Ship offers glimpse into another world
[caption id="attachment_36573" align="alignright" width="405"] HAPPY CREW: The SA Navy's hydrographic ship SAS Protea berthed at the Port Elizabeth Harbour for the annual World Hydrography Day celebrations yesterday. Leading Seaman Stuart Werth and Seaman Ntokozo Mathebula, pictured next to the vessel, are part of the crew. Picture: EUGENE COETZEE[/caption]
A GROUP of Nelson Mandela Bay high school pupils were given a glimpse yesterday into the goings-on aboard one of South Africa's best-known navy vessels, the SAS Protea.
The ship, which has often travelled to out-of-the-way places like Marion and Prince Edward islands and the Antarctic, berthed at the Port Elizabeth harbour for World Hydrography Day, which is held on June 21 every year.
The day is an annual celebration to publicise the work of hydrographers and the importance of hydrography, particularly in the promotion of safe navigation in international waters and ports, and the protection of marine reserves. Another vessel, the frigate SAS Isandlwana, is expected to dock today.
SAS Protea Commander Godfrey Masimala said yesterday: "We are here to celebrate and facilitate world hydrography day. We also want to educate the public about the importance of the ocean and how it propels the economy of the country."
And while public viewing will only officially be this weekend, officials could simply not turn away a group of eager Framesby High School pupils yesterday.
The Bester sisters – Annuschka, 15, and Kayla, 13 – were among those to board. They said they were excited to be given a tour, with the crew explaining the vessel's many roles.
The SAS Protea is the only naval vessel mandated to do hydrography – the science of measurement and description of physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes and rivers, as well as prediction of their change over time for the purpose of safety of navigation.
The 79.4m-long vessel has 115 crew members and can accommodate up to seven scientists.
It also has a hospital, library, canteen, laundry and electrical and shipwright workshops, and her hull is strengthened to navigate ice. A sewage treatment plant is used to prevent pollution and contamination of samples.
Petty Officer Kevin Maytham said because South Africa was a maritime nation, hydrography played a vital role in ensuring the trade entering and departing the country's harbours took place in a safe environment.
"Furthermore, South Africa is situated on one of four strategic choke points on the African continent and the country has a responsibility to the international community to provide safe sea lines of communication around our coastline. The vessel has been doing this exceptional task since 1972," Maytham said.
SAS Protea crew have also adopted the Marinatha Children's Home as part of their community outreach and have been doing maintenance at the Walmer facility for the past two days.
The public will be able to view both vessels between 10am and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Entrance is free and the public are urged to use the Fleming Street gate.
