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
Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner
Ways to enter role
Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: OfficerOfficer Entry: Undergraduate
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.
Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner
Ways to enter role
Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: OfficerOfficer Entry: Undergraduate
Meteorological and Oceanographic Officer
Ways to enter role
Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: GraduateOfficer Entry: Undergraduate
Surface Warfare Officer
Ways to enter role
Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: OfficerOfficer Entry: Undergraduate
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.
Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic
Ways to enter role
General Entry: TechnicalGeneral Entry: Qualified
Electronic Warfare Network Technician Nuclear Submariner
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Weapons and Sensors Network Technician Nuclear Submariner
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
