Fleet commander

Fleet commanders ensure that naval vessels are ready for inclusion in operations, and are maintained in compliance with rules and regulations. They also supervise naval personnel and are responsible for the operations of the naval service.

The following job titles also refer to fleet commander:

deputy chief of naval staff
navy commander
commander of fleet
naval commander
royal navy commander

High school diploma is generally required to work as fleet commander. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Fleet commander is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to fleet commander.

army general
brigadier
navy officer
colonel
lieutenant

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of fleet commander. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of fleet commander with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of fleet commander.

Navy operations: The operational procedures and regulations of military naval organisations, on base and on ships during missions.
Military code: The code language used in specific intelligence or military organisations and operations, how to use and decipher them.

These skills are necessary for the role of fleet commander.

Manage vessel fleet: Manage a vessel fleet owned by a company; know the exact fleet capacity, maintenance requirements and official licenses required/held.
Ensure public safety and security: Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
Defend human rights: Protect human rights towards and between colleagues and also towards the civil populations one is in contact with.
Devise military tactics: Devise the strategic and tactical components of a military operation, taking into account the available equipment and assigning tasks to the different troops, and supervising the use of weapons and other battle equipment.
Apply navy operation procedures: Apply the procedures involved in naval operations on base or during missions on ships, ensuring that operations are compliant with naval regulations.
Supervise crew: Supervise and observe the behaviour of employees.
Analyse ship operations: Provide a snapshot of ship operations and the manner in which systems are operated and maintained. Provide information for action that could be taken to improve performance, or to correct weaknesses.
Delegate activities: Delegate activities and tasks to others according to the ability, level of preparation, competence and legal scope of practice. Make sure that people understand what they should do and when they should do it.
Ensure compliance with policies: Ensure compliance with legislation and company procedures in respect of health and safety in the workplace and public areas. Ensure awareness and compliance with all company policies in relation to health and safety and equal opportunities in the workplace.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of fleet commander. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Ship related legislative requirements: Conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concerning safety of life at sea, security and protection of the marine environment.
Military combat techniques: The fighting techniques specific to military operations, using military weapons and equipment, and the regulations concerning military combat actions.
Military weaponry: The types of arms used by different military organisations, such as army, navy or air force and in different nations worldwide; the weapons’ aspects, damage potential and ways to defend against them.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of fleet commander. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe ship environment: Ensure a safe on board environment for crew and passengers.
Lead military troops: Lead the actions of military troops on the field during a mission, either combat, humanitarian or otherwise defensive, compliant with the strategies devised prior to the operation and ensuring communication with other troops is maintained.
Coordinate the ship crew: Coordinate the daily activities of the crew. Ensure that each member of the deck department understands and performs his/her assigned duties adequately. Assist the captain with training and orientation of new crew. Coordinate line-handling during manoeuvres. Monitor deck maintenance and safety. Plan each day’s work to achieve the most from each deck crewmember.
Manage budgets: Plan, monitor and report on the budget.
Manage staff: Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.
Ensure vessel security: Ensure that security requirements for vessels are met according to legal norms. Check if the security equipment is in place and operational. Communicate with marine engineers to ensure that the technical parts of the vessel functioning effectively and can perform as necessary for the upcoming journey.
Manage troop deployment: Manage the deployment of troops to areas in conflict, or in need of aid, and oversee the deployment procedures. Manage the deployment of the troops within an area for specific missions, and ensure the troops and resources are allocated to the missions in compliance with tactical considerations and safety of the troops.
Ensure information security: Ensure that the information gathered during surveillance or investigations remains in the hands of those authorised to receive and use it, and does not fall into enemy or otherwise non-authorised individuals’ hands.
Manage administrative systems: Ensure administrative systems, processes and databases are efficient and well managed and give the sound basis to work together with the administrative officer/staff/professional.
Inspect vessel: Inspect vessels to ensure their effective and safe operation. Keep the vessel and its equipment in conformance to regulations.
Set organisational policies: Participate in setting organisational policies that cover issues such as participant eligibility, program requirements, and program benefits for the service users.
Maintain operational communications: Maintain communications between different departments of an organisation, between the staff, or during specific operations or missions, to ensure that the operation or mission is successful, or that the organisation functions smoothly.
Review ship documentation: Review ship documentation related to cargo shipping permits, public health information, crew members and activities, and other compliance regulation.
Train naval crew: Train the crew of a navy base and ships in the regulations of navy operations and relevant knowledge and skills to a navy, ensuring the crew’s welfare.

110 – Commissioned armed forces officers

 

 

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References

1. Fleet commander – ESCO