Navy
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.
Real stories
Life in the navy
Discover what life is like in the Navy as a submariner
Submariner Training
Meet our submariners
Electronics Engineer Submariner
Lead a team that maintains advanced combat, self-defence, sensor, communications and intelligence systems, working in a challenging yet rewarding environment.
Ways to enter role
Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: GraduateOfficer 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
Hospitality Services Operator Submariner
Join our team as a Hospitality Service Operator Submariner where you’ll gain specialised skills in hospitality front-of-house operations, retail services, financial management, and Navy Official Hospitality and event coordination all while enhancing international relations for the ADF and more.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Nuclear-Powered Submarines
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
Use sensors, radars and combat data systems to provide tactical recommendations about potential threats.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner
Oversee the control, navigation, and safety of Navy Submarines at sea and in harbour.
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 unmanned aerial vehicles in this exciting aviation role.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Communication Networks Operator Submariner
Be the subsurface communications link operating radios and IT systems to exchange top-secret information onboard submarines.
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 unmanned aerial vehicles in this exciting aviation role.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Helicopter Avionics Technician
Work on state-of-the-art anti-submarine helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles to maintain and trouble-shoot aircraft weapons, communications and navigation systems in this exciting aviation trade role.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Electronics Technician
Maintain advanced weapon systems, communications, combat management systems and sensor equipment in this technical trade role.
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
Maintain and operate electrical systems onboard ships and ashore, and work towards a Certificate III in Electrical Fitting.
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, and work towards a Certificate III in Engineering – Fixed Mobile and Plant Mechanics.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: TechnicalGeneral Entry: Qualified
Fabricator
Maintain and diagnose the ship’s hull, structural and auxiliary systems at sea and ashore, and work towards a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: TechnicalGeneral Entry: Qualified
Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic Submariner
Maintain and operate propulsion systems onboard submarines to ensure the vessels remain fully operational and mission capable, and work towards a Certificate III in Engineering – Fixed Mobile and Plant Mechanics.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Electrical Fitter Submariner
Maintain and operate electrical systems onboard submarines to ensure the vessels remain fully operational and mission capable, and work towards a Certificate III in Electrical Fitting.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Technical
Weapons and Sensors Operator
Use sensors, radars and combat data systems to provide tactical recommendations about potential threats.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Communication Networks Operator Submariner
Be the subsurface communications link operating radios and IT systems to exchange top-secret information onboard submarines.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Communications Operator
Be the communications link exchanging sensitive and classified information for Navy operations and missions.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Networks Operator
Manage, operate and maintain advanced ICT networks to protect information and keep your ship connected and secure.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
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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 and keep networks protected in this highly classified role.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Electronic Warfare Operator
Operate sophisticated surveillance equipment to be the ship's eyes in the invisible battlefield.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Helicopter Controller
Manage incoming and outgoing aircraft from the ship's flight deck.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Hospitality Services Operator
Take on a hospitality role providing service and meals onboard the ship and ashore to your crew mates.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Hospitality Services Operator Submariner
Join our team as a Hospitality Service Operator Submariner where you’ll gain specialised skills in hospitality front-of-house operations, retail services, financial management, and Navy Official Hospitality and event coordination all while enhancing international relations for the ADF and more.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Hydrographic Surveyor
Plan, collect, review and distribute environmental data that aids the creation of nautical charts used in the maritime environment for safe navigation, pilotage, and shipping.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Intelligence Analyst – Linguist
Learn another language and work in a highly classified environment to provide intelligence support, at sea and ashore.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Intelligence Analyst – Systems Operator
Intercept and analyse signal transmissions to support intelligence operations.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Medic Submariner
Care for the welfare and medical needs of your fellow submariners providing healthcare onboard a submarine.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Military Police
Provide law enforcement, security and emergency management to uphold discipline and enforcement to contribute to the security and protection of national interests.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Mine Warfare Operator
Become a member of the Mine Warfare community, operating high-tech sensor equipment to help defend Australia's 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’s people at sea and ashore.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Physical Training Instructor
Develop and maintain the fitness of Navy personnel through coaching and designing strength and conditioning programs.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Qualified
Seamanship and Small Arms Specialist
Enjoy a seagoing career 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
Manage supplies, equipment and provisions for the Navy, both ashore and at sea.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
Warehouse Storeperson Submariner
Manage a submarine's inventory, equipment and provisions, both at sea and ashore.
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 challenging but rewarding missions like search and rescue, anti-submarine operations, and aerial weapon support.
Ways to enter role
General Entry: Non-Technical
