Entry to all non-degree officer cadet positions requires completion of the New Entry Officer Course at the Royal Australian Naval College (RANC), HMAS Creswell at Jervis Bay, NSW. This is followed by specialist training with the Navy.

 

Entry to ADFA usually requires you to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an appropriate score in prerequisite subjects relevant to your chosen study. All ADFA students are required to complete a 3-year course of academic study at the Academy, incorporating the Academic Military Education and Training (AMET) program.

 

Sponsored undergraduates are full-time university students who are currently studying for a degree relevant to the Navy at a recognised tertiary institution. They can apply for sponsored undergraduate entry into the Navy, having completed at least one to two years of their degree, depending on its duration.

 

Following completion of their specialised degree, they must then complete the New Entry Officer Course at the Royal Australian Naval College before becoming officers in their specialised field.

 

People who already have specialised degrees may apply for direct entry into the Navy as Graduate Officers. These applicants are then also required to complete the New Entry Officer Course before becoming officers in their specialised field. Different specialised occupations have different entry requirements. (Source: Good Universities Guide)

 

Did You Know? Ranks of the Royal Australian Navy Admiral of the Fleet Admiral vice Admiral Rear Admiral Commodore Captain (RAN) Commander Lieutenant Commander Chaplain Lieutenant Sub Lieutenant Acting Sub Lieutenant Midshipman Warrant Officer of the Navy Warrant Officer Chief Petty Officer Petty Officer Leading Seaman Able Seaman Seaman

 

  

 

 

Navy sailors occupy a number of administrative, managerial and other non-technical roles in the operation and support of the Royal Australian Navy. They undertake a specific group of duties that relate to their specific role. These may include working in health care, hospitality, transport and logistics and in combat. They support the strategic operations and organisational structures of the navy during both peacetime and combat activities, and may travel across the country and internationally in support of the Royal Australian Navy's general and military operations.


ANZSCO ID & Description: 4411: Navy sailors occupy a number of administrative, managerial and other non-technical roles in the operation and support of the Royal Australian Navy.

Alternative names: Navy - General Entrant

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A navy sailor needs:

• Australian citizenship

• over 17 years of age

• a passion for protecting and defending Australia and its allies

• good health and fitness

• a strong sense of discipline

• to enjoy the lifestyle associated with the armed forces

• the ability to follow orders

• a willingness to live and work anywhere in Australia and overseas

 

(Source: Reserves Training)

Working Conditions

Navy sailors work in a wide range of environments depending on their specific role within the organisation. For example, cryptologic systems sailors and boatswain's mates all work on board marine vessels. However, dental assistants and medical sailors usually work in military medical facilities on shore, in roles that involve medical procedures and dealing with people. Most Navy sailors will be required to spend long periods at sea, in all weather conditions, which may include stormy weather and rough seas.

Tools and technologies

​The tools used by Royal Australian Navy sailors vary greatly depending on their specific area of expertise. For example, boatswain's mates use ropes, anchors and other equipment used in operating marine vessels whilst docked or at sea, and Navy writers use computers and other clerical tools to undertake administrative tasks either on board or whilst ashore. All naval personnel are required to wear uniforms.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a navy sailor within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), you must pass the recruitment process and complete Basic Training at the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School.
You will undergo a series of written, physical, psychological and medical checks and interviews. You will also need to undergo a National Police History Check.

Successful applicants are required to complete 11 weeks of Basic Training at the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, in Westernport, Victoria.

Once you have completed Basic Training you will then progress to a Category School where you will learn about your specific role. The length, location and qualifications required for training will be dependent on your role.

You can join the Navy through the ADF Gap Year program. You must be between 17 and 24 years old, and have completed year 12 (or equivalent).

You can also join the Australian Defence Force on a part time basis within the Navy Reserves.

 

 

 

  

 

 

Navy technicians undertake a range of technical and trade roles in the operation and support of the Royal Australian Navy. They undertake a specific group of duties that relate to their specific role. These may include the maintenance and repair of naval air or water craft, or the operation of the electronic, electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems and machinery on board naval vehicles. They support the strategic operations and organisational structures of the navy during both peacetime and combat activities, and may travel across the country and internationally in support of the Royal Australian Navy's general and military operations.


ANZSCO ID & Description: 4411: Navy technicians undertake a range of technical and trade roles in the operation and support of the Royal Australian Navy.

Alternative names: Navy Technical and Trade Workers


Knowledge, skills and attributes

A Navy technician needs:

• Australian citizenship

• to be over the age of 17

• a passion for protecting and defending Australia and its allies

• good health and fitness

• technical and practical skills

• to enjoy the lifestyle associated with the armed forces

• the ability to follow orders

• a willingness to live and work anywhere in Australia and overseas

Leading Seaman Electronics Technician Cristy Hazelman along with other sailors from
HMAS Ballarat line the upper decks.
(Source: Australian Naval Institute)

Duties and Tasks

The duties and tasks are dependent on the type of work undertaken.

  
Working conditions

Navy technicians work in a wide range of environments depending on their specific role within the organisation. All of the various technicians employed in the Navy work on board marine vessels undertaking technical duties that may be dirty and dangerous. Navy technicians may be required to spend long periods at sea, in all weather conditions, which may include stormy weather and rough seas.

Tools and technologies

The tools and technologies used by Navy technicians vary greatly depending on their specialised role. Whilst aviation and marine technicians use hand and power tools to maintain and repair the mechanical systems of Navy aircraft and water vessels, avionics and electrical technicians on the other hand use more specific electronic and electrical testing equipment to ensure the premium operation of electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems. All Navy personnel are required to wear uniforms.


Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a navy technician within the Australian Defence Force you must pass the recruitment process and complete Basic Training at the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School.

Applicants must be an Australian citizen and at least 17 years old to enlist. You will undergo a series of written, physical, psychological and medical checks and interviews. You will also need to undergo a National Police History Check.

Successful applicants are required to complete 11 weeks of Basic Training at the Royal Australian Navy Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, in Westernport, Victoria.

Once you have completed Basic Training you will then progress to a Category School where you will receive your technical training. You may also have the opportunity to undertake additional specialist training.

The technical training varies and will prepare for your specific role within the Navy, in areas such as aviation, surface fleet and submariner trades, or traditional trades. The length, location and related qualifications of this training depend on the role you will be moving into.

If you already hold an existing trade qualification, related to the trade you wish to work in, you may become a navy technician through the Qualified Entry pathway. However, specialised training may still be required.

You can join the Navy through the ADF Gap Year program. You must be between 17 and 24 years old, and have completed year 12 (or equivalent).

You can also join the Australian Defence Force on a part time basis within the Navy Reserves.

 

 

Clearance Divers (CD) are the Australian Defence Force specialist divers and form part of the Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Group (MCDGRP). Navy divers perform a wide range of tasks in support of Defence Force missions. Clearance Divers (CD) are full-time specialist divers, who undertake diving missions to depths of 60 metres, surface and underwater demolitions, explosive ordnance disposal and improvised explosive device disposal. The primary focus of the CD is to perform Explosive Ordnance Disposal. The CD is capable of locating and destroying or recovering underwater ordnance and Improvised explosive device disposal. This role is conducted at sea in ships, in the oceans (particularly the vulnerable approaches to ports and anchorages), and onshore in port facilities, installations and the littoral environment associated with amphibious operations.

ANZSCO ID: 399911

 

Tasks Performed on the Job

• Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD)

• Improvised explosive device disposal (IEDD)

• Mine counter measures

• Maritime tactical operations

(Source: Defence Jobs)

 

YouTube: What does it take to be a Royal Navy Clearance Diver?
https://youtu.be/jM_par0Wibw

  
 

Responsibilities and Challenges

As with other types of divers, Clearance Divers need to maintain a sufficient standard of efficiency and fitness so that he is able to carry out his duties successfully and safety and at short notice. The clearance diver is personally responsible for ensuring that he undertakes the appropriate medical examinations so that he remains ‘in date’. The diver is personally responsible for ensuring that his equipment has been prepared, maintained and tested correctly before each dive.

The Challenges of Clearance Diving

• Ensuring a professional standard of work, both mentally and physically.

• Integrating the requirements of the task, supervisor and situation at all times whilst retaining the ability to think and respond individually and maturely.

Highlights and Rewards

The rewards of Clearance Diving come with maintaining the high standard of capability necessary to ensure mission readiness. This is achieved through constant training and team cohesion. Clearance Diving gives the individual not only the chance to achieve civilian diving qualification equivalencies, but also high levels of underwater experience through repair work, tactical diving and teamwork training. It is exciting work that means working where around the world ever military operations are being conducted. A lot of the operations deal with searching for and then neutralising explosive devices and carrying out underwater search and salvage missions.

They’re not merely underwater EOD teams though – while underwater repairs and demolitions are one of their core skills, they have a diverse range of roles. They have excellent infantry skills, can board and clear ships, are capable of reconnaissance close to shore – as well as Counter-Terrorist duties in Tactical Assault Group East.

During their careers, Australian CDs will be rotated through the following sea and shore positions:

• Huon Class Mine Hunter Coastal (MHC) Vessels
  
  Employment for CDs posted to these ships includes upper deck Seaman part-of-ship duties during sea service within Australia and overseas. Specialist diving duties involve the use of self-contained mixed gas equipment for mine-counter measures tasks. Mine-counter measures missions focus on the prosecution and disposal of sea mines. These ships are based at HMAS WATERHEN in Sydney.

• Clearance Diving Teams (CDTs)
  CDs can be employed in the following operational CDT elements:

• Maritime Tactical Operations (MTO): MTO missions include diving on 100% oxygen, using self-contained, closed-circuit re-breather equipment that does not give off tell-tale exhaust gases, for specialist operations underwater and ashore.

• Mine Counter-Measures (MCM): CDT MCM missions are similar to MHC MCM missions, but CDT MCM missions focus on specialist shore-based operations.

• Underwater Battle Damage Repair (UBDR): UBDR missions include diving on surface-supplied and self-contained air equipment, primarily for the maintenance and repair of ships’ underwater fittings. These missions can involve the use of underwater electric, explosive-power, hydraulic and pneumatic tools for major repairs and salvage operations.

• Tactical Assault Group (East) (TAG (E))
  
  CDs are employed in Special Forces roles at the TAG (E). TAG (E) is part of 2 Commando Regiment. TAG (E) maintains a short notice capability to conduct special military operations, using a variety of specialist skill-sets that include the extensive use of small arms.

• Major Fleet Units (MFUs)
  
  CDs are often posted to Major Fleet Units to provide specialist knowledge and advice to Command and supervise ships diving and demolitions teams. CDs will also conduct upper deck Seaman part-of-ship duties during sea service within Australia and overseas. These ships are based in Sydney and Perth.

• Instructional Roles
  
  CDs are posted to the ADF Diving School and Defence Explosive Ordnance Training School (DEOTS), both located in Sydney, for instructional duties. The ADF Diving School conducts CD selection and the majority of CD career training courses and general fleet diving and demolition courses. Instructors at DEOTS conduct Joint Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance and Disposal training for career advancement. A small number of CDs also support instruction of submariners at the Submarine Escape and Rescue Centre in Perth. CDs are also posted to the RAN Diving School, located at HMAS PENGUIN in Sydney, for instructional duties.

• Operational and Support Roles
  
  CDs are regularly posted to: positions in support of ADF Operations, a formed Task Group, international exchange positions or capability support positions providing administrative support within the MCDGRP. These positions are in various locations and are usually highly sought after, often working with a variety of military and civilian agencies. Besides the RAN Diving School, there are several administrative support positions for CDs around Australia.

• Applicants must pass a preliminary dive test of suitability for diving training, a three-week shallow water diving course using self-contained air equipment, and a two-week Clearance Diving Acceptance Test before qualifying for the 30-week Basic CD (BCD) Course. Only on graduation from the BCD Course do applicants become CDs.

• The CD category is limited to male applicants only.
  

Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver covering his squadmate during a demonstration at HMAS Stirling, 2016
(Source: Reddit)

 

How to Become a Clearance Diver
  
The SCUBA (Air) course is the entry point for all diving in the RAN and RNZN and the standards for the course are consistent irrespective of career path. Within 12 months of commencing SCUBA (Air) training, all candidates have to undergo diving medical and dental examinations, followed by a suitability test.

Candidates have to maintain a fitness program to meet the minimum standards of fitness.

Training emphasis is on fulfilling the roles of the RNZN or RAN. The courses cover underwater search skills and general maintenance, inspections of ships bottoms and wharves. More advanced courses (e.g. SSBA diving to 30m and above) cover training such as Mine Counter Measures and deep dive recovery and ordinance disposal / detection.

 

 

Ships Divers maintain or repair military boats or ships. This generally involves underwater hull searches and necklace or half necklace searches.

ANZSCO ID: 399911

Tasks Performed on the Job

• Underwater Engineering

• Checks on intake valves, props and any other things on the outside of the ship under water

Responsibilities and Challenges
  
The challenges of Ships Diving are similar to other forms of diving. There are tides and currents, visibility issues, and exposure to the the cold which need to be taken into account when diving.

Risks specific to Ships Diving generally result from the ship’s movement, machinery, outlets, inlets, and propellers etc . Risk mitigation is based on formal planning of dives and usually involves being familiar with the ship’s hull, being well practiced at diving in the “abyss” (the dark depths of the sea), and ensuring clear communication between the diver and supervisor (e.g. if the diver discovers that tidal conditions or ship movement are different to the briefing given by the supervisor, it must be clearly communicated to the surface).

(Source: Trident Newspaper)

 

What Being a Ships Diver Can Offer
  
The return of working as a Ships Diver are working within a professional, well equipped team that can provide the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) or Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) with a dive and underwater maintenance capability.

How to Become a Ships Diver
  
Training requirements in the RAN and RNZN are similar. In general, Navy personnel qualify as a Ships Diver after passing a 3 weeks training course held at the relevant diving school. This involves attaining 600 minutes of diving time and incoporates training in sea bed and wall searches, circular and hull searches (Half necklace). Practical tests constitute a significant portion of the training.

Career Pathways
  
Ships Diver is an additional qualification to already rated sailors, there is no specific career progression for ships divers.

 

 

 

Navy submariners are sailors with specialised skills and training, who work on-board a submarine. Submariners work across a range of roles in communications, combat systems operations, seamanship and electronics.

 

ANZSCO ID: 441111

 

Specialisations:

Sailors: Acoustic Analyst Submariner; Chef Submariner; Communications and Information Systems Submariner; Electronic Warfare Systems Submariner; Electronics Technician Submariner; Hospitality and Logistics Support Submariner; Marine Technician Submariner; Medic Submariner; and Warehouse Storeperson Submariner

Officers: Electronics Engineer Submariner; Marine Engineer Submariner, Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner

All these jobs are described in detail in this PDF.

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes     

To become a Navy submariner, you would need:

• self-discipline, confidence and initiative

• good teamwork skills

• the ability to think and react quickly in rapidly changing situations

• good communication skills

• good levels of physical and mental fitness

• willingness to be involved in combat.

You will need to meet aptitude and medical requirements, be willing to serve anywhere in Australia or overseas, be at least 17 years of age, and be an Australian citizen.      

Navy: Meet our Submariners
https://youtu.be/cwz1a3G2h8Q

 

Duties and Tasks

As a Navy submariner, you might:

• look after and operate systems in areas such as communications, surveillance, electronic transmissions operation, logistics, or warfare operations

• maintain the vessel while at sea

• participate in field operations as required

• train in firefighting and emergency escape techniques

• undertake general duties, such as manning defensive positions, patrolling, parade duties, and navigation

• work in a fleet maintenance unit when not at sea.

Working conditions

Submariners work onshore and at sea. While at sea, a submarine is operational 24 hours a day so you would work on a rotating shift pattern. You could be away from your family for long periods of time.

Working conditions for Navy submariners can be challenging, spending extended times at sea, possibly in rough conditions. Sailors are posted to a vessel which will split its time between its home port in Australia and missions at sea. In port, you would stay in naval accommodation. You would work in very close proximity with your crewmates, and have little privacy on board a submarine.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a Navy submariner you usually have to complete junior secondary school or equivalent with passes in English and mathematics. Submarine officers must have at least a bachelor's degree.

You will also need to successfully complete a series of aptitude tests, medical assessments and selection interviews.

All entrants must complete basic naval training. Potential sailors undergo their basic training at the RAN Recruit School, while officers must complete the New Entry Officer Course at HMAS Creswell. Completion of basic training is followed by a four week seamanship course covering knowledge of all naval vessels. Finally, there is a three-day submariner selection course which includes medical and psychological testing.

As different specialisations have different entry requirements, you should contact Defence Force Recruiting for specific requirements.

 

Employment Opportunities

There are always good opportunities for submariners.

Although the total number of active-duty and reserve personnel serving in the Australian Armed Forces is currently expected to remain roughly the same, the role of a submariner is highly specialised, and the selection process is extremely rigorous. Only a small number of people make it through the selection process, and so there are always good opportunities should you do so. The Australian Defence Force recruits throughout the year.

 

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these jobs

Air Force Officer	Army Officer	Border Force Officer	Coxswain
Diver	Harbour Master	Naval or Marine Architect	Sailmaker
Ship's Master	Shipwright

 

 

Material sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA  [Navy Sailor, Navy Technician]
Good Universities Guide
ADAS [Navy Clearance Divers; Navy Ships Divers;]
Defence Jobs [Clearance Diver; ]
CareerHQ [Navy Submariner; ]
Your Career [Commissioned Defence Force Officer; ]