Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2008/Sailors’ navigation training and quals
By CMDR Vern Dutschke – Head of Command and Tactics (HCT), HMAS Watson
The requirement for bridge watchkeepers on minor war vessels has created many opportunities for both junior and senior sailors to act in the very satisfying role of officer of the watch (OOW) at sea.
Fourteen sailors recently began their journey towards being qualified OOWs after successfully completing Small Ships Navigation Course (SSNC) 75.
POB Shane McGrath, now serving in Cairns as part of HS Blue crew, was dux of this course.
Before sailors can legally act in the role of OOW, they need to hold a Limited Navigation Watchkeeping Certificate (LNWC).
A LNWC may be issued by a CO to sailors who:
- Complete the Small Ships Navigation Course (SSNC);
- Gain a platform endorsement for their class of ship;
- Are assessed as competent having completed the Mariner Skills Competency Log (MSCL); and
- Complete a minimum of six months sea service after successful completion of the SSNC.
This qualification allows them to take charge of a limited navigation watch whilst single ship steaming by day or night.
The SSNC is a 10-week course, conducted at HMAS Watson, which provides theoretical training in OOWmanship, general navigation, chartwork, tides, collision avoidance (rules of the road), relative velocity and navigation display system.
It also includes one week of practical training at sea in the Defence Maritime Services owned navigation training vessel - MV Seahorse Mercator. This training is the same as that given to junior seaman officers as part of the Junior Warfare Application Course (JWAC).
Holders of an LNWC who wish to progress their training further, will need to complete additional JWAC modules including communications, astronomical navigation and pilotage (totalling six weeks). They also need to obtain a Harbour Watchkeeping Certificate.
After recommendation by their CO, and successful completion of written and oral examinations at a Fleet board at Watson, they can be issued with a Navigation Watchkeeping Certificate (NWC). The NWC states that the individual has demonstrated the necessary competence to take charge of a navigational watch by day and by night whilst single ship steaming.
The highest OOW qualification is the Bridge Warfare Certificate (BWC). This allows watchkeeping ‘in company’ in a warfare environment. The BWC involves additional shore warfare training, and is generally only offered as part of Seaman Officer career progression.
Further information on navigation qualifications can be found in DI(N) OPS 67-2, AF MEMO 23/06 and ABR 6289 Chapter 8 Annex N.
