Join the Naval Reserves
The Royal New Zealand Navy Volunteer Reserve (RNZNVR) is an integral part of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN); ten percent of the Navy's personnel strength is Reservists. Naval Reserve personnel train for Sea Service in support of Multi-Agency Taskings and for duties ashore in Maritime Trade Operations; in addition they provide supplementary personnel for the RNZN, both in peacetime and times of emergency. All branches have full career opportunities as ratings, and selected personnel may be offered commissions as Naval Reserve Officers.
Sea Service
The purpose of the Navy has always been to supply maritime defence for New Zealand’s interest. This relies on the men and women of sea service forming the crews that sail everything from an Inshore Patrol Vessel to a Frigate. As a member of the sea service you can expect to be trained in Damage Control, seamanship and weapon handling. You will be constantly finding new skills as your vessel performs multi agency taskings with the customs service, fisheries or conservation.
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Jobs available in the Naval Reserve
Seaman
Maritime Trade Organisation
Engineer
We are always on the lookout for people who are interested in the sea and who would like to serve their country at the same time. Make no mistake, Naval Reservists are genuine uniformed members of the New Zealand Defence Force and their contribution to our country is valuable and worthwhile.
Jobs in the Sea Service branch are as either Seamen or Engineers, with the latter split into Diesel or Electrical specialisations. Seamen are responsible for the ship and its safe navigation, while Engineers take care of the propulsion and electrical systems. Jobs in the Maritime Trade Organisation involve liaison with Port and Shipping companies, plotting safe routes for merchant ships, naval communications and providing the link between merchant shipping and naval operations.
For more information contact online: Naval Reserves.
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Training and Exercise Plans
Naval reservists have a commitment to undertake a minimum of20 days training each year. This is comprised of some evening parades at the local training headquarters and a period of full time training either at sea, on a formal course, or in a naval exercise. During this time you are expected to gain and maintain a standard of fitness.
As well as contributing to the individual's knowledge and skill levels, completion of these activities is a requirement for promotion to the next rank. In return you will be paid for the duties which are undertaken and receive an annual gratuity payment. Naval reservists come from all walks of life. Lawyers, building contractors, motor mechanics, electricians and university students put on their naval uniforms whilst serving / training and become 'part time sailors'. As well as learning their naval jobs they gain valuable life and personal skills from the wide range of naval and community based activities in which they become involved.
Life in the Naval Reserve is busy, challenging and “less ordinary”. In addition to their full-time civilian occupations, Naval reservists are also high achievers in their roles as 'part time sailors'.
Naval Reserve units train their personnel to carry out two main tasks, Sea Service and Maritime Trade Operations (MTO). Personnel involved in the Sea Service role train at sea and belong to what is known as the Sea Service branches. Service in the MTO branch is usually shore based.