Boatswain

Overview
As a member of the military, Boatswains are the seamanship specialists of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). They are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the ship’s rigging, shipboard cargo handling equipment, boats, and small craft.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain shipboard equipment associated with cargo handling and inter-ship transfers of personnel, fuel, and materiel while at sea

Operate and maintain the ship’s equipment for tasks such as anchoring, towing, launching and recovering boats, and surface rescue operations

Operate and navigate small craft in all waters

Perform required tasks with ship’s rigging and lifesaving equipment

Organize the storage, training, maintenance and use of small arms, demolitions and ammunition

Prepare and lead demolitions operations in the naval environment

Plan, organize and direct ceremonial procedures

Assist and supervise deck crews in maintaining the ship and its equipment

Coordinate watch keeping duties at sea and in harbour

Work Environment
The Boatswain is truly “the professional sailor,” experiencing the unique adventures and challenges that come with working at sea, such as open deck surfaces and a rotating shift or watch system. Ashore, Boatswains normally work as instructors training other naval personnel. Junior Boatswains spend time performing general duties such as cleaning, painting, cafeteria work, sentry duty, storing the ship, and serving on the Naval Boarding Party.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. There is some flexibility with postings, but you can expect to move at some point in your career. Reserve members work part‑time with a local reserve unit, typically one night per week and some weekends, and may not be required to relocate.

Entry Plans
No previous work experience or career‑related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

Minimum required education: completion of provincial Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec or equivalent secondary school education. Foreign education may be accepted.

Training
The first stage is the Basic Military Qualification course, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. This training includes core CAF skills and physical fitness standards.

Naval recruits attend the Canadian Forces Fleet School in Esquimalt, British Columbia or the Canadian Forces Naval Operations School in Halifax, Nova Scotia for approximately five weeks. Topics include:

Perform General Duties in the Naval Environment

Perform as a Member of the Force Protection Team

Perform as a Member of the Damage Control Organization

Carry Out Survival Drills

The next phase is specific to Boatswains and lasts about 12 weeks. Topics include:

Working of anchors, cables and lines, and tasks associated with mooring, anchoring, and towing

Maintenance of the upper deck and its equipment

Transfer of materiel and personnel between ships at sea

Procedures for ship refuelling and transfer of material at sea

Rigging tasks including brows, ladders and buoys

Boat work, including high‑speed small boat operation, boat maintenance and navigation

Rescue operations

Handling, preparation and detonation of demolition charges

Operation and maintenance of small arms, from rifle and pistol up to .50 calibre heavy machine‑gun

Advanced courses may include:

Naval Tactical Operator or Naval Boarding Party team training

Ship’s Team Diver

Tender Officer (small naval vessels)

Navigator’s Yeoman

Instructional Techniques and Training Validation

Part‑time Options
This occupation is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at various Naval Reserve Divisions. Reservists serve during evenings and weekends, may be paid during training, and are not required to relocate. They are trained to the same level as Regular Force counterparts and may be eligible for benefits including a pension plan and reimbursement of civilian education expenses.

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