• Bridge simulator training in action. Serco
    Bridge simulator training in action. Serco
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Throughout two years of intensive training, the Junior Warfare Application Course (JWAC) transforms junior RAN officers into fully qualified Maritime Warfare Officers (MWO) able to manage conflict operations on Australia’s fleet of warships.

During Phase Four of the JWAC, officers are taught complex navigation, bridge management and mariner skills. Using a bridge simulator, the specialist trainers assess officers’ actions and reactions in high-pressure emergency, tactical and warfare situations. The simulator enables manipulation of maritime conditions to provide a realistic training environment.

Successful completion of the JWAC results in officers being awarded their Bridge Warfare Certificate. This qualification allows them to become Officers of the Watch on a Navy warship. In 2018, 77 Navy officers completed the JWAC.

Serco Defence has partnered with Navy to deliver simulator training in Phase Four of the JWAC since 2012.

"Serco Defence proudly congratulates the 42 RAN Maritime Warfare Officers who recently graduated with their Bridge Warfare qualifications," the company said.

"Serco Defence HMAS Watson team members are all former service men and women who have served with the RAN or the Royal NZ Navy.

"Their collective experience and enthusiasm for delivering premier training, mentoring and support to JWAC students has resulted in Serco maintaining a close and successful partnership with the Bridge Training Faculty uniformed staff."

“The whole team is dedicated to ensuring Navy officers have every chance to succeed during the course,” Serco Defence Managing Director Clint Thomas said. “The final phase is a crucial part of their training, and we work hard to ensure the simulators provide an exceptionally realistic training environment.

"An additional Full Mission Simulator will be operational next year to meet the Navy’s demands for more qualified MWOs across their expanding fleet.”

The Junior Warfare Application Course is conducted in four phases. Phase One covers basic navigation and mariner skills. Phase Two requires students to spend 20 weeks at sea, consolidating what they have learned. Phase Three teaches officers advanced mariner skills, bridge management and complex navigation. In Phase Four, officers put all they have learned throughout the course into practice during 22 weeks of bridge simulator training, which includes mastering complex war fighting techniques.

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