To lose a naval vessel during engagement would be tragic, to lose a naval vessel during a docking is inexcusable
Docking work of our RAN vessels is literally work that is carried out under authority from the Commander of the vessel
The completion of a refit to a warship is never over until the weight of the paperwork = the dry weight of the vessel
That paperwork includes the multiple delegation of sub authorities to complete the work in accordance with the documents procedures
Considering that the Armidale Class had been in service for some 7+ years.....such refit documents would have been generic, but tried & proven time and time over
The paperwork authorities documentation will be reviewed by the Naval Board of Enquiry, however will be found to be correct with the cause of the fire to have been by human intervention in the non compliance with the nominated procedures
The inexcusable action was preventable and certain personal may be found negligent and disciplined, however the Enquiry will find the vessels Commander responsible for the $30M loss
...[technical experience you ask?.......once appeared before a Rear Admirals review panel over an incident at my work place].........[this was in relation to the
first lifting in Australia of the OTO Melara 76 mm gun mount from HMAS Adelaide [FFG Frigate] and electrical arcing/sparking as the mounting lost conductivity with the vessel hull proper
].... [my role here was to abort the lift until experts determined the cause]........Derek