
Annexes:
A.
B.
Exercise MEDSAIL 2015 (Legs and Costing).
Application to participate in exercise MEDSAIL 2015.
ANNEX A – EXERCISE MEDSAIL 2015 (LEGS AND COSTING)
Leg
From/To
Dates
Duration
(Weeks)
Cost
Remarks
Canary
Gold
Leg 8
Lanzarote to La Linea
15 Mar 15 – 29 Mar
15
2
£420
Handover point. Fly to
Malaga
1
La Linea to Alicante
29 Mar – 12 Apr 15
2
£420
2
Alicante
12 Apr 15 – 26 Apr 15
2
£420
3
Alicante
26 Apr 15 – 10 May
15
2
£420
4
Alicante
10 May 15 – 24 May
15
2
£420
SCOTS DG
POC Lt Richard Sheehan
5
Alicante
24 May 15 – 7 Jun 15
2
£420
1 CS Bn REME
POC Capt Alex Thomson
6
Alicante
7 Jun 15 –
21 Jun 15
2
£420
7*
Alicante to Ajaccio
(Corsica)
21 Jun 15 – 5 Jul 15
2
£420
Exercise RA 300
47 Regt RA. POC Capt
Doug Collett.
8*
Corsica to Cagliari
(Sardinia) (via Malta)
5 Jul 15 – 19 Jul 15
2
£420
Exercise RA 300.
14 Regt RA. POC Capt
Gemma Rowland.
9*
Cagliari (Sardinia) to
Alicante
Mon 20 Jul 15 – 2
Aug 15
2
£420
208 Field Hospital.
POC WO2 Martin Yoxall
10
Alicante to
La Linea
2 Aug 15 – 16 Aug 15
2
£420
CUAS (POC Sqn Ldr
KANE)
(Tel 95371 x 8748 / 8745)
11*
La Linea to La Coruna
via Portugal
16 Aug 15 – 30 Aug
15
2
£420
12*
La Coruna to Gosport
30 Aug 15 – 13 Sep
15
2
£250
Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Dates are inclusive of the whole exercise leg, including travelling days.
Specific reporting times will confirmed on JIs when flights are confirmed.
Less Leg 9, all flight transfers are on a Sunday.
Unit allocated Legs are seeking afterguard, in particular 1st Mate Appointments.