Comms Operator
Communications rating is known as a ComOp (Communications Operator). Branch training is conducted in the Communications Dept, Naval College (NMCI). The ComOp is trained to operate the full range of communications equipment at the disposal of the Naval Service.
The Naval service possesses some of the most sophisticated equipment available to any Navy in the world, ranging from the hand-held radios used on Boarding Operations to state of the art Satellite Comms equipment.
ComOps are also trained in the basic principles of radio wave propagation and the areas of Morse Code and Visual Signaling using flag hoists etc. At sea as a ComOp you will have a very responsible and challenging role from the onset. Communications Ratings like most other members of the Ships Company (as the crew is called) operate a watch system of 4 hours on and 8 hours off (on call) around the clock while at sea.
| Course | Prerequisites | Outcome |
| Comms Branch Training Ordinary Seaman To Ordinary Communications Operator 17 Weeks |
Must have successfully completed basic training | Internal qualification Group 2 tech pay Qualified as Ordinary ComOp |
| Ordinary Communications Operator to Able Communications Operator 2 ½ Weeks | 3 Months Sea Service as O/ComOp Task book completed |
Qualified as Able ComOp |
| Able ComOp to Leading ComOp 4 Weeks |
Min 2 Years Sea Service as Able ComOp | Eligible for promotion to Leading Communications Operator L/ComOp* |
| Leading ComOp to Petty Officer ComOp 5 ½ Weeks |
Min 2 Years Sea Service as Leading ComOp | Eligible for promotion to Petty Officer Communications Operator (Professional) PO/ComOp** |
| Petty Officer ComOP to Chief Petty Officer ComOp | Min 2 Years Sea Service as Petty Officer ComOp Senior NCO’s Course | Eligible for promotion to Chief Petty Officer Communications Operator CPO/ComOP*** |
* Dependant on passing out of Potential NCO’s Course and Rank Vacancy
** Dependant on passing out of Standard NCO’s Course and Rank Vacancy
*** Dependant on passing out of Senior NCO’s Course or Holding of Class 2 Certificate (Group / Intermediate Certificate/Junior Certificate Military equivalent) and Rank Vacancy
