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Navy

Seamanship Combat Specialist

If you are tough, both mentally and physically, get stuck into this adrenalin packed role, boarding enemy vessels and providing security and maintenance for our ships.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Combat & Special Operations

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Devonport

Seamanship 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.

Accepting Applications

  • Basic Common Training 25-2, starts 25 Aug 2025 Apply by 12 May 2025

    Apply Now

Requirements

Basics

  • Be a minimum of 18 years of age upon entry.
  • Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.

Education

3 years secondary school. Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.

Fitness & Medical

Citizenship

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.

Find out if you’re eligible here.

We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.

  • Job on base

    Shore 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 deployment

    Following 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.

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Advanced Training

04Specialist Training

05Career Progression

Benefits & allowances

Earn 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 tūrangawaewae
  • Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
  • Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
  • Opportunities to travel
  • Free and subsidised medical and dental care
  • Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
  • Free and subsidised insurance cover
  • Help to buy a home and save for retirement

Salary & benefits

Careers 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

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

Be Prepared

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Am 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.

Medical & Fitness
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The application process

Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.

Application process
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Ready to start your Navy career?

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