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Defence Watch has reported on a number of cases about complaints from sailors regarding mould on Royal Canadian Navy ships. The RCN has said it is working on the problems.

Here is more from the RCN in a posting from the service’s website:

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Some of the fixes seem rather obvious, such as in the heads and wash places where many components of the space are fabricated out of stainless steel and additional ventilation is provided.

In some instances the fix is more complex and a more comprehensive plan is required. For example, when concerns about mould in the frigates were identified during their mid-life refit, a number of engineering projects were launched to ensure the health and safety of our sailors. These projects were aimed at improving air circulation, condensate drainage, and overall HVAC system performance in all 12 frigates.

In conclusion, although it is impossible to completely eliminate rust and mould at sea, it is absolutely essential to have a comprehensive strategy to manage them to safeguard the health and safety of our sailors.