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OVERVIEW

Stewards are members of the Navy and a steward's job is primarily the provision of hospitality services within the Navy. A steward's duties are varied and range from food and beverage services to financial management and administration.

WHAT THEY DO

SStewards (STWDs) are members of the Navy and a STWDs job is primarily the provision of hospitality services within the Navy. A STWDs duties are varied and range from food and beverage services to financial management and administration. They are not Cooks although they may work alongside Cooks and some food preparation will comprise part of their duties.

Serve food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) on formal and informal occasions at sea and ashore as well as on board military aircraft, including VIP flights

Prepare light meals, snacks and hors-d'oeuvres on ships and aircraft

Operate military warehouses at sea and in deployed operations

Operate ship borne convenience stores (known as Ship Exchanges)

Maintain records, financial accounts and filing systems for activities relating to the use of public and non-public funds (NPF)

Operate military clubs (known as messes), including allocation and control of facilities, mess fund accounting, bar management and staff supervision

Manage military accommodations, including room allocation, reception, furnishings, key control, cleaning and maintenance

Provide non-public funds (NPF) management on all HMC ships

TRAINING

Basic Military Qualification

The first stage of training for a successful applicant is a 13-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. 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:

Contribute as a Member of a Military Team

Canadian Forces Regulations and Orders

Operate the Service Rifle

Physical Fitness Proficiency

Drill

First Aid

Operate in a Field Environment

Participate in Force Protection

Operate in a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Environment

Maintain a Safe Working Environment

Communicate Verbally and in Writing

Canadian domestic and International Military Relationships

History, heritage and traditions of the Profession of Arms in Canada

CF Personnel Well-being Programmes and Initiatives

Personnel Management and Administrative Procedures

Basic Military Occupational Training

On completion of BMQ, Stewards attend Basic Military Occupational (MOC) Training at the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics (CFSAL) in Borden, Ontario. Training takes approximately 59 days and includes:

Food handling hygiene and sanitation practices

Dining room services (formal and informal)

Beverage services

Basic monetary operations and accounting

Short-order cooking

Etiquette and protocol

Maintenance of equipment and facilities

Basic personal computer skills for office support

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The opportunities for advancement in the Steward MOC are good. Advancement to Leading Seaman within 48 months, and to Petty Officer second class in 8 years is possible for those who possess proven abilities. Service aboard ship or as a Flight Steward with an aircraft crew provides excellent travel opportunities.

SPECIALTY TRAINING

Personnel who demonstrate the required ability and ambition can 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.

Advanced Training Courses

Administrative Support and Financial Management of NPF Entities

Warehouse Administration and Management

Personnel Management

Accommodation

VIP Food and Beverage Services

Specialty Training Courses

Instructional Techniques

Flight Steward

Submarine Duties

First Aid Instructor

Nuclear Biological and Chemical Defence training

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Stewards must be prepared to work in very diverse situations. On bases, they often work irregular hours in surroundings that vary from office settings to a mess environment; on ships and aircraft, they often work in cramped and hot quarters, and are subjected to adverse environmental and climatic conditions. In operational environments, Stewards may be exposed to combat situations. Personnel in this military occupation frequently work shifts, including weekends and holidays. The Steward trade is a sea-going trade: members of this MOC spend 75% of their first 10 years at sea and will return to a ship again in the later part of their career. In addition, Stewards may serve with Canadian troops supporting UN or NATO commitments.

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

RELATED CIVILIAN OCCUPATIONS