Divisional Officers BRd 2

CHAPTER 18

DIVISIONAL OFFICERS

(MOD Sponsor: DNLM)

CONTENTS

Para
1801. The Divisional System
1802. Divisional Officer’s Responsibilities
1803. Unallocated

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BRd 2 Divisional Officers

CHAPTER 18

DIVISIONAL OFFICERS

1801. The Divisional System

1. The divisional system is the RN’s most potent mechanism for delivering leadership,
sound management and ultimately, operational capability. It is also a vital line of
communication between officers and ratings for the dissemination of information and the
collection of feed back.

2. Assisted by heads of departments and the Executive Warrant Officer, the Executive
Officer has responsibility for the divisional system in a unit. The Commanding Officer bears
responsibility for providing divisional support to officers.

1802. Divisional Officer’s Responsibilities

1. Divisional Officers must know their ratings. Ratings cannot be expected to follow
unless they know their leaders. This is the basis of trust. “Walking the patch” is therefore
an essential part of every DO’s daily duty.

2. The primary duties of a Divisional Officer are to know, command, lead and manage
their division. Within these are specific responsibilities, amongst others, for pastoral care,
motivation, morale, teamwork, personal development and recreation. Notwithstanding the
procedural and administrative aspects of their work, Divisional Officers will be judged
principally by their effectiveness in leading their people.

3. A sound divisional structure has the Divisional Officer supported by a number of

Divisional Senior Rates and Leading Hands. In order to achieve strength in depth, they are
to be given the fullest responsibility within the divisional system commensurate with the
permitted limits of delegation and their own level of experience. Providing a good example,
coaching and insistence on high standards are important factors in developing the
necessary effect, particularly in relation to the need for unswerving fairness in all dealings
with subordinates. In addition, Divisional Officers are to ensure that their subordinates in
positions of authority are fully aware of the universal duty to preserve good order and
discipline at all times and of the need to keep themselves informed of any cause of
complaint or dissatisfaction on the lower deck.

4. Written Reports. Members of divisions receive reports on professional performance

from Divisional Senior Rates or Divisional Officers according to their rate. In the former
case, Divisional Officers must coach their Divisional Senior Rates in the mechanics of
induction, performance management and reporting. Divisional Officers also assist second
reporting officers (at CO/HOD level) with their comments on potential for all divisional
members.

5. Every Divisional Officer should have a copy of, and be familiar with, BR 1992
“Divisional Handbook”. It must also be readily accessible to Divisional Senior Rates and
Leading Hands.

1803. Unallocated.

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