All 256 recommendations from the Sea King Board of Inquiry report have been implemented, laying the foundation for ongoing improvement of safety in Australian Navy aviation, the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane announced this week.
The Board of Inquiry report into the Sea King accident on Nias Island, Indonesia in April 2005 was publicly released June 21, 2007.
The 256 recommendations are far-reaching and include a major review of airworthiness, risk management and safety, aviation maintenance regulations, training and cultural matters.
To ensure the highest level of oversight under a Defence implementation plan, the Chiefs of Service Committee, made up of the most senior officers in Defence, monitored progress of implementation of the Board’s recommendations across Defence.
“For Navy, and the entire Australian Defence Force, completion of all the Board’s recommendations is a significant milestone, but not the end of our enduring focus on the future of aviation safety,” Crane said.
“We remain totally committed to ensure the families of those who died and the survivors of the accident are fully supported. Navy has appointed an Advocate who is dedicated to the provision of this support and resolving claims for compensation.
“Implementing all of the Sea King Board’s recommendations is the first major step to embedding a ‘can do safely’ attitude into our activities. I am committed to ensuring continued improvement in safety for all our people across the range of tasks they consistently conduct in the defence of this nation,” said.