Employment Training
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
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 10 weeks and a Basic Seamanship Course of 3 weeks, both conducted at the Boatswain Faculty, HMAS Cerberus.
Boatswain's Mate Course
Duration: 10 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 using F88 AUSTEYR, F89 Minimi, 870p Shotgun, MAG 58 and 9mm Pistol;
- The operation of a ship's close range weapons system including 12.7mm machine gun;
- Providing visual assistance for the direction of medium range gunnery systems;
- The ability to diffuse situations and where necessary apply the appropriate level of use of force; and
- Boarding Parties for fisheries and other enforcement operations.
Basic Seamanship Course
Duration: 3 weeks.
This course is completed by all Seaman Branch sailors and covers all aspects of basic seamanship, including:
- Boatwork - preparation of sea boat, launch and recovery of sea boat and man over board recovery drills;
- Rigging - working all types of cordage, understanding splicing, maintenance of all forms of rigging, blocks, slips and shackles;
- Anchorwork - maintenance of ships and boats anchors and cables, line handling and acting as a member of a ship's cable party;
- Major seamanship taskings including Replenishment at sea (RAS - Refuelling), towing, erecting awnings;
- Ships Husbandry - cleanliness of all parts of a ship (except machinery spaces);
- General - a working knowledge of ship organisation, routines and survival at sea;
- Watch on Deck (WOD) requirements including lookouts, Quarter Master Assistant (QMA), Life buoy sentry and Helmsmanship (steering the ship) skills; and
- Man overboard recovery methods by boat and swimmer.
Journal of Experience and Achievement
The Boatswain’s Mate Competency 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 (Maritime Operations).
The journal is also a promotion prerequisite for all BM sailors to Able Seaman as well as to Leading Seaman.