HMAS Flinders
| History | |
|---|---|
 Australia
|
|
| Namesake: | Matthew Flinders |
| Builder: | HMA Naval Dockyard, Williamstown |
| Laid down: | February 1971 |
| Launched: | 29 July 1972 |
| Commissioned: | 27 April 1973 |
| Decommissioned: | 1998 |
| Fate: | Sold into civilian service |
| General characteristics | |
| Type: | Hydrographic survey ship |
| Displacement: | 740 tons full load |
| Length: | 161 feet (49 m) length overall |
| Beam: | 33 feet (10 m) |
| Draught: | 12 feet (3.7 m) |
| Propulsion: |
|
| Speed: | 13.5 knots (25.0 km/h; 15.5 mph) |
| Range: | 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km; 5,800 mi) at 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph) |
HMAS Flinders (GS 312/A 312), named for Matthew Flinders (1774–1814), was a hydrographic survey ship of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Built by HMA Naval Dockyard at Williamstown, Victoria, Flinders was commissioned into the RAN in 1973, and was used to conduct hydrographic surveys in the waters to Australia's north, including parts of New Guinea. In 1974, the ship was tasked with assisting clean up efforts in the wake of Cyclone Tracy, which devastated large parts of Darwin. The ship was decommissioned in 1998 and sold to civilian operators, who have since converted her into a private yacht in the Cayman Islands.
The ship was ordered in 1970 to replace the light survey vessel HMAS Paluma.Flinders was 161 feet (49 m) in length overall, with a beam of 33 feet (10 m), a draught of 12 feet (3.7 m), and a full load displacement of 740 tons. Propulsion was provided by two Paxman Ventura diesel motors connected to twin screws, providing a top speed of 13.5 knots (25.0 km/h; 15.5 mph) and a range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km; 5,800 mi) at 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph). The hull was all-welded, and designed to Australian Shipping Board standards for coastal operations. Increased seakeeping ability was imparted through a bulbous bow, high forecastle, and a stabilising system. Most operations were intended to be in the waters of Australia and Papua New Guinea, although Flinders was also capable of limited oceanographic work. The ship's company consisted of 38 personnel, and Flinders carried light-calibre weapons for self-defence.
Flinders was laid down by HMA Naval Dockyard at Williamstown, Victoria, in February 1971. She was launched on 29 July 1972 and commissioned into the RAN on 27 April 1973. The ship cost $2,600,000.
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