Navy life is characterised by two distinct periods: life at sea and life ashore. Depending on your job, you'll probably spend about equal time at both.

When based ashore, which means being posted to a shore establishment, most people would do the same job as they would on board the ship, as there are many ships and submarines in port that need to be repaired and maintained. A typical working day would see you finish earlier than most civilian jobs; at around 4:00 pm and on Fridays you'd be finished by 1:00 pm! Sporting activities would be incorporated into your week in amongst your job duties.

If your role is one that can only be fulfilled at sea, then there are various options to choose from when you're off the ship. There are also a number of job and career development opportunities that can be taken advantage of in-between sea postings.

Accommodation

The Navy has some fantastic benefits available to its members. They're our way of saying thanks for being part of something so unique and important.

This may surprise you but many Navy personnel actually live off base in their own private accommodation. In fact the Navy encourages its members to do this by offering various forms of housing assistance from renting to buying your own home.

If you wish to live off base in rental accommodation, the Navy will offer you rental assistance. It's a subsidy so you will have to pay a partial contribution towards the cost of your accommodation. These rates of contribution are set so that you pay the same for a given level of accommodation wherever you are posted.

After 6 years of service you may also be eligible to receive a low interest home loan of up to $80 000.

Sport / Fitness

Navy personnel are required to pass an annual fitness test and so are encouraged to participate in sporting activities. Because we expect you to remain fit for operational purposes, we incorporate sporting activities into your normal working day. There aren't many other jobs which pay you to keep fit! We have amazing gym and sporting ground facilities and you can also belong to just about any sporting club that you can imagine. If it doesn't already exist, then start one yourself!

Fun time

There's plenty of time for fun in the Navy. Once you've finished for the day you can take off and enjoy yourself. Or if you want to stick around you can take advantage of all the amazing sports and recreational facilities open to you. On base is also a great place to meet up with your mates.

You'll be making great new friends on board. In fact, you will have made some friends in your first few days of Navy life that will last a lifetime. Even people who've only been in the Navy a few weeks talk about their new 'family'. It's one of the best parts of Navy life.

Shore establishments

You might be posted at different times to one of our many Navy bases throughout Australia. These bases have shore establishments which are built in part to replicate sea going vessels.

Personnel are typically housed in comfortable cabins complete with a bed, built-in wardrobes and built-in desk / study areas. Some may also have a fridge and a sink. There will be a common room with a TV, Radio and DVD, Fridge and kettle. You can also make use of the extensive recreational facilities that may exist on ground like the Aquatic Centre, Reading Room, Cinema, Cable TV (Foxtel) and Gymnasium. All the latest games are available too. You'll eat your delicious meals at the Wardroom or Mess (similar to a restaurant) which also has bar with cost price beverages.