Navy
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Live a story worth telling
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Live a story worth telling
The greatest stories come from the smallest of moments, the people you meet, the bonds you make and the support you bring to those who need it most.
Defending our country and people
Alongside the Army and Air Force, the Navy is responsible for defending Australia, its coastline, its shipping lanes and its citizens. This includes protecting our waters from illegal fishing, drug running and illegal immigration, and contributing to regional security. The Navy also supports global interests by providing maritime patrol and response, maintaining a strategic strike capability, protecting shipping, offshore territories and resources, as well as collecting and evaluating maritime intelligence.
Keeping the oceans safe for shipping
On a day-to-day basis, the Navy provides services that keep the waters safe for shipping and professional or recreational seagoing. These include maritime search and rescue service, hydrographic surveys for navigational purposes, anti-piracy operations, meteorological support operations and maritime escort duties.
Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Missions
As well as defending our nation, the Navy is on permanent standby to participate in a broad range of operations in Australia and overseas. These include supporting international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, and helping communities affected by natural disasters such as fire, flood and earthquake.
What we do
Navy history
Traditions we honour
You’ll become part of time-honoured traditions that serve as a reminder of our rich history. They are important in building the Navy’s ‘esprit de corps’ – our spirit of comradeship and our commitment to each cause.
- The salute, dating back to the Middle Ages when knights used to raise their visors as both a greeting and a symbol of mutual respect, belief, and trust.
- The giving of medals to recognise outstanding effort and gallantry, or involvement in significant campaigns or missions.
- The Colours ceremony when the Australian White Ensign and Australian National Flag are hoisted at 8 am and lowered at sunset (though the Australian White Ensign is flown 24 hours a day at sea).
- The Ceremonial Sunset, which is one of the oldest and most significant of Navy ceremonies, lowering the Australian White Ensign to conclude days of special importance.
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Life on Deck with Submariner Jess
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Life on Deck with Submariner Jess
Real stories
Life in the navy
As a submariner, you'll gather intelligence and support operations to protect Australia and its coastline.
Submariner benefits
There’s plenty of benefits that come with being a submariner. Here are just a few:
Workplace
Share unique experiences with a tight-knit team onboard one of the world’s most extraordinary workplaces.
Technology
Work with cutting-edge technology and take on rewarding challenges unlike anything else.
Travel
Travel the world above and below the ocean’s surface, with plenty of time to explore.
Training
Learn from the best with world-class training and paid education opportunities that continue throughout your career.
Job security
Future-proof your career and enjoy the job security of a vital role that has longevity.
Purpose
Play a key role in protecting Australia and its coastline.
Competitive Salary
Great salary from day one, which increases with experience.
Superannuation
A generous superannuation of 16.4% – that’s 4.9% over the Australian standard.
Discover what life is like in the Navy as a submariner
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A year in the life of a submariner
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A year in the life of a submariner
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Behind the Scenes with HMAS Dechaineux
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Behind the Scenes with HMAS Dechaineux
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Experience what HMAS Stirling has to offer
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Experience what HMAS Stirling has to offer
Have Questions? Find what you need
Meet our submariners
Nuclear-Powered Submarines
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Nuclear Powered Submarine Task Force
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Nuclear Powered Submarine Task Force
Submariner Training
Communication Networks Operator Submariner
Keep your crew in the know by monitoring, managing and analysing subsurface communications, signals and systems.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner
Oversee the control, navigation and safety of a Navy submarine in a role that will build and challenge your leadership and management abilities.
Ways to enter role
Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: OfficerOfficer Entry: Undergraduate
Electronics Technician Submariner
Maintain underwater sensors, communications equipment, navigation aids and weapons systems in this technical trade role.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
World class capability
Join the Navy at a pivotal moment in history. You may start out crewing a Collins Class submarine and transition to our nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Nuclear-powered submarines are a game-changing capability. These state-of-the-art platforms, with superior stealth, speed and range, meet Australia’s long-term defence needs.
Operating from bases around Australia.
Weapons and Sensors Operator
Contribute to operational decision-making by using sensors, including SONAR, RADAR and combat data systems to provide tactical recommendations about potential threats to Command.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner
Oversee the control, navigation and safety of a Navy submarine in a role that will build and challenge your leadership and management abilities.
Ways to enter role
Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: OfficerOfficer Entry: Undergraduate
Helicopter Airframe Technician
Maintain, trouble-shoot and repair state-of-the-art helicopters or uncrewed aerial vehicles to ensure they operate safely and efficiently onboard ships and ashore.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Communication Networks Operator Submariner
Keep your crew in the know by monitoring, managing and analysing subsurface communications, signals and systems.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Recent updates to Navy’s application process and service requirements have made opportunities even more accessible and achievable.
Fitness requirements
A Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA) is no longer a requirement for Navy roles, except for Divers. To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life. For more information, check out the Fitness Requirements - ADF Careers.
Period of Service requirements
Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) is the minimum time you agree to serve when you join the Navy. It’s your way of committing to the team and ensuring you get the most out of your experience. General Entry Sailor roles now have an IMPS of between 2 and 3 years for all applicants.
Explore the General Entry Sailor roles below.
Helicopter Airframe Technician
Maintain, trouble-shoot and repair state-of-the-art helicopters or uncrewed aerial vehicles to ensure they operate safely and efficiently onboard ships and ashore.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Helicopter Avionics Technician
Maintain state-of-the-art anti-submarine helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles. Plus, trouble shoot weapons, communications and navigation systems in this exciting aviation role.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Electronics Technician
Maintain, operate, and repair complex communication, navigation, surveillance and weapon systems, ensuring our ships are always ready for action.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: TechnicalGeneral Entry: Qualified
Electronics Technician Submariner
Maintain underwater sensors, communications equipment, navigation aids and weapons systems in this technical trade role.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Electrical Fitter
Take your trade to the next level, maintaining the engineering and mechanical systems onboard Navy vessels to ensure they remain fully operational and mission capable.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: TechnicalGeneral Entry: Qualified
Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic
Maintain and operate engineering and mechanical systems onboard ships and ashore.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: TechnicalGeneral Entry: Qualified
Fabricator
Keep Navy ships operational and mission-ready while working towards a nationally recognised qualification in a role delivering adventure, job satisfaction and career progression.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: TechnicalGeneral Entry: Qualified
Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic Submariner
Keep Navy submarines fully operational and mission capable by maintaining the onboard propulsion systems while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Electrical Fitter Submariner
Help keep Navy submarines mission ready by maintaining and operating onboard electrical systems while working towards a Certificate III in Electrical Fitting.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Weapons and Sensors Operator
Contribute to operational decision-making by using sensors, including SONAR, RADAR and combat data systems to provide tactical recommendations about potential threats to Command.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Communication Networks Operator Submariner
Keep your crew in the know by monitoring, managing and analysing subsurface communications, signals and systems.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Communications Operator
Keep your crew in the know by operating high-tech communications systems to send, receive and analyse classified information during Navy operations and missions.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Networks Operator
Keep the lines of communication onboard a Navy ship open and secure by managing, maintaining and operating high-tech ICT networks.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Chef
Keep the Navy nourished and fit for duty as you cook, prepare and serve meals to fuel your team at sea and ashore.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technicalGeneral Entry: Qualified
Cyber Operator
Find hidden messages, identify threats, respond to cyber incidents and keep networks protected in this highly classified role.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Electronic Warfare Operator
Be the ship’s eyes and ears and give your team an edge at sea by using cutting edge surveillance systems to intercept, identify and disrupt potential threats.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Helicopter Controller
Play a key role in managing incoming and outgoing aircraft from the ship's flight deck.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Hospitality Services Operator
Gain specialised skills in front-of-house operations, retail services, financial management, Navy hospitality and event coordination, all while enhancing international relations.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Hospitality Services Operator Submariner
Gain skills in front-of-house operations, retail services, financial management, and official hospitality and event coordination while enhancing ADF international relations.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Hydrographic Surveyor
Ensure safe navigation by delivering Geospatial Warfare effects in the maritime environment by collecting, reviewing and distributing environmental data to create nautical charts.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Intelligence Analyst – Linguist
Learn another language for work in highly classified environments, both at sea and ashore, to intercept and analyse communication transmissions to support Navy missions.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Intelligence Analyst – Systems Operator
Exercise your problem-solving skills using sophisticated technology to intercept and analyse signal transmissions in support of intelligence operations in this rewarding role.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Medic Submariner
Care for the welfare and medical needs of your fellow submariners by providing healthcare onboard a submarine.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Military Police
Provide law enforcement, security and emergency management, upholding service discipline to contribute to the security and protection of national interests.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Mine Warfare Operator
Become a Mine Warfare expert that operates cutting-edge, high-tech sensors, remote and autonomous vehicles which aid in the defence of Australia's strategic shipping lanes and trade interests.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Musician
Take your musical talent to the next level, travelling across Australia and overseas performing in a variety of bands and ensembles at functions and high-profile events.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Qualified
Navy Diver
Be a part of diving missions involving mine clearance, demolitions, neutralising explosives, search and salvage operations, maintenance and more.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Personnel Administration Specialist
Provide specialist administrative support, advice and personnel management services for Navy members at sea and ashore.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Physical Training Instructor
Keep the Navy fit and healthy by coaching and designing strength and conditioning programs.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Qualified
Seamanship and Small Arms Specialist
Enjoy a career at sea that will give you skills in seamanship, small boat handling, operation of weapons, driving the ship and more.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Sonar Operator
Operate the high-tech sensors that provide essential intelligence to your commanders, working in the uniquely supportive environment of a submarine.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Warehouse Storeperson
No two days are the same in this enterprising role where you’ll manage supplies, equipment and provisions for the Navy, both ashore and at sea.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Warehouse Storeperson Submariner
Experience a workplace like nowhere else in an enterprising role where you’ll manage a submarine’s inventory, equipment and provisions, both ashore and at sea.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Medic
Provide advanced first aid, pre-hospital emergency care, medical evacuation services and nursing care for the sick and wounded – at sea and ashore.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Aircrew
Take to the skies in a Navy helicopter and undertake a variety of rewarding missions like search and rescue, anti-submarine operations and aerial weapon support.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-technical
Sonar Technician Nuclear Submariner
Give command the operational and situational awareness needed to execute missions by configuring, operating and maintaining sonar and scientific data collection systems.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Electronic Warfare Network Technician Nuclear Submariner
Help keep Australia’s submarines mission-ready by operating and maintaining the sophisticated surveillance systems onboard a Virginia class submarine.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Communication Network Technician Nuclear Submariner
Contribute to the success of Navy missions by operating and maintaining the various networked systems that enable mission-critical communications onboard a Virginia class submarine.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Mechanical Fitter Nuclear Submariner
Play a critically important role by maintaining and repairing the systems that keep the vessel habitable and mission-ready on board a Virginia class submarine.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Weapons Fitter Nuclear Submariner
Keep the weapons systems, from torpedoes to small arms, operating effectively in this unique and meaningful role onboard a Virginia class submarine.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Navigation Systems Technician Nuclear Submariner
Put your skills to the test in a unique environment, maintaining and operating the latest nuclear submarine navigation and electronics systems onboard a Virginia class submarine.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Weapons and Sensors Network Technician Nuclear Submariner
Take on a role that will draw on your electronics expertise and sound judgment, operating and maintaining the combat and weapons systems onboard a Virginia class submarine.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
