Archana Cini
Lookout Newspaper

Members of the Royal Canadian Navy can now utilise a suite of of eight professional development apps. They are an optional supplement intended to support perishable training and sharpen key skills across the fleet.

Launched in January 2025 by developers within the Naval Training Group Headquarters (NTG HQ) Quality Control with collaboration from the Learning Support Centre (LSC), the apps mark a significant shift in how learning may be approached across the fleet. Current offerings include: CAF Ranks; Collision Regulations; Night Lights Recognition; Damage Control; Ship Fire Systems; Ship Silhouette Recognition; Signal Flags and Pennants; and Signal Flags Canvas. The apps interactively reinforce key RCN knowledge areas through repetition, randomized scenarios, and recognizable visuals —all in a format easy for sailors to navigate.

According to Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2) Michael Schultz, Naval Communicator & Steward Training Manager, the tools have been extremely well-received by sailors. “The response has been incredibly positive so far,” he said. “Learners are often able to access and take advantage of app-based learning easier than traditional methods.”

Other notable benefits of the digital training include: improved accessibility; ability to learn on-the-go; and the opportunity to engage in some friendly competition. To test app and sailor engagement, NTG HQ launched a recognition challenge in February centered on the Signal Flags and Pennants app. With over 150 entries submitted by RCN sailors across both Canadian coasts and Naval Reserve Divisions, the challenge greatly exceeded expectations. S1 Victor Petrusevici of HMCS Vancouver was the top performer, completing the challenge with a flawless score in only 56 seconds.

“Our sailors are motivated and competitive, and these apps have the innate ability to tap into that,” noted CPO2 Schultz. While only eight apps currently exist within the digital training suite, plans are confirmed to develop more in the future. Though upcoming offerings are likely to focus on Sonar Operations training, RCN sailors are also encouraged to submit Learning Support Requests for other app ideas through https://ntglsc.pages.dev.