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OVERVIEW

You will be the seamanship specialist. You will operate and maintain shipboard equipment associated with cargo handling and intership transfer of personnel, fuel and materiel at sea, as well as a ship's anchor and cable equipment and you will navigate small craft in enclosed waters.

WHAT THEY DO

Boatswains (BOSNs) in the Canadian Forces are the seamanship specialists. The range of their activities and supervisory responsibilities is wider than in most other sea occupations. Their duties are to:

Operate and maintain shipboard equipment associated with cargo handling and intership transfer of personnel, fuel and materiel at sea

Operate and maintain a ship's anchor and cable equipment for such tasks as towing, the launch and recovery of a ship's boats, and rescue operations

Operate and navigate small craft in enclosed waters, including a ship's boats, auxiliary vessels and tenders

Perform tasks associated with a ship's rigging, rope work and lifesaving equipment

Organize and conduct activities associated with the storage, training and use of small arms, demolitions and ammunition

Plan, organize and conduct drill and ceremonies such as ceremonial salutes, honour guards and burials at sea

Assist and supervise deck crews in cleaning, preserving and painting the ship and its equipment

Operate equipment such as outboard motors, industrial sewing machines, forklifts and cranes on replenishment ships

Coordinate watchkeeping duties at sea and in harbour

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Boatswains must be able to concentrate under stressful conditions and possess good reasoning ability as well as a good memory for detail. Adaptability, accuracy and most importantly, dependability are essential. Boatswains must be willing to accept responsibility and be able to work independently, and function both as a leader and a team member.

You must meet Canadian Forces medical standards and successfully complete a selection process that includes interviews and a wide range of examinations.

TRAINING

Basic Military Qualification

The first stage of training for everyone is the 13-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the CF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding. BMQ covers the following topics:

Policies and regulations of the Canadian Forces

CF drill, dress and deportment (the “three D's”)

Basic safety

First aid

Personal survival in nuclear, biological and chemical conditions

Handling and firing personal weapons

Cross-country navigation

Personal survival in field conditions

Basic Military Occupational Training

On completion of the BMQ, Boatswains attend Naval Environmental Training (NETP) at the Canadian Forces Fleet School (CFFS) in Esquimalt, British Columbia or Halifax, Nova Scotia. Training takes approximately 5 weeks and includes:

Naval history and organization

Shipboard firefighting and damage control

Watchkeeping duties

Seamanship

Shipboard Safety

Ship's Security

The second phase of training is occupation specific and lasts approximately 12 weeks. It includes the following:

Jackstay transfer of materiel and personnel between ships at sea

Procedures for ship refuelling at sea

Working of anchors, cables and lines, and tasks associated with mooring, anchoring, slipping and towing

Boatwork, including high-speed small boat operation, boat maintenance and navigation

Rescue operations

Handling, preparation and detonation of demolition charges

Rigging tasks including brows, ladders and buoys

Maintenance of the upper deck and its equipment

Maintenance of small arms

Operation and maintenance of a .50 calibre heavy machine-gun

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Individuals who demonstrate leadership have excellent prospects for career progression in this occupation. Their employment is varied and service aboard ship provides travel opportunities throughout Canada and abroad.

SPECIALTY TRAINING

Those who demonstrate the required ability and ambition may undertake advanced occupational training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their career. Specialty training may also be available. Below are examples of training related to this occupation.

Specialty Training Courses

Naval Boarding Party

Command of Tender Vessels

Navigator's Yeoman

Instructional Techniques

Ship's Diver

Demolition

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The Boatswain is truly “The Professional Sailor”. Boatswains spend most of their career at sea where they are exposed to such environmental conditions as high noise levels, limited living and working space, lack of privacy, and a rotating shift or watch system resulting in irregular meal hours and rest periods. They continuously work on open deck surfaces where they are exposed to hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain, snow, and heavy sea conditions. Ashore, Boatswains normally work as instructors in training establishments and in some cases, perform duties not related to their trade. Most naval tradespersons are sailors first and tradespersons second. Junior Boatswains spend time working outside their occupation performing general duties such as cleaning, painting, working in the cafeteria, standing sentry duty, storing the ship, and acting as members of the Naval Boarding Party.

Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Boatswains' health, safety and morale are closely monitored.

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