Students of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN) first Bridge Warfare Officer Course (BWOC) run by Serco Defence graduated at Devonport Naval Base, HMNZS PHILOMEL in May. The course includes theory and practical training focusing on leadership, resource management, time management and navigation, using a simulator.
The seven students received their certificates from Commodore Mat Williams, Maritime Component Commander, RNZN.
Serco provides a team of highly qualified and dedicated specialists to support RNZN Bridge Warfare Officer training. This contract is similar to Serco’s Training Support Services contract which has provided similar services for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) at HMAS Watson in Sydney since 2012. RNZN officers have previously travelled to Sydney to take part in this training, but this is the first time the training has been available in Auckland.
Serco has worked in partnership with the RNZN to develop simulator training systems for officers to learn theoretical and practical skills critical to their Bridge Warfare Officer role. This includes navigation (including astronomical navigation), ship driving, leadership and bridge resource management.
The course, which began in January 2020, has taken longer to complete than anticipated, due to Auckland’s COVID-19 lockdowns. Serco staff were well prepared for the nationwide lockdown, identifying ways to deliver services remotely and managing restrictions on remote learning, such as learning material classifications.
Between March and May last year, Serco staff successfully delivered training services online. Our goal was to provide meaningful learning, using unclassified material that would enable each student to work towards their Bridge Warfare qualification.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but feedback from staff and students and a few tweaks to the programme resulted in a revised training schedule that was accepted by RNZN. Staff adapted well to the specific challenges posed by remote learning, including looking after their mental well-being.
Serco Defence Managing Director Clint Thomas said in addition to a celebration of the students’ success, the graduation marks a key milestone of Serco’s commitment to supporting the New Zealand Defence Force.
“I’m enormously proud of the care and pride demonstrated by the Serco team in providing essential navigation training to the next generation of naval officers and congratulate all students on their professional success especially when considered against the many challenges they have collectively and individually been required to navigate,” Mr Thomas said.
