Naval Warfare Officer

Overview As a member of the military, Naval Warfare Officers manage and direct maritime strategy, tactics and procedures in the operation of ships, submarines and aircraft, maritime sensors, combat information and weapons systems. Naval Warfare Officers provide input into the design, procurement and evaluation of ships and their systems, perform staff training and administrative duties and are the only officers who can have command of the Navy’s ships and submarines. Their primary responsibilities are to:

Command, control and coordinate Maritime Military Operations

Lead and make decisions that will affect the general conduct of operations and ship’s crew security

Provide expertise in a wide range of activities relating to the exercise of sea power

Direct and conduct strategies, tactics and procedures in the operation of ships, submarines, aircraft, maritime sensors, combat information and weapons systems

Provide input into the design, procurement and evaluation of ships or systems

Perform staff, training and administrative duties

Work environment Naval Warfare Officers have two distinct working environments: at sea and ashore. As with all seagoing personnel, Naval Warfare Officers experience the unique challenges and adventures that come with work at sea. When ashore, Naval Warfare Officers work a standard work day in an office environment.

Note Maritime Surface and Sub‑Surface Officer has been renamed to Naval Warfare Officer.

Entry plans

Direct Entry Options

Paid Education Options

If you already have a university degree, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the required on‑the‑job training program following basic training. Basic training and military officer qualification training are required before being assigned.

Regular Officer Training Plan Due to the requirement for CAF officers to obtain a university degree, the CAF will pay successful recruits to complete a bachelor degree program in the Royal Military College System. Recruits will receive full‑time salary, including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working in the CAF for a period of time. Typically, candidates enter the Canadian Military College System as an Officer Cadet where they study subjects relevant to both their military and academic career. In rare instances, based on the needs of the CAF, candidates may be approved to attend another Canadian university. A determination will be made on a case‑by‑case basis. If you are applying for this program, you must apply to the CAF and it is recommended to apply to other Canadian universities of your choice should you not be accepted for ROTP.

Training After enrolment, you start basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Forces, basic weapons handling and first aid. Opportunities will also be provided to apply newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is also vital. Basic officer training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

Following basic officer training, official second language training may be offered to you. Training could take from two to nine months to complete depending on your ability in your second language.

Naval Warfare Officers attend the Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia, for 12 months of training for their specific responsibilities. The training consists of classroom instruction, simulators and practical training at sea, to gain expertise and hands‑on experience in navigation, bridgemanship, communications, relative motion, ship safety, emergency procedures, seamanship and Rules of the Road.

Upon successful completion of this formal training, you will be posted to your first operational ship where, in approximately 24 months, you will complete at‑sea requirements and on‑the‑job training leading to a Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate and Naval Warfare Officer Professional Qualification.

After six months of practical application of your professional training, you will specialise for four to six months in any of the following areas:

Ship navigation

Above or under‑water weapons direction

Management of information and communication systems

Submarine service

Clearance diving

Part‑time options This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at a Naval Reserve Division in their community, and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base and may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Naval Warfare Officers serve with the Royal Canadian Navy. They are employed to lead and direct the operation of ships and patrol vessels and their associated systems. They may also advise on the design, procurement and evaluation of ships or systems and perform staff, training and administrative duties. When employed part time they usually serve in a Naval Reserve Division in their home city, and while on casual full‑time basis they usually serve in a Royal Canadian Navy home port location within Canada.

Reserve Force members are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

Find a Recruiting Centre Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts. They usually begin training with their home unit to ensure they meet the required basic professional military standards. Following basic officer training, Naval Warfare Officers attend the Naval Officer Training Centre in Esquimalt, British Columbia, for 12 months of training for their specific responsibilities.

Related Careers Naval Combat Systems Engineering Officer, Air Combat Systems Officer, Priority Application Processing, Marine Systems Engineering Officer

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