Naval Warfare Officer

As a member of the military, Naval Warfare Officers manage and direct the 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, 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.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part-time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Naval Warfare Officers, or NWOs, sail all over the world in support of Canada’s naval priorities, including multi-national exercises and deployments; and sovereignty patrols here in Canadian waters. They’re part of a high-performance team, tasked with all aspects of the day-to-day running of the ship, from navigation and seamanship, to above-water and underwater warfare, information management, and communications. They’re also in charge of the ship’s boarding party and dive team.

Being a Naval Warfare Officer means getting to see many parts of the world – be it sailing in the Caribbean, the Arctic, the North Atlantic, or the Mediterranean. Canada’s Navy has operations that span the globe.

After completing their preliminary training, Naval Warfare Officers are posted to an operational ship either in Halifax, Nova Scotia or just outside Victoria, B.C., where they spend the next two years. Officers immediately begin their practical training that leads to two qualifications. Alongside, they work towards an Officer of the Day qualification. That’s where the captain trusts them to look after the ship when it’s alongside in port. While at sea, NWOs earn their Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate, which allows them to be put in charge of the ship while it’s sailing.

Leadership and teamwork are two of the core skills for Naval Warfare Officers. It’s a challenging job with many growth opportunities, right up to being in command of the ship. In fact, all ship and submarine captains in the Royal Canadian Navy are Naval Warfare Officers.

A typical day at sea for any officer can include practical experience and team training such as simulated fire, flood, or medical emergencies called damage control, that involve the entire ship’s company. When not on duty, Naval Warfare Officers have time to exercise and relax with colleagues. They eat their meals together, have personal access to internet and email, and communicate regularly with friends and family back home by satellite telephone.

Related Civilian Occupations

• Mate, Master or Captain of merchant ships
• Mate, Master or Captain of Coast Guard vessels
• Mate, Master or Captain of passenger liners

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.

Part time options

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