Marine Technician
As a Marine Technician, you’ll be a valued member of a team, operating and maintaining the marine equipment that allows the Army to successfully carry out exercises and operations. You’ll get paid to learn and enjoy a rewarding and varied role that offers opportunities for adventure, career progression and travel.
What you'll do
Working with other qualified technicians, you’ll inspect, repair, modify and recondition a wide variety of Army Marine Equipment. You’ll get to work in a range of different environments, from Army bases around Australia to locations out in the field on deployments, exercises and humanitarian operations.
Regardless of your civilian qualifications, you’ll also undertake valuable military trade training.
Your duties may include:
- diagnosing, maintaining and repairing the Army's fleet of marine equipment
- performing safety and technical inspections on marine safety equipment and large vessels
- working as part of a crew on a vessel
- working with specialised teams on advanced Vessel HVAC, electronic and hydraulic systems
- general soldiering duties, such as manning defensive positions, patrolling, traffic control, navigation, and camouflaging vehicles and field equipment.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Army will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training to strengthen your skillset. This will help you to command and run a highly skilled team of soldiers and the employment of their equipment.
Following training, your initial posting will likely be to an Army Maritime Unit in Darwin or Townsville. Subsequent postings can be to various locations and units throughout Australia, including Special Operations Units and Amphibious Battalions.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our major base locations map.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 56 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
You’ll need to be a qualified Maritime Engineer having completed a Certificate III in Maritime Operations, Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 (e.g. a trade qualification as a Maritime Engineer).
Alternatively, if you have completed an approved apprenticeship or traineeship that predominately contains Mechanical or Engineering Mechanical competencies aligned to a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical, you may also be suitable for qualified entry.
You should present your trade paperwork at the recruiting interview to ensure the Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies process is complete prior to entry. The recognition process cannot be commenced after enlistment.
Any trade evidence submitted should contain the content of training undertaken (i.e. Units of Competencies, Statement of Attainment, etc.) and must be certified as a true copy of the original otherwise it will not be considered.
Your trade qualification and evidence will be certified by the Army Logistics Training Centre prior to enlistment.
Note: You must provide a resume (including work history) and 3 references (one from current employer and 2 from previous employers) when applying.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
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.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 4 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Regardless of your civilian qualifications, you may be required to complete military specific units of Competency as part of your Initial Employment Training (IET)
Duration: 5 weeks, 1 day
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
This course provides you 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.
Marine Technician – Propulsion Employment Training:
Course: Stage 1 – MT Propulsion Initial Technical Training
Duration: 21 weeks
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Course: Stage 2 – MT Propulsion Initial Employment Training (TAFE MEM31419)
Duration: 19 weeks
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
The MEM31419 package is offered as an Intensive Delivery Method through HMAS Cerberus, with the Task Evidence Journal being completed as part of the apprenticeship. On completion of the Intensive Delivery Method and Task Evidence Journal, you’ll be awarded the Certificate, and trade.
Course: Marine Systems Foundation
Duration: 14 weeks
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 55 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English, Maths, Science (with a Physics content) and one other subject. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
If you have any prior experience or training towards a qualification in a Maritime Maintenance, Mechanical or Engineering Mechanical discipline, you may be able to receive recognition against some of the training content of your initial trade training.
You should present any trade evidence you have attained at the recruiting interview to ensure that recognition can be completed prior to commencing initial trade training.
Any trade evidence submitted should contain the content of training undertaken (i.e. Units of Competencies, Statement of Attainment, etc.) and must be certified as a true copy of the original otherwise it will not be considered.
Note: You must provide a resume (including work history) and 3 references (one from current employer and 2 from previous employers) when applying.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
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.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 5 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Duration: 5 weeks, 1 day
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
This course provides you 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.
Marine Technician – Propulsion Employment Training
Course: Stage 1 – MT Propulsion Initial Technical Training
Duration: 21 weeks
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Course: Stage 2 – MT Propulsion Initial Employment Training (TAFE MEM31419)
Duration: 19 weeks
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
The MEM31419 package is offered as an Intensive Delivery Method through HMAS Cerberus, with the Task Evidence Journal being completed as part of the apprenticeship. On completion of the Intensive Delivery Method and Task Evidence Journal, you’ll be awarded the Certificate, and trade.
Course: Marine Systems Foundation
Duration: 14 weeks
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic