Navy Steward

Tasks & duties

Navy stewards may do some or all of the following:

• basic cooking
• present and serve meals to officers
• serve food and drink to guests at official receptions
• look after officers' cabins and rooms
• operate the bar and look after the catering and wine accounts
• do a variety of cleaning duties
• help with storing the ship's supplies
• work as a fire-fighter, first aid assistant or ammunition handler during combat

Skills & knowledge

Navy stewards need to have:

• knowledge of how to serve food and drink
• knowledge of food safety and hygiene
• knowledge of navy regulations and safety procedures
• food handling and preparation skills
• good communication and people skills
• practical skills
• retention and memory skills
• organisational skills
• basic accounting skills

Entry requirements

To enter the Royal NZ Navy you must be at least 17 years old and have no criminal convictions. You also need to pass educational, medical and fitness tests.

To become a navy steward you need at least three years of secondary education. A pass in two School Certificate subjects, or NCEA equivalent, is recommended.

Tertiary education

All Navy personnel are given the opportunity to complete relevant part-time tertiary studies (fully paid for by the Royal NZ Navy) throughout their career. Relevant tertiary studies for Navy stewards include foreign languages, bar management, and hospitality courses.

Training on the job

On-the-job training begins with a 14-week basic common training course at the Royal NZ Naval College. Following this, you complete a 10-week able steward course. As part of the course you undertake New Zealand Qualifications Authority unit standards, and on successful completion of the course and a written examination you are awarded the City and Guilds of London Institute Certificate in Food and Beverage Service. A further six to 12 months shore-based training programme occurs before you receive your first posting to sea. 

Useful experience

Useful experience includes involvement in youth organisations or team activities, and a regular fitness programme. Food and bar service and computer skills are also helpful.

Related courses

Food and Beverage Service
Hospitality

For more information, please refer to Career Services.