Direct Entry to Submarines

An alternative entry path is available to those candidates who may wish to join submarines directly. During your application phase you will be required to undertake additional psychological and aptitude tests to assess your initial suitability. You will also be required to make contact with a qualified submariner to ensure you get all the information relevant to your rate.

On completion of Recruit training you will be posted to HMAS Stirling in WA to undertake an Enhanced Selection Process (ESP) Course for one week.

The ESP is a two way process in which:

• Personnel can make an informed decision as to their suitability for submarine service; and
• The member’s suitability for submarine service will be assessed.

Once you have been assessed as suitable at the ESP you will return to HMAS Cerberus for category training. At the end of category training instead of joining the surface fleet directly you will be posted to the Submarine Training and Systems Centre to undertake your submarine specialisation training.

Initial Collins Class Course (ICCC)

Duration: 5 weeks

Consists of a series of Computer based and instructor based modules that introduces the students to the construction, systems and inter-relationships that make up the submarine. The students also undertake Submarine Fire-fighting and Submarine Escape during this 5 week period.

ETSM Training

Duration: Approximately 5 months

Designed to give the student the requisite knowledge to undertake their job as part of the submarine technical and tactical departments.

The course covers:

• Combat System basics including the maintenance and operation of the existing and updated combat system networks;
• Navigational Aids with subject ranging from basic echo sounders through to military satellite navigation and inertial navigation systems;
• Internal and External communication systems where the ET sailor is taught the basic operation and maintenance of the submarines internal communications and PABX systems as well as instruction in High Frequency and Satellite Communications; and
• The final section of the course covers in depth instruction in the tactical operation of the combat systems tracking and firing functions as the majority of the ET's time is spent as one of the tactical watchkeepers.

Upon successful completion of ETSM training, the sailor is posted to an available training billet onboard a submarine where they undertake their Submarine Sea Qualification (SMSQ) task book. The task book is used to consolidate all the knowledge they have learnt in the STSC and prove they have what it takes to earn their "dolphins".

Further information is available on the Submariner pages.