Cast of aft

[happy daze john in oz]

In Port Melbourne Sunday in time to see a Royal Australian Navy Frigate preparing to sail. No bow thrusters so a tug was employed to pull her of. Three lines forward and aft kept her tied up, none of them being more than thirty foot long. I took photographs of the crew at the various points. 19 on the bow, 9 on the bridge and 21 on the aft deck, about 40% were gold braid of some level.
No capstans so there were three seaperson, some female, on each line ready to pull them in.
I have seen many ships, from liners to tankers, cargo and cruise ships preparing to sail, but never recall seeing so many on deck preparing to cast off. Is this a relic from the days of sailing ships, or is it the R.N. is just for fighting and have limited seamanship skills?

[Colin Hawken]

It also took three of them to throw a heaving line,when coming alongside.