Officer of the watch, Royal New Zealand Navy

Lt Fiona Jamieson’s goal is to become captain of her own ship. Picture / CPL Chris Hillock, RNZAF

Name: Lt Fiona Jamieson
Age: 24
Role: Officer of the watch, Royal New Zealand Navy, based on the frigate Te Mana
Working hours: Essentially shift work, and weeks at a time at sea.
Pay range: Around $55,000
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in psychology and geography, University of Auckland 

When did you know you wanted this career?

I found out about the Navy at a career expo when I was in fourth form. I wanted a job that was going to challenge me mentally as well as practically, and something that would be more fun than sitting behind a desk. I just loved the sea, and the Navy was going to put me through university which was pretty important to me - it meant that I didn't have to sponge off my parents.

Describe what you do

I'm in charge of the ship for four-hour periods as a watch-keeper. It's a varied job - when I'm not on the bridge, I run the sports and Maori cultural groups on board. I've been on Te Mana 18 months and I'll spend the rest of this year on her.

Where have you served?

Around Australia and New Zealand and the South Pacific. I did nine months in the Gulf last year, when we were boarding dhows, gathering as much intelligence as we could, and trying to stop people smuggling goods and people in support of terrorism.

How do you cope with being so far from home for extended periods?

You psychologically detach yourself a bit, and coming home it's quite hard to get back into your normal life.

And how do you cope living at such close quarters?

There are times when you want a bit of your own space, but you can find it by going and sitting aft and reading a book. And you do go ashore fairly frequently, every five to 10 days.

What skills and qualities do you need?

You need leadership potential, confidence and the ability to make decisions on the spot. As an officer of the watch, spatial awareness is essential or you won't be able to drive the ship. But I guess someone successful is respected by their superiors, peers and subordinates and is someone who makes driving the ship under pressure look easy, by being ahead of the curve.

What sort of training or experience do you get on the job?

The Navy teaches the requirements of navigation and warfare - there are three certificate levels. Grade one [the highest] is being able to drive the warship under any circumstances. I'm just about grade one.

What is the best part of the job?

Driving a $600 million warship with 170 people on board who depend on me to keep them safe. Pride in representing your country. The people and the travel.

What is your ultimate goal?

To become a captain of my own ship.

Is the Navy as hierarchical as it sounds?

The rank structure is necessary in order to conduct our duties, so everyone knows who to turn to. But once you walk out of the working environment, everyone's everyone. In the wardroom - that's where we relax together - you're looking at people who joined six months ago and people who have been there 15 or 20 years. But we're all friends and all part of a little family.

Is it hard being a woman in a field which is still male-dominated?

There are not a large number of female watch-keepers, but that's more to do with the fact that you're away so much - that's a choice, not a gender issue.

Being a female isn't a problem - you've got 170 brothers watching your back. In the wardroom I've got 20 brothers who are not going to let anything happen to me. It's pretty tight.

If I wanted a job like yours, how would I go about it?

Check out the Navy website

What advice would you have for someone contemplating a career like yours?

If you want to be an officer, you have to be independent. Have a go - find out about it.