Royal Canadian Navy Code of Conduct
Alternate Formats

Our Naval Compass: Collective and individual principles of the RCN Code of Conduct.
1. Identification
NAVORD 1001-0
Date of Issue: 2015-11-18
Application
This Naval Order (NAVORD) applies to members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who serve or are employed in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).
Supersession
Nil
Approval Authority
This NAVORD is issued by the Commander RCN (CRCN) under the authority of QR&O 4.12.
Enquiries
Director Naval Personnel and Training (D Nav P&T 2-3).
2. Introduction
2.1 Context
Personnel employed in the RCN are expected to maintain the highest standard of personal conduct at all times. The RCN Code of Conduct reinforces the DND and CAF Code of Values and Ethics, thereby guiding personnel in their daily duties and activities, and outlining what is expected of them.
The RCN encourages and promotes a respectful and professional working environment. Personnel employed in the RCN must strive to adopt this lifestyle and, at all times, abide by the RCN principles of being ready for service and of serving Canada before self, an attitude that is reflected in the ‘Ready Aye Ready’ RCN motto.
2.2 CRCN Intent
The intention of the CRCN is for all personnel employed in the RCN to understand and adhere to the four CAF core military values, namely: Duty, Integrity, Loyalty and Courage. It is expected that personnel will conduct themselves to the highest standard at all times, on and off duty, in and out of uniform, at sea and ashore, at home and abroad. It is the responsibility of the Divisional System, through Deck Plate Leadership, to communicate, emphasize, teach and exemplify the essence and the importance of these four CAF core military values in a way that reflects the realities of service at sea and thus resonates with our sailors.
3. Conduct
3.1 Appropriate Conduct
Behaviour that conforms to prevailing norms, standards or laws (military and civilian), that at a minimum does not bring the reputation of an individual or a group into discredit.
3.2 Misconduct/Unacceptable Behaviour
Unprofessional, reckless, deliberate, or negligent behaviour that breaches established standards of conduct or ethics, and which may bring the reputation of any individual or their organization into discredit. The CAF identifies several types of misconduct (e.g., academic, alcohol, sexual).
4. Core Values
All personnel employed in the RCN should understand and adhere to the four CAF core military values. The principles of Duty, Integrity, Loyalty and Courage are expanded upon below from both an individual and group perspective.
5. Duty
5.1 Definition
Duty entails service to Canada and compliance with the law. It calls for individuals to train hard, pursue professional self-development, and carry out tasks in a manner that reflects pride in themselves, their unit and their profession.
5.2 Collective Principles
We remain operationally focussed while being mindful of our role as ambassadors for Canada, whether at home or abroad.
5.3 Individual Principles
I serve Canada, the CAF and the RCN before self.
6. Integrity
6.1 Definition
Integrity implies a commitment to moral principles and obligations. Accordingly, being a person of integrity demands honesty, the avoidance of deception and adherence to high ethical standards. Integrity means doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances.
6.2 Collective Principles
We serve with honour and obey regulations, orders and instructions at all times.
6.3 Individual Principles
I am responsible and accountable for my actions.
7.1 Loyalty
7.2 Definition
Loyalty must be reciprocal and based on mutual trust. It requires that all RCN personnel support and obey lawful orders and directions. In return, leaders must ensure their subordinates are treated fairly and in a manner consistent with professional military values.
7.3 Collective Principles
We fulfill our duties and act in a manner that reflects positively on the CAF and the RCN.
7.4 Individual Principles
I obey lawful commands and orders and my actions reflect CAF and RCN values.
8. Courage
8.1 Definition
Courage is both physical and moral. It is the ability to control fear or do what is right when faced with difficult situations.
8.2 Collective Principles
In the face of adversity we act with determination and perseverance to meet the demands of our profession.
8.3 Individual Principles
I do what is right.
9. Deck Plate Leadership
9.1 Definition
Deck Plate Leadership is the act of actively engaging and interacting with subordinates in their workspaces. It involves not only being present, but participating in their daily routines and looking after their well-being.
Through Deck Plate Leadership, RCN personnel lead by example, demonstrate what right looks like, and behave with respect and in a manner that brings credit to our Navy.
Deck Plate Leadership is achieved by leading, developing, communicating, and supporting subordinates while consistently exemplifying the expectations of the RCN Code of Conduct.
9.2 Outcome
Good Deck Plate Leadership results in increased morale, productivity, esprit de corps and fosters appropriate behaviour.
10. Responsibility
10.1 Table of Shared Responsibilities
All members of the CAF who serve or are employed in the RCN are expected to adhere to the RCN Code of Conduct.
All | are responsible for … |
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10.2 Table of Leadership Responsibilities
Leaders within the RCN are required to assume increasing responsibilities in communicating and exemplifying the RCN Code of Conduct and the four core military values. Each responsibility specific to a seniority level escalates from and encompasses those of its subordinate levels. The following table is not exhaustive as promoting acceptable conduct is, above all, an inherent leadership responsibility.
The … | is/are responsible for … |
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Flag Officers |
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Senior Officers |
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Junior Officers |
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Chief Petty Officers First Class |
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Senior Non-Commissioned Members |
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Supervisors (including those mentioned above) |
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10.3 Table of Specific Responsibilities
The … | is/are responsible for … |
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D Nav P&T |
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CNPTG |
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Commanders, Commandants, and Commanding Officers |
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11. References
11.1 Source References
- DND and CAF Code of Values and Ethics
- Duty with Honour – The Profession of Arms in Canada, A-AP-005-000/AP-001
- CFJP 01 Canadian Military Doctrine
-
Guide to the Divisional System – Chapter 3 on RCN Code of Conduct (to be promulgated)
11.2 Related References
- DAOD 5019 Series
- DAOD 7023 Series
- RCN Executive Plan – 2013 to 2017
- NAVGEN 017/14 141224Z JUL 14 PERSONAL CONDUCT
- External Review Report on Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces 27 March 2015
- CDS OP ORDER – OP HONOUR, 14 August 2015
- RCN OP ORDER – OP HONOUR, 10 September 2015