Communications Operator
As a Communications Operator, you’ll operate sophisticated communication and IT systems to make sure secret information stays that way and that lines of communication always remain open. You’ll act as the communications link onboard, receiving and dispatching sensitive information to relevant stakeholders, Command and crew.
What you'll do
At sea, you’ll use advanced military and commercial satellite and radio technology to receive and transmit highly classified information. You’ll play a critical role in Navy operations and missions, such as search and rescue, disaster relief and boarding parties, acting as the communications link between command and crew. You’ll also conduct short-range communications with other ships using Morse code and flag signalling.
Your duties may include:
- operating satellite communications systems
- performing radio communications link for the ship (boarding parties and diving team)
- handling classified and sensitive information
- operating communication networks to support disaster relief, distress calls, and search and rescue operations
- managing communications between stakeholders, government agencies, submarines and ships
- encoding and decoding encrypted messages, signals and classified information
- flashing light (Morse code) and flag signalling
- using portable communications equipment during operations and missions
- administration of onboard ICT networks
- providing advice for the safe and effective manoeuvring of ships at sea.
You'll also perform additional general duties that support the whole ship, including:
- ship security, firefighting and replenishment at sea
- boarding party, first aid, flood repair and flight deck
- assisting with medical, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties
- shift work, or on-call duties as required.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Navy will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training within your chosen role. This will set you up to run a highly skilled team of sailors in a variety of tasks, both at sea and ashore.
Following training, you could be based at one of the many Navy facilities located around the country. Depending on your job, you’ll work at sea with periods spent ashore at your vessel’s home base.
Discover where the Navy operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Why I wanted to join was the travel and experiences throughout your career.
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 58 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 and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
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 2 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.
For this role, you’ll require a Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Security Clearance.
Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic
You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
NESC Course
- Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: General service knowledge including drill and ceremonial procedures.
- Military skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Communications Systems Initial Employment Training
Duration: 37 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
The Communication Systems Initial Employment Training program aims to provide sailors from the Communication Systems stream with the foundation knowledge and skills required to operate associated systems, at sea and ashore.
The Communication Systems Initial Employment Training program includes the following subject areas:
- mariner development program
- security principles
- introduction to information warfare
- basic cryptographic equipment
- radiation hazard awareness
- fundamentals of voice and data radio communications
- maritime safety communications
- fundamentals of commercial/military satellite system communications and space operations
- processing military messages, including accountability and security
- use and maintenance of visual signalling equipment
- visual signalling procedures, including morse code by flashing light
- tactical manoeuvring of warships in close proximity
- recognition and interpretation of International and Naval signalling flags
- interpreting naval tactical signals and related instructions
- flag ceremonial procedures.
On completion of this course, you will be employed at sea or ashore to further consolidate your training.