Job Details

Other Ranks (Technical)

The use of submarines and effective anti-submarine tactics is one of the most important aspects of Australia's Naval Operations.  Over the years Australia has developed a conventional submarine force which is second to none in our region or the world.

Electronics Technician Submariners (ETSM) specialise in electronic componetary, systems operation and maintenance.

ETSM sailor's employment requires them to be adept at operating, monitoring and maintaining equipment in a wide and diverse range of platforms both in a seagoing and shore-based environment. As maintainers and operators, ETSMs are required to operate and monitor equipment performance to identify trends which have the potential to impact on the operational capability of a submarine and initiate corrective action when required. As part of their maintenance function, they are required to conduct routine planned maintenance, attend to breakdown maintenance, and assist contractors in higher level maintenance.

The ETSM sailor is responsible for the operation and maintenance of various electronics systems and associated equipment throughout the submarine including, but not limited to:

• Underwater sensors (SONAR, Torpedo Countermeasures);
• Above water sensors (RADAR system, Periscopes);
• Weapons systems (Torpedoes & Missiles);
• Electronic Warfare systems;
• Combat System;
• Satellite equipment (GPS, SATCOM);
• Communications systems (HF, VHF, UHF); and
• Navigation Aids (Inertial Navigation systems, Echo Sounder).

Maintenance activities routinely require the use of a wide range of skills including mechanical, electrical, and electronics. As such, ETSMs are trained to be multi-skilled and competent to undertake their role as a maintainer operator. Once an ETSM sailor achieves competence through on-the-job experience and completion of competency elements, they are able to undertake maintenance activities under limited supervision.

Following trade completion and the award of Certificate 111 in Electronics and Communications and dependant on aptitude for a higher skill set, the ETSM sailor will be placed on an Applied Skills and Technology Course (ASTC) or Equipment Application Course (EAC). On completion of this training, the sailor can return to the submarine or establishment and perform maintenance duties relating to a specific system or skill set.

On completion of the associated ASTC competency task journal, a Certificate IV in Electronics and Communications for the relevant specialisation is awarded.