Publication:Sea Talk Winter 2003/Better navigation
By LEUT Nayland Aldridge
For a number of years, Senior Sailors have been performing the duties of an Officer of the Watch (OOW) at sea in Minor War Vessels (MWVs). Training for this role is achieved through attendance on the Small Ships Navigation Course (SSNC) conducted by the Navigation Faculty at HMAS Watson.
The Small Ships Navigation Course was developed in 1994 based on adhoc requirements and consisted of seven weeks of formal classroom training. Unlike Seaman Officer training (SEAAC), the Small Ships Navigation Course had no practical training component.
In early 2002 it was identified that the training did not adequately prepare Senior Sailors for the Officer of the Watch role. Moreover, the course had attained a reputation as one of the most demanding courses faced by Senior Sailors and was perceived as an overly difficult hurdle in their career progression.
As a consequence, a training review involving key stakeholders was initiated. The outcome of the review is a new 11-week course, which is aligned more closely with Seaman Officer competency-based training. Aligning of the Senior Sailor training with Seaman Officer training has several keys benefits for the RAN and Senior Sailors. Firstly, Commanding Officers will be better served with Officers of the Watch who are all trained to common and consistent standards and competency requirements.
More importantly, Senior Sailors will be awarded a quantifiable qualification that will facilitate their progression to an Auxiliary Vessel CPO Greg Goodieson on the bridge of HMAS Balikpapan Charge position, a commission as a Seaman Officer, or civil accreditation.
The table below provides a clearer view of the training continuum.
LS are to be 'passed out' for promotion to PO and expected to be promoted prior to being posted to a Mnior War Vessel. Training for the course will take place at HMAS Watson, one of the RAN's premier establishments. Watson is equipped with purpose-built training facilities, first rate accommodation and recreation facilities, and located on the best real estate in the country.
Highly motivated and capable senior sailors interested in pursuing this path should contact their career manager or Navigation Faculty staff. Point of contact at TA-MW is LEUT Nayland Aldridge, Course Instructor, on 02 9337 0330 or via email to Nayland.Aldridge@defence.gov.au
| Previous SSNC | New SSNC | SEAAC | ||
| Min Rank | PO | LS/PO | N/A | |
| Relevant Phases | ||||
| I | Seamanship | N/A | N/A | 1 week |
| Rel Vel | 1week | 1week | 1week | |
| Basic Nav I | 4 weeks | 4 weeks | 4 weeks | |
| Sea | 1 week | 1 week | 1 week | |
| III (Shore) | Basic Nav II | 1 week | 2 weeks (includes 1 week at sea) | 2 weeks (includes 1 week at sea) |
| Comms | No | No | 3 weeks | |
| Bridge Sim | No | 2 weeks | 4 weeks | |
| Astro | No | No | 1 week | |
| OPP | No | 1 week | 1 week | |
| III (Sea) | Competency Log | No | CO discretion Max 12 months | Max 6 months |
| NWC Award | Ad hoc Fleet Board | Fleet Board | ||
| Total | 7 weeks | 11 weeks | 18 weeks |
