Following the completion of Military (Recruit) Training which includes Sea Survival and a Ship Safety Course, you will complete a Boatswain's Mate Course of 12 weeks and a Basic Seamanship Course of 4 weeks, both conducted at HMAS Cerberus.

Boatswain's Mate Course

Duration: 12 weeks

The Boatswain's Mate Course covers:

• The proficient and proper use of firearms and other hand weapons, especially when acting as part of a group detached from the ship;
• Fast Roping (the rapid transfer from a helicopter to a ship) in support of Boarding Operations;
• The operation of a ship's close range weapons system;
• Providing visual assistance for the direction of medium range gunnery systems;
• The ability to diffuse situations and where necessary apply the appropriate level force;
• Boarding Parties for fisheries and other enforcement operations; and
• Parade and Ceremonial.

Basic Seamanship Course

Duration: 4 weeks.

This course is completed by all Seaman Branch sailors and covers all aspects of basic seamanship, including:

• Boatwork - crew, maintenance and navigation of power boats;
• Rigging - working all types of cordage and wire ropes, understanding splicing, maintenance of all forms of rigging, blocks, slips and shackles;
• Anchorwork - maintenance of ships and boats anchors and cables, and acting as a member of a ship's cable party;
• Helmsmanship - steering the ship;
• Ships Husbandry and Corrosion Control - cleanliness and maintenance of all parts of a ship (except machinery spaces); and
• General - a working knowledge of ship organisation, routines, survival at sea and Rule of the Road for the prevention of collision at sea.

Journal of Experience and Achievement

The Boatswain’s Mate Journal of Experience and Achievement is a record of the completed BM training program. The BM Journal is completed throughout initial and on the job training. The Journal is a prime indicator of training progression, experience and most importantly, competence. Completion of the Journal results in the award of a Certificate III in Public Safety (Boatswain’s Mate).

The journal is also a promotion prerequisite for all BM sailors from Able Seaman to Leading Seaman.