During Initial Employment Training, you will gain the underpinning knowledge towards a Certificate III in Engineering, as well as towards the achievement of National Qualification MAR40513 - Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal). The latter qualification aligns directly to the Marine System Technician (MST), Marine Systems Controller (MSC) and Marine Systems Manager (MSM) operator qualifications.

Upon successful completion of IET and Trade Training, MT Sailors will be issued a Trade Profile Journal, either in paper or electronic format. During their first sea posting, MT sailors will be required to compile and record all trade experience evidence in their journals (either electronic or paper-based). 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.

On completion of IET, you will generally be based at HMAS Stirling on Garden Island, Western Australia less than an hours drive south of Perth.

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 (SM) DET

• 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)

Marine Technician QES-T

• Electro-technology Training Package (UEE)
• Automotive Industry Retail, Service and Repair Training Package (AUR)
• Maritime Training Package (MAR)
• Maritime Training Package (TDM)

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.

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 (removal of overalls optional)

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. 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
• 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.

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 Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

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.

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.

On completion of Recruit training you will be posted to HMAS Stirling in WA to undertake a Submarine Selection Course (SSC) for 3 days.

The SSC 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 SSC you will return to HMAS Cerberus for the following MT category training.

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, MTSM Sailors are required to complete Technical Trade Training in one of two trade streams: Diesel or Electrical. 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 journals (either electronic or paper-based). 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: 23-27 Weeks

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;and
• Pumping Systems;

These modules cover common and platform specific systems.

 All MTSM 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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

MTSM Training

Duration:6 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 all mechanical and electrical systems onboard the Collins Class Submarine including:

• Diesel and Power Generation Systems;
• Power Conversion and Distribution (submarine specific);
• Weapons Hydraulics and Discharge Systems;
• Internal and External Hydraulic Systems; and
• Auxiliary systems including:
• Salt Water and Fresh Water Cooling Systems;
• High and Low Pressure Air Systems;
• Escape Systems;
• Ballast Systems;
• Weight Compensation and Buoyancy Systems;
• Trim Systems;
• Potable Water System;
• Induction and Exhaust Systems; and
• Garbage and Sewage Systems.

Upon successful completion of MTSM training, the sailor is posted to an available training billet on-board 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 Submarine Training and System Centre (STSC) and prove they have what it takes to earn their dolphins.

Further information is available on the Submariner pages.

To provide the MTSM category with the appropriate continuing level of training, MTSM sailors are also provided with common and specialist training at promotion from Leading Seaman to Warrant Officer.

As MTSM sailors progress in their Navy career, they may be entitled to complete training / courses which equates to the awarding of a Nationally Recognised Qualification between the levels of a Certificate II through to Diploma.