Boatswain (BOSN)

[digital]

sup all?

anyone here an aspiring Boatswain/Seaman? ive done all the reaseach i possibly could on it searching the  various DND sites and google. my uncle was a Bosn but not in the CF and he's passed on unfortunately. i know of one CF Bosn reservist, but he's away @ Borden or on a MCDV right now. so till i can talk to him again, can anyone give me some info on MARPAC/BOSUNS/NAVY LIFE/ your opinions on your Initial Contract would be greatly appreciated too.

Links i searched: http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/marpac/ ; http://www.recruiting.forces.gc.ca/engraph/career/tradeinfo_e.aspx?id=181&bhcp=1 ; http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/ ; http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca/ ; http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/mspa_navy_life/life_profiles_e.asp?category=5 ; and all the ships websites.

thx all...Hooya!

 

[chief_of_da_fence]

I r Bos'n what can I do for you 

 

[majheath]

Although I didn't post the original question, I'd still like some info!

-What's your typical day like while at sea?   On shore?

-Could you briefly describe your duties?

-How was the occupational training?

-Is there currently a demand for bos'ns?

-Any other useful info you can provide?

Thanks, really appreciate it!   ;D

 

[Marty]

Those are some of the same questions I was wondering about

 

[NavyGunner]

Im not a Bosun but have several friends who are. Hopefully this will shed some light on your questions:

What's your typical day like while at sea?  On shore?

At sea Bosuns stand upper deck watches, generally in a 1-2 rotation (5 hrs on, 7 off, 7 on, 5 off). The stand lookout duties on the upper deck, make general announcements over ships broadcast, and the senior Bosun on the watch acts as the Throttleman while a tech usually drives the ship. When not standing the upper deck watches (but still ON watch) the Bosuns conduct a variety of maintenance procedures.

When posted ashore there are many many options for Bosuns (more options as you gain seniority). I wouldn't suspect you would even get a shore billet with less than 6 years service. Options could include Range Staff, Small arms training, Fleet School Instructor, Small Boats Unit, Boat Shed, Fleet Maintenance, Drill Instructor etc etc.

-Could you briefly describe your duties?

Bosuns do general deck maintenance, guardrail maintenance, small calibre weapons maintenance. They are the â Å“expertsâ ? on small arms, drill and general seamanship evolutions such as RAS (replenishment at sea), fuelling, painting etc.

-How was the occupational training?

Occupational training is short from my understanding and does include navigational training.

-Is there currently a demand for bos'ns?

Yes, there is always demand for Bosuns. They can be considered the â Å“Infantryâ ? of the Navy. There is a requirement for them but the job is undesirable for many.

 

[NavyGunner]

Just look for the monitors with whiteout on the screen.

And â Å“Post Itâ ? notes! I worked for a Bosun last year and he used to say, â Å“I left a note on my computerâ ?. I looked around the corner one day and literally, there were Post It notes all over his computer. ;D :

 

[FSTO]

Couple of more postings on the West Coast

Nanoose (operate the range boats)

CFB Comox (operate the crash rescue boats)
Comox is a sweet place (best kept secret)
Mt Washington ski area is right there (opened a whole new ski area this year), fishing, hunting, hiking anything outdoorsy you want.
Courtney-Comox is a rapidly growing area
Serviced by WestJet
and the Bosn work for the Air Force, and since they don't have a clue as to what you do, you can do what ever you want (within reason)

 

[Hedgehog18]

Hey i tried finding infomation on it but cant hope someone can help...

Is it true that the Boatswain trade is over strenght and harder to get in to now ?

thanks in advance

 

[kincanucks]

Well they only need 15 people this year so they are close.

 

[Hedgehog18]

Is that for reserves or Regular forces..

 

[DogOfWar]

The boatswain trade in the regs is never "hurting". THe reserves needs boatswains. THe regs do not.

 

[kincanucks]

Is that for reserves or Regular forces..

That would be for the regular force. :

 

[Hedgehog18]

so is it like impossible almost to get in the boatswain trade ... like i was thinking Infantry .. but i would really like to be in the boatswain.. is that figure like for the intire year only 15 people ?

 

[kincanucks]

so is it like impossible almost to get in the boatswain trade ... like i was thinking Infantry .. but i would really like to be in the boatswain.. is that figure like for the intire year only 15 people ?

Yes it is hard to get in the trade if there is only 15 positions available.  Impossible no and yes that is for the entire year.  Pick a trade and apply for it and the recruiting centre will tell you if you are competitive for it or not.

 

[Hedgehog18]

Why is boatswain trade such a filled one ?

 

[kincanucks]

Why is boatswain trade such a filled one ?

I don't know.  Maybe because they pay in bananas?

 

[Hedgehog18]

Ha Ha thanks that  helps lol well what trade is there that would be like boatswain ? 

 

[kincanucks]

Ha Ha thanks that   helps lol well what trade is there that would be like boatswain ?  

Infantry

 

[DogOfWar]

I don't know.   Maybe because they pay in bananas?

Delicious bananas, me work hard, me deck ape. Actually I find it funny that a thread about bosun's has a mispelled subject line. LOL.

 

[aesop081]

Delicious bananas, me work hard, me deck ape. Actually I find it funny that a thread about bosun's has a mispelled subject line. LOL.

;D