Boatswain's Mate: Additional Information

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Boatswain's Mate
Fancy an exciting career that will allow you to travel the world while performing a wide array of interesting seamanship
tasks?

Additional Information
IN BRIEF
In this classic Navy role you'll be trained in two key areas, both of which are critical to operational capability. You'll learn
seamanship skills such as rope and anchor work, small boat handling, berthing, towing, helmsmanship and refuelling at
sea. You will become a close range weapon specialist, proficient in pistols, rifles, shotguns and machine guns; and
operating remotely fired gun systems.

TRAINING
You never stop learning in the Navy. We will invest heavily in your personal, vocational and character development, and
many of the skills and attributes you acquire will benefit your whole career. As you expand your knowledge and progress to
Able Seaman and Leading Seaman, you will be given the opportunity to move into new areas of responsibility such as
navigation and watch keeping.

LIFESTYLE
Life in the Navy is varied and rewarding, and the experiences you'll share at home and overseas will cement friendships
that last a lifetime. At sea you'll enjoy travel, adventure, good food, and plenty of time off for rest, relaxation and exercise
in onboard gyms. Then when ashore, make the most of the excellent sports, social and entertainment facilities on base, or
head out and about with friends and family.

WHAT YOU COULD EARN


In the Navy you'll receive a competitive salary, generous Super and an excellent range of benefits. You get paid from the
day you start training and your salary will increase with rank and experience.
BOATSWAIN'S MATES
can earn over
$60,400 p.a.
on completion of initial employment training. This salary includes Uniform and Service allowances and applies to full time
general entry.

Job Details

Other Ranks (Non Technical)


The Boatswain's Mate (BM) Category provides the bulk of Navys corps of professional seaman. BMs provide the specialist
knowledge, training and supervision of the more advanced seamanship evolutions including anchor work, rope work, small
boat handling and operations, berthing, towing, helmsmanship, and replenishment (re-fuelling) at sea. In addition, BM
sailors are the Navys close range weapon specialists, maintaining and operating weapons such as the Typhoon and
Mini-Typhoon electro-optical remotely fired gun systems and the 12.7mm heavy machine gun.The BM is also the Navy's
subject matter expert in F88 Austeyr rifle, F89 machine gun, 9mm pistol, 870P shotgun and batons. Selected BMscan be
nominated to attend thedemolition charge preparation course.
The BM Category is also heavily involved inBoarding Operations, and Force Protection. You may be selected tospecialise in
Fast Roping from Navy Helicopters in support of boarding ships. Additionally, within the seamanship area of employment,
as a BM you will be able to perform the following tasks: tying knots, rope-work; work with wires, buoys and shackles. You
are also required to conduct ships husbandry (Corrosion Control), and evolutions associated with the movement of ships in
harbour. Later in your career as an Able Seaman, you may sub-specialise as a Navigator's Yeoman (NY) or Shipborne
Lifesaving and Survival Equipment Maintainer (SLSEM).
As a Leading Seaman BM, you have the option of becoming an Officer of the Watch (OOW) onArmidale Class Patrol Boats
(ACPB) by obtaining your Limited Navigation Watch keeping Certificate (LNWC). Petty Officer Boatswains have the ability to
increaseskill levels by obtaining a Navigation Watch keeping Certificate (NWC).

Entry
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
General Entry (Non-Technical Trades) is the term used to describe the non-technical jobs available to people entering the
Navy as Sailors (non-Officer entry) and for which trade training is provided. Each Sailor job in the Navy is referred to as a
category; for example, Boatswain's Mate is a category.
Non-Technical Sailors perform a wide range of tasks in support of Navy operations.
General Entry (Non-Technical Trades) Sailors graduate from recruit training with the rank of Seaman Star and generally
progress to Able Seaman after 12 months of effective service following completion ofemployment training. Further
promotion to Leading Seaman, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer and Warrant Officer is based on merit and takes into
consideration performance, time in rank, individual readiness (medical, dental, physical fitness)and vacancies. There is
considerable variation between categories. However, as a guide, the following minimum times are spent in each rank:
Recruit to Seaman Star (Unqualified) - 11 weeks (length of Military Training course);
Seaman Star (Unqualified) to Seaman - Length of Employment Training course;
Seaman to Able Seaman - 12 months after completion
of employment training course;
Able Seaman to Leading Seaman - minimum of 2 years;
Leading Seaman to Petty Officer - minimum of 4 years;
Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer - minimum of 4 years; and
Chief Petty Officer to Warrant Officer - minimum of 4 years.
Leading Seamen are referred to as Junior Non-Commissioned Officers. Leading Seamen are the first line of supervisors in
the chain of command and as such have an important role in the maintenance of good order and discipline among their
subordinates. They are expected to provide an important role model for subordinates.
Petty Officers are members of the company of senior sailors. Petty Officers perform management and technical specialist
duties within their category. Their positions will involve personal accountability.
Chief Petty Officers are also members of the company of senior sailors and are required to demonstrate a well developed
capacity for self directed work and a high degree of applied professional theoretical knowledge and well developed
supervisory competence.
Warrant Officer is the most senior sailor rank. They are required to possess superior leadership and professional qualities.
Warrant Officers may undertake planning, creative research and problem solving activities. Their positions often involve a
significant degree of personal accountability.
The opportunity to transfer to commissioned officer is open to all sailors of Able Seaman rank and above who possess the

necessary educational qualifications and personal attributes.


Irrespective of category, sailors' duties are just as important as specialist duties. Therefore on a ship, all sailors will perform
such activities as:
Fire Fighting - containment and extinguishing of all types of fires;
First Aid - knowledge and application of basic first-aid medical skills;
Duty Watch - member of the overnight security, fire fighting and emergency party;
Communal Duties - working in teams to help clean and maintain all work and living areas;
Damage Control - assisting with ship damage emergency repairs;
Replenishment at Sea - assisting with the re-supply of ships at sea;
Ship Husbandry - maintenance and upkeep of ships' surfaces, fittings and equipment; and
Physical Fitness - All members of the Navy are required to maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness. Physical
fitness is tested on an annual basis.
While in a shore establishment, in addition to normal day to day employment, all sailors will perform:
Duty Watch - member of the overnight security, fire fighting and emergency party (including first aid) on a roster
basis.

Pay & Allowances


Other Ranks (Non Technical)
Salary while undertaking Military (Recruit) Training: $1,379 per fortnight ($35,854 per year).*
Salary while undertaking Initial Employment Training: $1,576 per fortnight ($40,976 per year).*
While under training, you will also receive $387 per fortnight ($10,086 per year pro rata) Trainee Allowance.
Salary (excluding allowances) on completion of Initial Employment Training: $1,847 per fortnight ($48029 per year).*
In addition to your salary, you will receive Service Allowance of $517 per fortnight ($13,448 per year) except while
undertaking Military (Initial) or Employment training. This allowance compensates a member for the unique requirements
that service life may impose on an individual and his or her family.
To assist you in maintaining your uniforms in good order and condition, you will also receive a Uniform Allowance of $16
per fortnight ($419 per year).
Each General Entry job in the Australian Defence Force is classified into a pay grade. This particular job commences at Pay
Grade 2 on completion of Initial Employment Training.
Salary will continue to increase based on rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank. Pay Grade may
also increase following the acquisition of additional skills and completion of advanced courses.
Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.
* Note: These figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as
applicable); and superannuation.

General Requirements

Age Requirement
Applicants must be aged between 17 and 54 years of ageinclusive on day of entry.
Applicants will notbe allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able
to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age, depending upon the capacity of their local recruiting
centre.

Citizenship Requirement
Only Australian citizens are permitted to serve in the ADF.
If you are a Permanent Resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary waiver of the citizenship requirement if
the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and
then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian citizenship as early as possible following
enlistment or appointment.
Find out more in our Recruitment Centre or ask your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

Security Requirement
The Department of Defence requires ADF entrants to attain a security clearance appropriate to their avenue of entry.
A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and, as required, interviews enables the Regional
Security Office to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance
Current policy requires applicants for this particular avenue of entry to have lived in Australia for the preceding 10 years, or
have a checkable background for this period.

Aptitude Requirement
The application process to join the Australian Defence Force requires you to complete a series of aptitude tests including
verbal, spatial and numerical ability and a general maths test. Some jobs may also require you to complete additional
testing at a later date.
Psychology support staff will explain what is involved with each test.
The aptitude tests provide information about your suitability for the Defence Force and for particular jobs. Defence Force
Recruiting can then help you identify jobs that best match your abilities.
Further information on the aptitude testing requirements can be found here.

Education & Experience

Other Ranks (Non Technical)


The minimum educational standard for entry to the Boatswain's Mate Category is successful completion of Year 10 level,
which must include passes in English and Mathematics. However, you may apply while still studying Year 10,
or
If you do not satisfy the education requirements for this trade or do not possess evidence of your educational attainment
there is an alternative pathway available to you.
You may be eligible to sit an Alternative Education Equivalency (AEE) assessment to ascertain your ability at the required
educational level for this trade.
Further information is available here.

Medical & Fitness Requirements


Other Ranks (Non Technical)
To be appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry into the ADF. This is partially assessed from the
completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You must also pass the swim test and physical fitness test to graduate from your Navy Training and to proceed to the
Safety of Life at Sea Training that is a requirement for Recruit School and Officer training.
Royal Australian Navy Swim Test (RANST)
The RANST is conducted to ensure the Navys duty of care to all serving personnel, with respect to rudimentary swimming
skills. The purpose of the RANST is to ensure fundamental water survival skills as a prerequisite to training such as survival
at sea training.
Individual components of the RANST are fundamentally related to the survival at sea scenario. Competency in the RANST is
achieved through successful completion of each component comprising:
a safety jump off a 3m tower in overalls;
a 10m underwater swim in overalls;
a 50m swim using three safety strokes; and
the ability to tread water or float for 15 mins (removal of overalls optional).
Note: You will find it much easier to pass the swimming test if you undertake swimming training before you join.
All personnel will undertake the RANST upon entry and competency is to be achieved within 15 weeks from commencement
of initial training. Failure of any one component will constitute failure of the entire RANST and no waivers will be granted.
It is therefore strongly advised that all candidates considering entry to the Royal Australian
For more details on medical and physical standards refer to 'Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF' and
'Medical Process for Entry into the ADF'.

Period of Service
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
You will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of four years.On enlistment if youelect to
serve an open ended enlistment, you will be able to serve until retirement age, subject to your continued
suitability for service.If you elect to serve for a fixedperiod of service, subsequent periods of servicemay be
offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.
Your Careers Counsellor can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.

Additional Requirements
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
Royal Australian Navy Swim Test (RANST)
The RANST is conducted to ensure the Navys duty of care to all serving personnel, with respect to rudimentary swimming

skills. The purpose of the RANST is to ensure fundamental water survival skills as a prerequisite to training such as survival
at sea training.
Individual components of the RANST are fundamentally related to the survival at sea scenario.
Competency in the RANST is achieved through successful completion of each component comprising: safety jump,
underwater front scull swim of 10 metres, continuous swim for 50 metres, and treading water to remain afloat for 15
minutes.
All personnel will undertake the RANST upon entry and competency is to be achieved within 15 weeks from commencement
of initial training. Failure of any one component will constitute failure of the entire RANST and no waivers will be granted.
It is therefore strongly advised that all candidates considering entry to the Royal Australian Navy are either proficient with
or are working towards gaining swimming skills.

Military Training
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
Duration: 11 weeks
Location: Crib Point, Victoria
The Recruit School at HMAS CERBERUS is situated on Western Port Bay, Victoria about 70 kilometres south east of
Melbourne. The school has its own administration building, accommodation blocks and classrooms and operates as an
independent unit within the greater training environment of HMAS CERBERUS.
The eleven week Recruit Course is designed to give you sufficient knowledge and skills on which to base your navy career.
The course includes both classroom and practical activities. Most subjects are individually tested. Examinations are set to
ensure Recruits are sufficiently prepared to undertake further specialist training at category schools. Private study areas are
available in the school and a Duty Instructor is available for assistance during non-instructional hours.
When you are offered a General Entry job in the Navy, you will receive Joining Instructions for the Recruit Training
Course. These instructions will provide you with a good indication of the daily routine while at the Recruit School and what
will be expected of you during your training. This information is also available by accessing the Navy Recruit School web
site.
Recruits who successfully complete the course, including the Navy Swimming Test, participate in a Graduation Parade,
which is normally held on the Friday of the last week of training. Recruits will have the opportunity to invite family and
friends to view the parade.
After Graduation personnel will be posted to category schools at HMAS CERBERUS or at other training establishments
throughout Australia.
During Military (Initial Recruit) Training and (Initial) Employment Training, members may be required to pay a contribution
towards meals, accommodation and utilities, depending on a number of factors.

Employment Training
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
Following the completion of Military (Recruit) Training which includes Sea Survival and a Ship Safety Course, you will
complete a Boatswain's Mate Course of 10 weeks and a Basic Seamanship Course of3 weeks, both conducted at the
Boatswain Faculty, HMAS Cerberus.
Boatswain's Mate Course
Duration: 10 weeks

The Boatswain's Mate Course covers:


The proficient and proper use of firearms and other hand weapons, especially when acting as part of a group
detached from the ship using F88 AUSTEYR, F89 Minimi, 870p Shotgun, MAG 58 and 9mm Pistol;
The operation of a ship's close range weapons system including12.7mm machine gun;
Providing visual assistance for the direction of medium range gunnery systems;
The ability to diffuse situations and where necessary apply the appropriate level of use of force; and
Boarding Parties for fisheries and other enforcement operations.
Basic Seamanship Course
Duration:3 weeks.
This course is completed by all Seaman Branch sailors and covers all aspects of basic seamanship, including:
Boatwork - preparation of sea boat, launch and recovery of sea boat and man over board recovery drills;
Rigging - working all types of cordage, understanding splicing, maintenance of all forms of rigging, blocks, slips and
shackles;
Anchorwork - maintenance of ships and boats anchors and cables, line handling and acting as a member of a ship's
cable party;
Major seamanship taskings including Replenishment at sea (RAS - Refuelling),towing, erecting awnings;
Ships Husbandry - cleanlinessof all parts of a ship (except machinery spaces);
General - a working knowledge of ship organisation, routines and survival at sea;
Watch on Deck (WOD) requirements including lookouts, Quarter Master Assistant (QMA), Life buoy sentry and
Helmsmanship (steering the ship) skills; and
Man overboard recovery methods by boat and swimmer.
Journal of Experience and Achievement
The Boatswains Mate Competency Journal of Experience and Achievement is a record of the completed BM training
program. The BM Journal is completed throughout initial and on the job training. The Journal is a prime indicator of training
progression, experience and most importantly, competence.
The journal is also a promotion prerequisite for all BM sailorsto Leading Seaman.

Sub Specialist Option


Other Ranks (Non Technical)
Following 12 months at sea, Able Seaman Boatswain's Mates (ABBM), can sub-specialise in a number of career options such
as:
Navigator's Yeoman (NY); or
Shipborne Lifesaving and Survival Equipment Maintainer (SLSEM).
Following promotion to Leading Seaman Boatswain's Mate (LSBM), can sub-specialise in career options such as:
Limited Navigation Watch Keeping Certificate (LNWC).
Following promotion to Petty Officer Boatswain (POB), can sub-specialise in career options such as:
Navigation Watch Keeping Certificate (NWC).
Submarine Service
Application to transfer to submarines is open to all sailors and some officers, male and female. Volunteers may apply for
Acoustic Warfare Analyst (AWA SM) whilst in Recruit School and to other submariner categories as early in their careers as
during initial sailor trade and officer primary qualification training.
Although not all sailor categories are employed in submarines, Acoustic Warfare Analysts (AWA) and Electronic Warfare
Analysts (EWA) are drawn from any category. Transfer into one of these may be necessary for some personnel to serve in
submarines. ( See the individual category sections to find out if the trade of your choice has a submarine component. If not
you may volunteer to transfer to AWA or EWA ).
If Submarine Service interests YOU let the Interviewing Officer know at your Recruiting Centre.
Service in submarines is extremely demanding, both emotionally and physically.

Submariners work and live in very close proximity to each other and personal privacy is extremely limited, except when
ashore. Submarine personnel work long hours and are constantly subjected to emotional and physical pressures not found
in surface ships.
Many a new recruit to the Submarine Arm of the Royal Australian Navy believes that he /she has what it takes to become a
good submariner. However, until you have been tested and have experienced the arduous conditions and life inside a
submarine, you won't fully appreciate the difficulties.
Today's Submariner is a unique breed of sailor/officer. They have met the challenges, been tested to the limits of their
endurance and abilities and found to have what it takes to be members of a very demanding arm of the Royal Australian
Navy.
If you think you have what it takes, then you must be prepared for some very demanding personal challenges throughout
your training and employment. If you come through these you will be willingly accepted into the Submarine Arm of the
Royal Australian Navy and welcome to wear 'The Dolphins' (the submariner's badge of distinction).
Note: Submarine Service is not a sub-specialisation of this category. Transfer of category is necessary to become a
submariner.

Employment Location
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
All sailorswill serve in fleet units and shore establishments on a rotational basis.

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