HMAS CERBERUS, VICTORIA

(Redirected from HMAS Cerberus)

'HMAS Cerberus' [1] is a Royal Australian Navy training establishment, located at Crib Point on the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
The site for the Cerberus Naval base on Hann's Inlet, between Sandy Point and Stony Point on Western Port Bay was purchased in 1911. The 15 km² base was opened in September 1920 and became known as Flinders Naval Depot in 1921. From 1930 until 1958, HMAS Cerberus was the home of the Royal Australian Naval College. With the outbreak of World War II, many temporary buildings were erected to facilitate the training of wartime recruits. Many of these buildings were later demolished or replaced. The HMAS Cerberus Museum is open to the public daily, with the exception of late December to early January.
It is also the home of the Recruit School - for all sailors their first contact with life in the Navy. HMAS Cerberus comprises numerous training and recreation facilities, two chapels and a small marina - all encompassed by lawns and gardens. Its historic presence, heritage buildings, and gardens create a pleasant setting.
The primary role of HMAS Cerberus has always been the training of Navy personnel. With the establishment of four tri-service schools over the last 13 years, this role has been extended to training Army and Air Force personnel. Specific courses offered include: the School of Survivability and Ship Safety which specialises in fire fighting, damage control and nuclear/biological/chemical defence; and seamanship and weapons training.
Training is provided for about 6000 personnel annually, averaging 800 trainees at any one time.