KEY POINTS:
The country's newest Navy recruits have undergone a hard hitting session with the police in a bid to reduce the number of alcohol related incidents which have plagued the organisation in recent years.
North Shore district commander Inspector Les Paterson addressed the recruits last night.
"When in the space of 11 months three of your peers have been killed, when seven more had their lives changed forever by events that have lead to serious court cases, it's time for people like myself and your boss to do the best that we possibly can to prepare you," he told them.
The "Kia Kaha" ethics training course was delivered to 43 young Navy recruits at the North Shore Policing Centre in a bid to educate them about the dangers of alcohol and how to make the right decisions in social settings.
The course was designed by police and the Navy and follows a joint effort during the past three years to reduce alcohol-related incidents.
Mr Paterson said up to 400 recruits trained at Devonport base each year. Most were between 18 and 20 and living away from home for the first time with money they never had before.
"No one wants to see them fall victim to the pitfalls of youthful exuberance," he said. "The session is designed to leave a lasting impression."
During the 90 minute session - the first of its kind - the recruits were addressed by former All Black captain Buck Shelford who spoke of his 11 1/2 years in the Navy and his present role as a publican.
Shelford, who stressed the importance of good decision making, said he lost two fellow sailors to alcohol in 1976. The former All Black said there was no difference between sailors and rugby players - everyone should look out for their mates and take them home if they have had too much to drink or not get themselves in such a position to start with.
"You can have fun. I don't stay away from the drink but I picked my moments to drink.
"If you want to be successful and get ahead in your career you can't afford to be binge drinking."
The session also included a series of scenarios taken from real incidents in which sailors have got into trouble while drinking. One involved incidents overseas where drunk sailors had set off fire extinguishers and forced the evacuation of restaurants. Another involved a fight at Devonport which led to injuries needing hospital treatment.
A harrowing video of a fatal car accident which claimed the life of 23-year-old able chef Jasmine Annie Bastion, was also played and recruits were taken on a tour of the cells and processing block.
The session finished with the recruits signing a charter to uphold the values of the Navy and to make responsible decisions.
Mr Paterson said in the three years police had been working with the Navy the number of alcohol related incidents had reduced dramatically.
TROUBLE AT BASE
August: Two naval ratings, aged 20 and 23, are sent to trial for the alleged rape and sexual violation of an 18-year-old colleague at Devonport Naval base last November.
July: Two naval ratings and an ex-naval rating appear in court following a fatal accident on the Northwestern Motorway in January.
March 07: Jasmine Bastion, a 23-year-old able chef, was killed when a drunk workmate crashed the car she was in near the Devonport base.
