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Submariners are astronauts of the deep, or the elite Service of the Navy. The technology and sophistication of today's submarines is akin to the space program. Being a part of this Service will test you to your limits, but you will be one of a select few who get to wear the 'Dolphins', a badge of distinction.
Submarines are actually quieter than surface vessels like ships and more stable due to the depth they travel at. The underwater environment they operate in is a complex world, where sound is the main source of information. A detailed understanding of this environment and the submarine's own noise output are critical factors in achieving one of our primary aims, to remain undetected.
Most submariners will have a day that is broken up into 4 x 6 hour 'slots', or 'watches'. Each set of 6 hours on-watch will be spent operating your assigned equipment. The remaining set of 6 hours off-watch will be a combination of eating, reading, watching TV, studying and of course sleeping. There are also gym facilities for keeping fit including exercise bikes, rowing machines and free weights.
The Submarine Headquarters, the six Collins Class submarines and the majority of the submarine related defence support infrastructure, is located at HMAS STIRLING on Garden Island, Western Australia. It is home port to almost half of the Royal Australian Navy's ships as well.
In 1901, when the Commonwealth of Australia was proclaimed, the value of submarines (boats, as they are affectionately called) as a form of naval warfare was still a contentious issue. However, the 'Super Powers' of the day encouraged submarine designers and by 1904 France possessed a flotilla of 85 submarines, with the Royal Navy and the United States Navy having 50 and 25 boats respectively.
Unseen we seek the enemy in Silent Service. We are at the forefront of national defence, we are the vanguard. With skill and resolve we conduct our training and our mission. Courage and tenacity are our greatest weapons. Against all odds, fearless and ferocious we will fight on in our charge to defend the weak.
The Collins Class of submarines, developed from Swedish Navy blueprints, have been designed to be as quiet as advanced technology can achieve. Their operational characteristics and range have been tailored specifically for a defence and two-ocean surveillance role in the Royal Australian Navy.
