Navy - Seamanship Combat Specialist

About the roleCombat & Special OperationsEntry typeGeneral entryUnder training$68,860LocationSeamanship 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.RequirementsBasicsBe a minimum of 18 years of age upon entry.3 years secondary school. Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the CV security clearance required for this trade.You must be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years.We offer guidance on entry requirements in oureligibility section. Apply if you''re uncertain, as we''ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.Job on baseShore positions for Seamanship Combat Specialists are 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 deploymentFollowing the Seamanship Combat Specialist course, personnel are usually posted to sea to begin on-the-job training that consolidates the skills that you learnt on course, and provides the experience required for the first promotion to Able Seamanship Combat Specialist. Whilst at sea, you will drive the ship, conduct lookout duties and other specialist and general tasks. Depending on the ship''s requirements, in special circumstances Seamanship Combat Specialists may be required to work up to 18 hours a day at sea. Service at sea is for a period determined by the requirements of the Navy, but Seamanship Combat Specialists should expect to spend the first several years of their career on Ships at sea.Upon successful enlistment into the Navy you will be posted to Devonport, Auckland. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Navy, and learn various subjects including:Teamwork and supportNaval history and customsDrill and paradesCore mariner skills and weapons trainingSmall Boat operations (Recovery of personnel and transporting materials at sea)AnchoringCrane operations & riggingTowingCombat OperationsBoarding operations (assessing suspect vessels activities and cargo)Force protection & sentry duty (ship security and defence)Advanced training will involve both leadership skills and development as a Seamanship Combat Specialist. Successful completion of these will qualify you for promotion to Leading Seamanship Combat Specialist. This will be supplemented by sea postings and further training to prepare you for supervisory roles. Eventually, you may be responsible for training and supervising personnel junior to you in Seamanship, Combat and Ceremonial duties.For further promotion, Seamanship Combat Specialists have the opportunity to undertake the following Maritime Safety Authority approved courses:Certificate in Domestic Maritime OperationsThese are recognised civilian qualifications for boat operations in New Zealand.Courses completed throughout your first three years will provide you with NZQA Level 3 Deck Hand, alongside other NZQA qualifications.You will conduct crane and height safety courses, and have the opportunity to further develop your understanding of small arms and self-defence courses.Your hard work, experience and training accomplishments as a Seamanship Combat Specialist will be rewarded with promotions in rank and salary.Following your initial training, you will spend the majority of your career at sea to first consolidate and then develop your skills. Postings ashore and at sea will follow and professional training with further training assisting with your professional development and career progression. There are opportunities for Seamanship Combat Specialists on all Navy Ships, whether they are carrying out long range combat missions or patrolling New Zealand''s territorial waters. Peacekeeping opportunities as part of a deployed force are also available as your career progresses up the ranks.During a typical day in the life of a Seamanship Combat Specialist you would expect to:Conduct Ship driving and look out duties on the ship''s bridgeConduct Replenishments at Sea (transfer of fuel and equipment between ships at sea)Crew the ship''s RHIB during Man Overboard drillsBe a member of a ship''s firefighting teamConduct Boarding and ship Protection OperationsFire a .50 calibre machine gun and other small arms weaponsAssist other members of the ship in the use of small arms weaponsPerform routine maintenance tasksBenefits & allowancesEarn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:Access to your Service marae or trangawaewaeSponsored tertiary study programmes at all levelsFree access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and basesOpportunities to travelFree and subsidised medical and dental careSubsidised food and accommodation on camps and basesSubsidised insurance coverSalary & benefitsCareers in the Navy are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. 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 Basic Recruit Course you will be paid as a Recruit. On completion of your Recruit Course you will be paid as an Ordinary Rate and your pay will continue to increase as your career progresses.Under training$68,860Future potential earnings$98,000Be PreparedAm I fit enough?If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.As a Combat Systems Specialist (CSS) you will work in a team to operate military radars and sonars to understand what ships, aircraft and submarines are in the vicinity of a warship, whether threat or friendly force. If necessary, you''ll operate remotely controlled weapons systems to defend and defeat the enemy. You''ll also act as a crucial communications link between maritime helicopters and home plate (the Ship).General entryAs a Mine Warfare Clearance Diving Officer you will lead a team of divers in the water doing explosive ordnance disposal, maritime security and mine clearance tasks.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2026-01-24