Samenvatting

The Royal Netherlands Navy operates on, above and below the surface of the sea. What does this mean for the naval officer? First of all, he operates in an inherently dangerous environ-ment. The sea itself, as well as life and work on board, harbours many dangers. Secondly, it isimpossible for the crew to leave the ship during periods at sea, which can last up to about eight weeks. The ship forms a close and self-reliant community. In other words, the crew have to sail the ship safely, together. Basic naval or nautical training at the Royal Netherlands Naval College in Den Helder is oriented towards this. After a short historical survey of the basic naval training of the aspirant naval officer or midshipman of the Seaman Branch over the past few centuries, the present-day organization of basic naval training within the curriculum of the College and the various tools employed in it will be described.