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About the Job
In this extraordinary role, you'll play a crucial part in keeping the submarine running. You'll work as part of a tight-knit team to manage propulsion, provide electricity and maintain air flow. This keeps the crew comfortable and the submarine propelling, placing Mechanical Engineer Submariners at the very core of sub-surface operations.
Mechanical Engineer Submariners are a key part of the submarine's small but critical leadership team. You will be supported in this role by a team of highly trained and professional marine technicians who work together and apply their advanced skills to make sure the submarine can operate at the highest level of capability. As the Engineer onboard a submarine, being willing to step into a role as a leader and mentor is an essential part of what it takes to excel in this position.
Mechanical Engineer Submariners are responsible for a variety of systems and structures. Some of these include, but aren't limited to:
- The submarine's structure
- Propulsion systems
- Electrical generation and distribution
- Domestic and associated mechanical services
- Main and auxiliary machinery
- Engines
- Automatic and remote-control systems
- Hydraulics
- Air conditioning and refrigeration
- Ventilation systems
Navy Engineers not only get to lead specialised technical teams and work on advanced maritime platforms and systems, but they have the opportunity to continue their professional learning right throughout their career. The professional development you gain as a Navy Engineer enables automatic Chartered Engineer (CPEng) accreditation with Engineers Australia, giving you international recognition of your Engineering competency.
There are opportunities for Mechanical Engineer Submariners in the Navy to undertake a range of roles throughout their career. When not posted as a submarine's engineer, there is a variety of shore-based jobs that you could be involved with including project management, operational planning, career management for junior personnel, and maintenance program management.
As an officer, you'll learn additional skills and duties to become highly trained and efficient in supporting the security and safety of the submarine and personnel onboard. This involves providing leadership, management, administration and career advice to sailors and junior officers within your division.
You'll enjoy a competitive salary package, career stability, opportunities for continuous progression and an adventurous lifestyle, all while making a difference to Australia.
To succeed with the Navy tomorrow, apply today.
Australian Defence Force Academy
Complete a university degree at ADFA whilst undertaking military and leadership training
Key Information
Preparing for Your Recruitment Process
This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.
Salary & Allowances
In the Navy you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.
In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.
For more details download our
Salary Scales.
Locations
Requirements
Age
Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).
Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.
Education & Experience
The requirements for acceptance into ADFA for an Mechanical Engineer Officer career are completion of Year 12 with passes in English, Mathematics, a Physics based subject and one other board developed course (or state equivalent) subject.
- English (T), English/Literature (T), ESL (T), ESL-English (T) or Literature (T). Accredited (A) English is acceptable for the ADF when there are 4 Tertiary (T) courses including at least 3 Tertiary Majors and 1 Tertiary Minor subject.
- Mathematics Methods (T) is the minimum requirement. Specialist Mathematics (T) is highly desirable.
- Physics (T), Engineering Studies (T) or Flight (T).
- English Extension 2, English Extension 1, English Advanced or English Standard. Band 4, 5 or 6 must be achieved if English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) was studied.
- Mathematics Advanced is the minimum requirement. Mathematics extension 1 and/or Mathematics Extension 2 are highly desirable.
- Physics or Engineering Studies.
- Essential English (previously known as English Communication), English, English Literary Studies or English as an Additional Language. Alternatively, applicants may achieve the required grades at Year 11 English and a pass in a language rich subject at Year 12.
- NT: Mathematical Methods, Mathematical Studies or Maths 1 is the minimum requirement. Specialist Mathematics or Maths 2 is highly desirable. SA: Mathematical Methods (Level 4) is the minimum requirement. Mathematics Specialised (Level 4) is highly desirable.
- Physics.
- English Extension, English Literature Extension, English, Literature, English, English for ESL or English as an Additional Language.
- Mathematical Methods or Mathematics B is the minimum requirement. Specialist Mathematics or Mathematics C is highly desirable.
- Physics or Engineering Technology.
- English (Level 3), English Literature (level 3), English Writing (level 3) or English as an Additional Language/Dialect (level 3).
- Mathematical Methods (level 4). Mathematics Specialised (level 4) is highly desirable.
- Physics (level 4).
- English, English Literature, English as an Additional Language (EAL) (previously English as a Second Language (ESL)) or English Language.
- Mathematics Methods is the minimum requirement. Specialist Mathematics is highly desirable.
- Physics or Systems Engineering.
- English ATAR, Literature ATAR, English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR.
- Mathematical Methods ATAR, Mathematics 3A/B or Applicable Maths are the minimum required. Mathematics Specialist ATAR, Mathematics 3C/D, Calculus are highly desirable.
- Physics, Engineering Studies or Aviation.
- English A variants (HL or SL) or Literature and Performance (SL). English B (SL or HL) is acceptable if an IB score of 5, 6 or 7 (out of 7) was achieved.
- Mathematics (SL) is the minimum required. Mathematics (HL) and Further Mathematics (HL) are highly desirable.
- Physics.
All applicants must also obtain an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry into the Bachelor degree engineering program at ADFA.
As well as applying to the Navy for entry, applicants must also apply to the Universities Admissions Centre for entry to the University of New South Wales when applications for the target year opens. The UAC website is: www.uac.edu.au
This entry mode attracts a debt greater than the maximum rate of HECS due to the higher costs associated with ADFA studies ($25,000 per annum). In general terms, this debt accrues (increases) whilst undertaking study, with the maximum debt reached on completion of study. Once the period of study has ended, the debt begins to acquit (reduce) for the remainder of your Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once the IMPS period is complete, there is no remaining debt.
Medical & Fitness
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. This is assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
You must also pass the swim test and physical fitness test to graduate from your training.
Royal Australian Navy Swim Test (RANST):
The RANST is conducted early in your training to ensure the Navy's duty of care to all serving personnel, with respect to rudimentary swimming skills. The purpose of the RANST is to ensure fundamental water survival skills as a prerequisite to training such as survival at sea training. Individual components of the RANST are fundamentally related to the survival at sea scenario.
Competency in the RANST is achieved through completion of each component:
- Safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- Treading water or floating for 15 minutes
Note: You will be wearing your Navy uniform during the swim test.
All personnel will undertake the RANST upon entry and competency is to be achieved before the end of your initial military training. You will find it much easier to pass the swimming test if you undertake swimming training before you join.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.
Period of Service
You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of nine years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may tender your resignation at any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation and provide a minimum of three months' notice.
Defence Academy Entry Officers become liable to an IMPS from appointment into the ADF. However, the Services will allow you to resign at any time up to the end of either the first or second year of academic studies. For Defence Academy Entry Officers in the Navy who undertake Navy training in their first year of appointment, they may resign up until the graduation day of their first year of study (which generally equates with having completed by then two years of Navy service).
Aptitude
The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.
The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.
Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.
To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.
Citizenship
To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.
If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.
Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.
Security Requirements
The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.
A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.
The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.
This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Residence
- Employment
- Education
- Financial information
- Travel
Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.
Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.
The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.
For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.
Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.
Training
Military Training
Course: New Entry Officers Course (NEOC)
Duration: 15 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay (NSW South Coast)
All naval officers will commence their careers by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. NEOC is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC will cover the following key themes:
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test,
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies,
- Speciality skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea,
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history,
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods, and,
- A sea training cruise to introduce life at sea
On completion of NEOC, all officers will proceed on their respective employment training specific to their employment category. For further information, please see the New Entry Officers’ Course Joining Instructions, available at https://www.navy.gov.au/naval-college.
Employment Training
Duration: 18 Weeks (commences in January each year)
Location: HMAS Cerberus, VIC
This course supplements theoretical degree education with training in fields specific to engineering in the Navy such as warship propulsion systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, auxiliary systems, warship construction, stability and maintenance administration procedures.
The course is split into three distinct parts as follows:
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Common) lasts for 5 weeks and is combined with Electronics Engineers on course and covers various common aspects such as engineering safety, technical administration, risk management and Navy infrastructure.
- The Engineer Officers' Application Course road trip is a one-week tour visiting the various key directorates and organisations in Canberra and Sydney.
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Mechanical Engineer) lasts for 12 weeks and covers specific Mechanical Engineering subjects.
On completion of the Engineer Officers' Application Course, students are posted to Training Authority & Submarines for the commencement of Submarine Officer Training Course. This course is the keystone course in becoming a Submariner. The Submariner Engineers undertake an accelerated intensive course to become a Head of Department more rapidly than a Surface Engineer and at the rank of LEUT. Training is a combination of classroom phases and at sea phases working towards attaining your 'Dolphins' signifying your Mechanical Engineer submarine qualification. It is during this time that you will complete your training towards the award of your Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency Submarine and is a significant milestone in a Mechanical Engineer's training.
At this point the individual can expect to spend a period ashore undertaking industry outplacements tailored to build submarine knowledge before returning to sea for a sea phase, during which time they will achieve their Marine Engineer Charge Qualification, which is the final qualification required to enable them to run a Marine Engineer department in a submarine as the Head of Department. This they can expect to do as a LEUT with responsibility and accountability expected at an earlier stage in the engineer's career than the surface force.
Duration: 2 Days
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham WA
Provides information and manages your expectations for your career and lifestyle as a Submariner so that you can make a fully informed decision.
Includes tours of a Collins Class Submarine (or VR tour), Submarine Training and Systems Centre and discuss your career path with a qualified Submariner.
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: HMAS Stirling, Perth WA
Consists of a series of computer based and instructor-based modules that introduces you to how the systems and construction make up the submarines. You will also undertake Submarine Firefighting and Submarine Escape courses during this 5-week period.
Graduate
Make the most of your relevant degree joining fully qualified
Key Information
Preparing for Your Recruitment Process
This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.
National Qualifications
Navy is committed to maintaining an engineering workforce that meets current best practice requirements of engineering competence. Navy sponsors your membership of the Engineers Australia (EA) and participation in a Graduate Development Program run in co-operation with EA. Through participation in this program, engineers can achieve Chartered Professional Engineer status.
Salary & Allowances
In the Navy you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.
In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.
For more details download our
Salary Scales.
Locations
Requirements
Age
Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).
Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.
Education & Experience
The minimum requirement is an engineering degree permitting graduate membership to Engineers Australia (EA) as a professional engineer. The following is a list of preferred disciplines. Degrees not in this list will be considered on a case by case basis.
- Aerospace/Aeronautical
- Electrical (Power Systems)
- Marine/Ocean
- Mechanical
- Naval Architecture
You may commence the selection process if you are in the final year of an engineering degree and can present your completed academic transcript and confirmed completion/graduation date. Your appointment will be subject to successful completion of all professional experience requirements and the final semester of your engineering degree.
Medical & Fitness
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. This is assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
You must also pass the swim test and physical fitness test to graduate from your training.
Royal Australian Navy Swim Test (RANST):
The RANST is conducted early in your training to ensure the Navy's duty of care to all serving personnel, with respect to rudimentary swimming skills. The purpose of the RANST is to ensure fundamental water survival skills as a prerequisite to training such as survival at sea training. Individual components of the RANST are fundamentally related to the survival at sea scenario.
Competency in the RANST is achieved through completion of each component:
- Safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- Treading water or floating for 15 minutes
Note: You will be wearing your Navy uniform during the swim test.
All personnel will undertake the RANST upon entry and competency is to be achieved before the end of your initial military training. You will find it much easier to pass the swimming test if you undertake swimming training before you join.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.
Period of Service
You will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of three years. On enlistment if you elect to serve an open ended enlistment, you will be able to serve until retirement age, subject to your continued suitability for service. If you elect to serve for a fixed period of service, subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. Your Careers Coach can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.
Aptitude
The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.
The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.
Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.
To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.
Citizenship
To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.
If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.
Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.
Security Requirements
The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.
A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.
The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.
This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Residence
- Employment
- Education
- Financial information
- Travel
Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.
Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.
The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.
For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.
Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.
Training
Military Training
Course: New Entry Officers Course (NEOC)
Duration: 15 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay (NSW South Coast)
All naval officers will commence their careers by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. NEOC is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC will cover the following key themes:
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test,
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies,
- Speciality skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea,
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history,
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods, and,
- A sea training cruise to introduce life at sea
On completion of NEOC, all officers will proceed on their respective employment training specific to their employment category. For further information, please see the New Entry Officers’ Course Joining Instructions, available at https://www.navy.gov.au/naval-college.
Employment Training
Duration: 18 Weeks (commences in January each year)
Location: HMAS Cerberus, VIC
This course supplements theoretical degree education with training in fields specific to engineering in the Navy such as warship propulsion systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, auxiliary systems, warship construction, stability and maintenance administration procedures.
The course is split into three distinct parts as follows:
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Common) lasts for 5 weeks and is combined with Electronics Engineers on course and covers various common aspects such as engineering safety, technical administration, risk management and Navy infrastructure.
- The Engineer Officers' Application Course road trip is a one-week tour visiting the various key directorates and organisations in Canberra and Sydney.
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Mechanical Engineer) lasts for 12 weeks and covers specific Mechanical Engineering subjects.
On completion of the Engineer Officers' Application Course, students are posted to Training Authority & Submarines for the commencement of Submarine Officer Training Course. This course is the keystone course in becoming a Submariner. The Submariner Engineers undertake an accelerated intensive course to become a Head of Department more rapidly than a Surface Engineer and at the rank of LEUT. Training is a combination of classroom phases and at sea phases working towards attaining your 'Dolphins' signifying your Mechanical Engineer submarine qualification. It is during this time that you will complete your training towards the award of your Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency Submarine and is a significant milestone in a Mechanical Engineer's training.
At this point the individual can expect to spend a period ashore undertaking industry outplacements tailored to build submarine knowledge before returning to sea for a sea phase, during which time they will achieve their Marine Engineer Charge Qualification, which is the final qualification required to enable them to run a Marine Engineer department in a submarine as the Head of Department. This they can expect to do as a LEUT with responsibility and accountability expected at an earlier stage in the engineer's career than the surface force.
Duration: 2 Days
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham WA
Provides information and manages your expectations for your career and lifestyle as a Submariner so that you can make a fully informed decision.
Includes tours of a Collins Class Submarine (or VR tour), Submarine Training and Systems Centre and discuss your career path with a qualified Submariner.
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: HMAS Stirling, Perth WA
Consists of a series of computer based and instructor-based modules that introduces you to how the systems and construction make up the submarines. You will also undertake Submarine Firefighting and Submarine Escape courses during this 5-week period.
Sub Specialist Option
Application to transfer to submarines is open to all sailors and some Officers, male and female. Volunteers may apply as early in their careers as during initial sailor trade and Officer primary qualification training.
Officers from the Seaman, Mechanical Engineer and Weapons Electrical Engineer Primary Qualifications may apply to serve in submarines. If Submarine Service interests you, let the Interviewing Officer know at your Recruiting Centre.
Undergraduate
Join while still at university and have your remaining study fees sponsored
Key Information
Preparing for Your Recruitment Process
This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.
Salary Information
In the Navy you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your salary increases as you progress through training.
In addition to your salary you could receive a variety of allowances specific to your service - plus superannuation at a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.
When you first join the Navy and while studying for your degree at the university of your choice, you will be paid:
With 4 years to graduation: $35,326 per year
With 3 years to graduation: $41,606 per year
With 2 years to graduation: $47,886 per year
In final year: $54,166 per year
For periods when you may be serving on a ship you will also receive a Maritime Allowance.
Your salary will continue to increase based on your rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank. Your pay grade may also increase following the acquisition of additional skills and completion of further training.
In addition to this package you will receive free medical and dental care, substantial housing and accommodation subsidies.
Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.
Locations
Requirements
Age
Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).
Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.
Education & Experience
You may commence the selection process if you have completed at least 6 months of a four year Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and can present your academic transcript. Your appointment will be subject to
- A minimum of one full year (full time study equivalent) of a mechanical engineering degree
- Have no more than three years of study (full time) outstanding to complete all of the requirements for the award of your degree
Applicants attempting double degrees will only receive HELP funding allocation for their engineering units
Degree qualified entrants will normally be granted seniority as a Midshipman.
Medical & Fitness
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. This is assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
You must also pass the swim test and physical fitness test to graduate from your training.
Royal Australian Navy Swim Test (RANST):
The RANST is conducted early in your training to ensure the Navy's duty of care to all serving personnel, with respect to rudimentary swimming skills. The purpose of the RANST is to ensure fundamental water survival skills as a prerequisite to training such as survival at sea training. Individual components of the RANST are fundamentally related to the survival at sea scenario.
Competency in the RANST is achieved through completion of each component:
- Safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- Treading water or floating for 15 minutes
Note: You will be wearing your Navy uniform during the swim test.
All personnel will undertake the RANST upon entry and competency is to be achieved before the end of your initial military training. You will find it much easier to pass the swimming test if you undertake swimming training before you join.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.
Period of Service
Aptitude
The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.
The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.
Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.
To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.
Citizenship
To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.
If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.
Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.
Security Requirements
The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.
A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.
The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.
This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Residence
- Employment
- Education
- Financial information
- Travel
Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.
Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.
The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.
For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.
Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.
Training
Military Training
All Navy Defence University Sponsorship candidates complete the Undergraduate Entry Officers’ Course (UEOC), which consists of a one-week residential course designed to provide an insight into life in the RAN. UEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College.
Its main purpose is to enable you, as a junior officer undertaking university studies, to have a fundamental understanding of the Navy. During UEOC you will learn the very basics of what the Navy is about, including how to correctly recognise ranks and how to salute.
Upon completing your university degree you will then attend the New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC).
All naval officers will commence their careers by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. NEOC is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test,
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies,
- Speciality skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea,
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history,
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods, and,
- A sea training cruise to introduce life at sea
On completion of NEOC, all officers will proceed on their respective employment training specific to their employment category. For further information, please see the New Entry Officers’ Course Joining Instructions, available at https://www.navy.gov.au/naval-college.
Employment Training
Duration: 18 Weeks (commences in January each year)
Location: HMAS Cerberus, VIC
This course supplements theoretical degree education with training in fields specific to engineering in the Navy such as warship propulsion systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, auxiliary systems, warship construction, stability and maintenance administration procedures.
The course is split into three distinct parts as follows:
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Common) lasts for 5 weeks and is combined with Electronics Engineers on course and covers various common aspects such as engineering safety, technical administration, risk management and Navy infrastructure.
- The Engineer Officers' Application Course road trip is a one-week tour visiting the various key directorates and organisations in Canberra and Sydney.
- Engineer Officers' Application Course (Mechanical Engineer) lasts for 12 weeks and covers specific Mechanical Engineering subjects.
On completion of the Engineer Officers' Application Course, students are posted to Training Authority & Submarines for the commencement of Submarine Officer Training Course. This course is the keystone course in becoming a Submariner. The Submariner Engineers undertake an accelerated intensive course to become a Head of Department more rapidly than a Surface Engineer and at the rank of LEUT. Training is a combination of classroom phases and at sea phases working towards attaining your 'Dolphins' signifying your Mechanical Engineer submarine qualification. It is during this time that you will complete your training towards the award of your Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency Submarine and is a significant milestone in a Mechanical Engineer's training.
At this point the individual can expect to spend a period ashore undertaking industry outplacements tailored to build submarine knowledge before returning to sea for a sea phase, during which time they will achieve their Marine Engineer Charge Qualification, which is the final qualification required to enable them to run a Marine Engineer department in a submarine as the Head of Department. This they can expect to do as a LEUT with responsibility and accountability expected at an earlier stage in the engineer's career than the surface force.
Duration: 2 Days
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham WA
Provides information and manages your expectations for your career and lifestyle as a Submariner so that you can make a fully informed decision.
Includes tours of a Collins Class Submarine (or VR tour), Submarine Training and Systems Centre and discuss your career path with a qualified Submariner.
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: HMAS Stirling, Perth WA
Consists of a series of computer based and instructor-based modules that introduces you to how the systems and construction make up the submarines. You will also undertake Submarine Firefighting and Submarine Escape courses during this 5-week period.