About the role
Seamanship Combat Specialists are the experts in the control and conduct of all seamanship operations, gunnery tasks, boardings of other vessels and force protection (ships security). They conduct all aspects of ship's cleanliness and upper deck maintenance. As a Seamanship Combat Specialist your role is mentally and physically demanding, whether driving the Navy RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats), undertaking fire‑fighting exercises, searching boats for illegal cargo, conducting refuellings at sea and all small‑arm weapon drills and training. Seamanship Combat Specialists are also responsible for all parade and ceremonial duties as well as seamanship training, Force Protection (ship and ashore security) and Boarding Team training. You will need to be a team player who works well with others, be flexible and adaptable to change at short notice.
Responsibilities
* Conduct ship driving and lookout duties on the ship's bridge
* Conduct replenishments at sea (transfer of fuel and equipment between ships at sea)
* Crew the ship's RHIB during Man Overboard drills
* Be a member of a ship's firefighting team
* Conduct boarding and ship protection operations
* Fire a .50 calibre machine gun and other small arms weapons
* Assist other members of the ship in the use of small arms weapons
* Perform routine maintenance tasks
Qualifications
* Be a minimum of 18 years of age upon entry
* 3 years secondary school; qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability
* Strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the CV security clearance required for this trade
* Must be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years
Job on Base
* Shore positions available at the Sea Safety Training Squadron, the Small Arms Training Unit, the Naval Boat Yard, the wet and dry side Seamanship Training Aids facility and at the Ceremonial Parade Ground, assisting with ceremonial and parade duties
Job on Deployment
* Following the Seamanship Combat Specialist course, personnel are usually posted to sea to begin on‑the‑job training that consolidates the skills learned on course, providing the experience required for the first promotion to Able Seamanship Combat Specialist
* While at sea, duties include driving the ship, conducting lookout duties and other specialist and general tasks; depending on the ship's requirements, may work up to 18 hours a day
* Service at sea is for a period determined by Navy requirements; expect to spend the first several years of career on ships at sea
* Upon successful enlistment, you will be posted to Devonport, Auckland for 16 weeks of basic military training covering teamwork, naval history, drill, mariner skills, weapons, small boat operations, anchoring, crane operations, towing, combat and boarding operations, and force protection
Career Path
Successful completion of initial training qualifies you for promotion to Leading Seamanship Combat Specialist. Continued sea postings and further training prepare you for supervisory roles, and you may ultimately be responsible for training and supervising personnel junior to you in seamanship, combat and ceremonial duties. Promotion opportunities include Maritime Safety Authority approved courses such as Certificate in Domestic Maritime Operations and NZQA Level 3 Deck Hand.
Benefits & Allowances
* Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations
* Access to Service marae or turangawaewae
* Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
* Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
* Opportunities to travel
* Free and subsidised medical and dental care
* Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
* Subsidised insurance cover
Salary & Benefits
Careers in the Navy are well‑rewarded. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly. While undertaking the Basic Recruit Course you will be paid as a Recruit. On completion you will be paid as an Ordinary Rate, and your pay will continue to increase as your career progresses. Under training: $68,860. Future potential earnings: $98,000.
Fitness & Medical Requirements
To be part of the New Zealand Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide. A step‑by‑step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process is available for military roles.
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