During Initial Employment Training, you will gain the underpinning knowledge towards a Certificate III in Engineering. Upon successful completion of Initial Employment Training and Trade Training, MT Sailors will be issued a Trade Profile 21 Journal. 

During their first sea posting, MT sailors will be required to compile and record all trade experience evidence in their journals oOnce sufficient evidence has been collected, it will be presented to the relevant Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to permit the award of a Certificate III in their nominated trade. Additionally, members gain the underpinning knowledge towards the achievement of National MAR Qualifications, MAR20413, MAR30813 and MAR40513. Marine technical sailors are required to progress and obtain platform operator qualifications during their sea postings. Each qualification aligns with a skill grade and pay group increase. The Marine System Technician (MST) aligns with the Certificate II on Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal). The MST is first MT RAN operator qualification. The Marine Systems Controller (MSC) operator qualification aligns with a Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal), and the Marine Systems Manager (MSM) operator qualification: Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal).

All sailors may serve in fleet units and shore establishments on a rotational basis in different geographical locations.

Applicants may be required to undertake category training modules as necessary to align their civilian trade with the military category. The number of modules and duration of training will be determined by the Training Authority.

The RPL process will occur in two stages:

• The first stage will consist of an assessment of RPL against the Royal Australian Navy recognised trade qualifications during the recruitment phase, to determine if Qualified Entry Sailor - Technical (QES-T) or Direct Entry Tradesperson (DET) status can be awarded.
• The second phase of assessment of RPL will be conducted during recruit training, and is to determine the level of advance standing to be granted. This will determine which pathway the trainee will undertake to obtain additional competencies, underpinning knowledge and skills to meet the Navy's requirements.

RPL may involve a desktop audit and/or a personal interview convened for the RPL applicant with a trained RPL assessor and a subject matter expert. Trade and other certificates, course result sheets and evidence of On Job Training (OJT) and life experience are presented at the interview for verification. The RPL assessor and the subject matter expert will interview the applicant in order to determine whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge and experience to be granted recognition of the subject module of training or competency outcome. The RPL interview may involve a test, including theory and/or practical work as required.

RPL may be granted to technical trainees at all levels provided the required competency level can be demonstrated. The aim of RPL is to reduce the amount of training the Navy is required to provide, and minimise the amount of time a sailor spends under training. It is not possible to guarantee the granting of RPL for any particular qualification, competency or experience before a full RPL assessment takes place. Applicants should be aware that even though they may possess trade qualifications other than those listed, the qualification may not satisfy Navy's requirements and prevent them achieving QES-T / DET status.

MT sailors achieving QES-T /DET status will be afforded the rank of Recruit on entry, with promotion to Provisional Able Seaman on successful completion of Recruit training, providing approval for the transfer to QES-T / DET has been granted. List of Trades recognised by Navy as potentially being eligible for RPL is as follows:

Marine Technician DET

RAN Diesel Maintainer

• Certificate III in Automotive Heavy Vehicle-Agricultural Mechanic (AQF)
• Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical (Heavy Vehicle Mobile Equip) (AQF)
• Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical (Heavy Vehicle Road Transport) (AQF)
• Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Mechanic-Road Transport
• Certificate of Proficiency Automotive (Marine Technical)
• Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical-Diesel Fitter)
• Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical (Maintenance Diesel Fitter)
• Certificate III in Marine Mechanics Trade
• Certificate IV (AQF) in Engineering-Higher Engineering Trade- (MEM40198) (Diesel/Fabrication/Welding)

Motor Mechanics (Diesel)

RAN Electrical Maintainer

• Certificate III in Engineering (Electrical)
• Certificate III in Electrical-Mechanical-Fitter/ Mechanic-
• Electrical Engineering-Power-Diploma (AQF)
• Certificate III in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician
• Certificate IV in Electrotechnology Systems Electrician
• Electrical Fitter Mechanic (Electrical Trades) (1093)
• Certificate III in Engineering-Electrical/Electronic Trade- (MEM30498)

RAN Hull Maintainer/Fabricator

• Certificate III in Engineering-Fabrication Trade
• Marine Technician QES-T
• Metals and Engineering Training Package (MEM)
• Electro-technology Training Package (UEE)
• Automotive Industry Retail, Service and Repair Training Package (AUR)
• Electricity Supply Industry – Generation Sector Training Package (UEP)
• Maritime Training Package (MAR)
• Maritime Training Package (TDM)

Applicants must be aged between 17 and 54 years of age inclusive on day of entry.

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, depending upon the capacity of their local recruiting centre.

For the General Entry Marine Technician Sailor Category, you must have successfully completed Year 10, with passes in English, Mathematics and Science.

Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable for this job. Yr 10 Trade and Business Maths is acceptable.

To be appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry into the ADF. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness test before appointment.

For more details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF, Medical Process for Entry into the ADF and Physical Employment Standards once you're in the ADF.

You must also pass the swim test and physical fitness test to graduate from your Navy Training and to proceed to the Safety of Life at Sea Training that is a requirement for Recruit School and Officer training.

Royal Australian Navy Swim Test (RANST)

The RANST is conducted 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 successful completion of each component comprising:

• A safety jump off a 3m tower in overalls
• A 10m underwater swim in overalls
• A 50m swim using three safety strokes
• The ability to tread water or float for 15 mins in overalls

Note: You will find it much easier to pass the swimming test if you undertake swimming training before you join.

All personnel will undertake the RANST upon entry and competency is to be achieved within 15 weeks from commencement of initial training. Failure of any one component will constitute failure of the entire RANST and no waivers will be granted.

You will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of six 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.

If you are female and keen to join the Navy as an Marine Technician, you have the option of enlisting for an Initial Minimum Period of Service of two years.

Your Careers Coach can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.

Further Requirements

• Well-developed hand-skills and hand-eye coordination
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills required to formulate repair schemes
• Appreciation of safety requirements
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure
• Comfortable working in confined spaces and
• Resourcefulness and common sense

The application process to join the Australian Defence Force requires you to complete a series of aptitude tests which may include verbal, spatial and numerical ability and a general maths test. Some jobs may also require you to complete additional testing at a later date.

Psychology support staff will explain what is involved with each test.

The aptitude tests provide information about your suitability for the Defence Force and for particular jobs. Defence Force Recruiting can then help you identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information on the aptitude testing requirements can be found here.

Only Australian Citizens are permitted to serve in the ADF.

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 Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant’s successful progression through to Navy employment and training. It is strongly recommended that all applicants provide the required documents as early as possible in the recruiting process to avoid any delays in their training and employment.

Details regarding the security requirements for all Navy jobs can be found here.

Duration: 11 weeks

Location: Crib Point, Victoria

The Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus is situated on Western Port Bay, Victoria about 70 kilometres south east of Melbourne. The school has its own administration building, accommodation blocks and classrooms and operates as an independent unit within the greater training environment of Cerberus.

The eleven week recruit course is designed to give you sufficient knowledge and skills on which to base your Navy career. The course includes both classroom and practical activities. Most subjects are individually tested. Examinations are set to ensure recruits are sufficiently prepared to undertake further specialist training at category schools. Private study areas are available in the school and a Duty Instructor is available for assistance during non-instructional hours.

Recruits, who successfully complete the course including the Navy Swimming Test , participate in a Graduation Parade, which is normally held on the Friday of the last week of training. Recruits will have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.

After graduation, personnel will be posted to category schools at Cerberus or at other training establishments throughout Australia.

During Military (Initial Recruit) Training and Initial Employment Training (IET), members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities, depending on a number of factors.

Course: Initial Technical Training - Marine Technician (ITT-MT)

Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Crib Point, Victoria

Duration: 14 Weeks

This course provides MT sailors with the appropriate level of underpinning knowledge and skills required to successfully complete the subsequent Trade and Marine System Technician components of Initial Employment Training. Upon successful completion of ITT Sailors will be streamlined to a specific trade.
Whilst individual wishes for trade streaming are considered, Navy workforce requirements, and ITT Course results will dictate subsequent trade selection.

Course: Certificate III Trade Training

Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Crib Point, Victoria

Duration: 35-40 Weeks

On completion of ITT-MT, MT Sailors are required to complete Technical Trade Training in one of three trade streams: Diesel, Electrical or Hull maintenance and Fabrication. This course encompasses all classroom theory and practical trade training required to progress an MT sailor towards a nationally recognised Certificate III qualification.
During their first sea posting, MT sailors will be required to compile and record all trade experience evidence in their electronic, Profile 21 trade journals. Once sufficient evidence has been collected, it will be presented to the relevant Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to permit the award of a Certificate III in their nominated trade.

Course: Marine System Technician Common and Platform (Ship) Specific

Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Crib Point, Victoria and various locations around Australia.

Duration: 9-19  Weeks

All MT trainees will consolidate MST Common by completing a 24 hour Rite of passage. This training simulates the watchkeeping and maintenance duties that the sailors will experience in an engineering environment at sea, and involves the operation of marine diesels and associated systems.

MT Sailors will complete modules to prepare them for their first sea posting. Modules comprise:

• Steering Gear Systems;
• Stabiliser Systems;
• Diesel Generators;
• Electrical Switchboards;
• Air Compressors;
• Desalination Plants (Evaporators and reverse Osmosis);
• Sewage Treatment Plants;
• Air Conditioning Systems;
• Refrigeration Systems;
• Pumping Systems; and
• Ship’s Boats.

These modules cover common and platform specific systems.

On completion of MST Common, MT sailors will be posted to the relevant platform-specific MST course. These courses are delivered at various locations around Australia; the location and duration of the course depends on the ship class to which the MT sailor is being posted. 

All sailors may serve in fleet units and shore establishments on a rotational basis in different geographical locations.

Applicants may be required to undertake category training modules as necessary to align their civilian trade with the military category. The number of modules and duration of training will be determined by the Training Authority.

The RPL process will occur in two stages:

• The first stage will consist of an assessment of RPL against the Royal Australian Navy recognised trade qualifications during the recruitment phase, to determine if Qualified Entry Sailor - Technical (QES-T) or Direct Entry Tradesperson (DET) status can be awarded
• The second phase of assessment of RPL will be conducted during recruit training, and is to determine the level of advance standing to be granted. This will determine which pathway the trainee will undertake to obtain additional competencies, underpinning knowledge and skills to meet the Navy's requirements

RPL may involve a desktop audit and/or a personal interview convened for the RPL applicant with a trained RPL assessor and a subject matter expert. Trade and other certificates, course result sheets and evidence of On Job Training ( OJT ) and life experience are presented at the interview for verification. The RPL assessor and the subject matter expert will interview the applicant in order to determine whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge and experience to be granted recognition of the subject module of training or competency outcome. The RPL interview may involve a test, including theory and/or practical work as required.

RPL may be granted to technical trainees at all levels provided the required competency level can be demonstrated. The aim of RPL is to reduce the amount of training the Navy is required to provide, and minimise the amount of time a sailor spends under training. It is not possible to guarantee the granting of RPL for any particular qualification, competency or experience before a full RPL assessment takes place. Applicants should be aware that even though they may possess trade qualifications other than those listed, the qualification may not satisfy Navy's requirements and prevent them achieving QES-T / DET status.

MT sailors achieving QES-T /DET status will be afforded the rank of Recruit on entry, with promotion to Provisional Able Seaman on successful completion of Recruit training, providing approval for the transfer to QES-T / DET has been granted. List of Trades recognised by Navy for RPL is as follows:

Marine Technician DET

RAN Diesel Maintainer

• Certificate III in Automotive Heavy Vehicle - Agricultural Mechanic
• Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical (Heavy Vehicle Mobile Equip)
• Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical (Heavy Vehicle Road Transport)
• Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Mechanic-Road Transport
• Certificate of Proficiency Automotive (Marine Technical)
• Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical-Diesel Fitter)
• Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical (Maintenance Diesel Fitter)
• Certificate III in Marine Mechanics Trade
• Certificate IV (AQF) in Engineering - Higher Engineering Trade - (MEM40198) (Diesel/Fabrication/Welding or Refrigeration)

Motor Mechanics (Diesel)

RAN Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

• Certificate III in Electro-technology Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Certificate IV in Electro-technology Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning)
• RAN Electrical Maintainer
• Certificate III in Engineering (Electrical)
• Certificate III in Electrical Fitting
• Electrical-Mechanic-Fitter/Mechanic-Certificate III
• Electrical Engineering-Power-Diploma
• Electrotechnology Systems Electrician-Certificate III
• Electrotechnology Systems Electrician-Certificate IV
• Engineering-Electrical/Electronic Trade-Certificate III (MEM30498)
• Electrical Fitter Mechanic (Electrical Trades) (1093)

RAN Fabricator/Welder

Certificate III Engineering-Fabrication Trade

• Marine Technician QES-T
• Metals and Engineering Training Package (MEM)
• Electro-technology Training Package (UEE)
• Auto motive Industry Retail, Service and Repair Training Package (AUR)
• Electricity Supply Industry - Generation Sector Training Package (UEP)
• Maritime Training Package (MAR)
• Maritime Training Package (TDM)

Applicants must be aged between 17 and 55 years of age inclusive on day of entry.

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, depending upon the capacity of their local recruiting centre.

You must hold a minimum of Certificate level III in Engineering - Mechanical / Electrical Trade.

Note: Qualified and Reserve Marine Technician applicants must have their qualifications endorsed by the Directorate of Navy Category Management. This assessment will ensure you possess appropriate qualifications and will identify any Navy specific competencies you are required to complete after the Recruit Course.

If found satisfactory through this assessment, your Case Manager will be advised that you satisfy the minimum entry standards and your application will be progressed. Your Case Manager will organise this process for you.

To be appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry into the ADF. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness test before appointment.

For more details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF, Medical Process for Entry into the ADF and Physical Employment Standards once you're in the ADF.

You must also pass the swim test and physical fitness test to graduate from your Navy Training and to proceed to the Safety of Life at Sea Training that is a requirement for Recruit School and Officer training.

Royal Australian Navy Swim Test (RANST)

The RANST is conducted 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 successful completion of each component comprising:

• A safety jump off a 3m tower in overalls
• A 10m underwater swim in overalls
• A 50m swim using three safety strokes
• The ability to tread water or float for 15 mins in overalls

Note: You will find it much easier to pass the swimming test if you undertake swimming training before you join.

All personnel will undertake the RANST upon entry and competency is to be achieved within 15 weeks from commencement of initial training. Failure of any one component will constitute failure of the entire RANST and no waivers will be granted.

You will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of four 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.

The application process to join the Australian Defence Force requires you to complete a series of aptitude tests which may include verbal, spatial and numerical ability and a general maths test. Some jobs may also require you to complete additional testing at a later date.

Psychology support staff will explain what is involved with each test.

The aptitude tests provide information about your suitability for the Defence Force and for particular jobs. Defence Force Recruiting can then help you identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information on the aptitude testing requirements can be found here.

Only Australian Citizens are permitted to serve in the ADF.

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 Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

Duration: 11 weeks

Location: Crib Point, Victoria

The Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus is situated on Western Port Bay, Victoria about 70 kilometres south east of Melbourne. The school has its own administration building, accommodation blocks and classrooms and operates as an independent unit within the greater training environment of Cerberus.

The eleven week recruit course is designed to give you sufficient knowledge and skills on which to base your Navy career. The course includes both classroom and practical activities. Most subjects are individually tested. Examinations are set to ensure recruits are sufficiently prepared to undertake further specialist training at category schools. Private study areas are available in the school and a Duty Instructor is available for assistance during non-instructional hours.

Recruits, who successfully complete the course including the Navy Swimming Test , participate in a Graduation Parade, which is normally held on the Friday of the last week of training. Recruits will have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.

After graduation, personnel will be posted to category schools at Cerberus or at other training establishments throughout Australia.

During Military (Initial Recruit) Training and Initial Employment Training (IET), members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities, depending on a number of factors.

Duration: The duration of the Marine Technician Alignment Training depends on the level of Recognition of Prior Learning granted.

Location: HMAS Cerberus, Crib Point, Victoria.

Further Navy specific training will be conducted to prepare Sailors for their first deployment to sea. This will include Damage Control, Fire Fighting (containing elements of electrical damage control) and Survival at Sea.

To provide the MT category with the appropriate continuing level of training, MT sailors are provided with common, specialist and platform specific training.  Platform specific training is provided in order for MT sailors to achieve their operator qualifications. These operator qualifications align with nationally accredited MAR qualifications and pay group increases. Leadership training aligns with promotion to Leading Seaman through to Warrant Officer. 

As MT sailors progress in their Navy careers, they may be entitled to complete training or courses which equate to the awarding of a Nationally Recognised Qualification between the levels of a Certificate II through to an Advanced Diploma.