As a new recruit you will stay at the Navy home base, HMNZS Philomel, in Devonport, Auckland. Depending on whether you are joining as an Officer or a Sailor you will complete a different Basic Training course – during this time you will get to know the base and its facilities, spend time with other new recruits and get used to Navy life.
 

Sailors

Basic Common Training is the first course any new sailor undertakes when joining the Navy. This is a 13 week course aiming to take you from civilian to competent and self disciplined Naval Sailor. It is also aimed at confirming the suitability of trainees for the Navy, preparing them for specialist training and life onboard our Ships.
 

Phase one – Induction

The first phase of training focuses on inducting the trainee into the Navy and lasts for five weeks.
 

It is held at the Recruit Training Squadron and aims to place trainees under limited controlled stress to:
 

• Develop teamwork/team support in a controlled environment
• Encourage mutual harmony and community well being
• Adapt to Naval discipline and regulations
• Participate in physical fitness/sport
• Understand and develop self-discipline
• Learn how to care for and clean naval uniform
   

Phase two – Corporate Knowledge

The second phase of training gives the basic skills and knowledge to be in the Navy. Apart from academic and practical training there is an emphasis placed on teamwork. You will develop confidence, self-esteem and self-respect. Much of this phase will be spent doing various forms and levels of physical activity which are designed to encourage teamwork, instil personal discipline and foster comradeship.

Parade training is an important part of naval life; it will teach you to think and to work as a team and to complete instruction quickly and correctly. One day in an emergency your life of your comrade’s life may depend on your quick response to a superior’s command. You will learn to think and act without hesitation.
 

Branch Training

You will then move onto Basic Branch Training (BBT) where you will begin learning skills in your chosen trade.
 

Officers

You will complete Junior Officer Common Training (JOCT). This will run over 22 weeks split into three phase:
 

Phase one – Navy Induction

Trainees are instructed in basic service knowledge, discipline, parade and kit preparation. There is a focus on ‘followership’ and teamwork and on developing a high level of physical and mental fitness.
 

The aim of this phase is:
 

• To ensure that course members can perform as effective team members
• To instil the Navy Core Values
• To develop the competency behaviours required of a Junior Officer, and to provide the basic skills and knowledge for service in the Navy
   

Phase two – Sea Qualification and Academic Development

Phase two is focused on fitness for sea and academic development. The training provides trainees with the minimum knowledge and skills necessary to safely post to sea on a Navy Ship. The Sea Qualification Deployment is designed to give trainees an insight into life at sea and for staff to assess trainees in the sea going environment.
 

The aim is to:
 

• Cement and build upon communal living skills
• Gain an appreciation of the roles at sea
• Confirm the course member’s commitment to life at sea
   

Phase two also focuses on academic development. Trainees are lectured in Defence Communication topics such as service writing and oral communication. Officers are expected to have an understanding of wider national and defence policies, international relations and maritime doctrine.
 

Phase three – Leadership

The final phase of JOCT has a strong leadership focus covering both theoretical and practical aspects. The trainees are put through a number of assessments. The assessments are scenario driven and provide the trainees with the opportunity to display their individual and combined skills.