Click here for an image looking forward from the port bridge wing. The description also has a heap more information.

Looking aft from the fo'c'sal of the Royal Australian Navy replenishment vessel, HMAS Sirius O266.

HMAS Sirius is the only ship in the RAN fleet that is capable of replenishing two ships at the same time. She can transfer F44 heavy diesel, which the rest of the RAN fleet runs off, aviation fuel and water. A fourth line can be connected to the recieving ship which is for secure communication. The ship is also capable of light and heavy jackstay which is a method of transfering goods to the recieving ship.

A RAS (replenishment at sea) from memory, works like this. The recieving ship/s approach the stern of the replenishment ship at an angle of fifty degrees before (at some point flag romeo is hoisted up one of the main mast yard arms) then the ship/s come along side at full speed , this is the overcome the replenishment ships fluid pressure zones which at low speed would suck the ship in with the first zone and then push it out with the second zone (or vice versa). When the recieving ships are in position they reduce speed, flag romeo is brought to the dip, a crew member fires a special type of gun which sends over a messenger line which will help recieve the guiding line and then the hoses for remlenishment. All the ships are keeping a constant velocity during the RAS.

Aurora Australis berthed at Princess Wharf 1, Hobart city and Mt Wellington in the background.