Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic
As a Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic, you’ll be working on diesel engines, gas turbines and ancillary systems that keep Navy ships moving. Working onboard Navy ships and on shore, you’ll operate and maintain propulsion systems, diagnosing potential mechanical issues and carrying out repairs where necessary.
What you'll do
Pursuing a trade and a nationally-recognised qualification with the Navy gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll get to experience a unique and rewarding career as a sailor in the Navy. And you’ll get to apply your skills to keeping ships in peak working condition, ensuring they’re ready for scheduled exercises and operations, as well as unplanned missions and deployments.
You could find yourself working on ships in dock at a Naval base or onboard at sea. Wherever you are working, you will gain new skills and obtain a Certificate III in Fixed Mobile and Plant Mechanics. There are also opportunities to gain further qualifications up to and including a Diploma. Best of all, you’ll be paid from day one, whether you already have a trade, you’re an apprentice or you’re just starting out.
Your duties may include:
- operating state of the art engineering systems
- conducting maintenance on diesel engines, gas turbines and other mechanical systems
- maintaining the ships auxiliary systems
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.
As a Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic you will have the opportunity to progress your specialist trade skills with training to Certificate IV and Diploma Levels.
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.
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 57 years.
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.
Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable for this job. Year 10 Trade and Business Maths is acceptable.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be required to undertake category training modules as necessary to align your civilian trade with the military category. The number of modules and duration of training will be determined by the Training Authority.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process will occur in 2 stages:
- The first stage will consist of an assessment of RPL against the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) 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 stage 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 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 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.
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 are:
RAN Propulsion Maintainer:
- Engineering/Mechanical/Electrical/Fabrication/Automotive Trade AQF Certificate III, or higher listed within the Australian National Training Register.
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 Navy 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 3 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: 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.
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, 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: Marine Technician Initial Training
Duration: 5 Days
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, VIC
IT covers the TA-ENG Cerberus inductions and study skills required.
Marine Technician – Propulsion Employment Training:
Course: MT Propulsion Initial Technical Training
Duration: 28 Weeks 4 days
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 after joining the Fleet.
This training will provide you with all the underpinning knowledge required to work on the variety of propulsion and plant systems you will come across in your career in the RAN.
On completion of the Intensive Delivery Method and Task Evidence Journal, you will be awarded the Certificate, and trade.
Course: Navy Electrical Safety Training
Duration: 2 week 2 days
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
This training covers the basics of Navy Electrical requirements.
Course: Marine Systems Foundation
Duration: 15 weeks 2 days
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, VIC
There are opportunities to obtain further qualifications (up to and including a Diploma) as you advance through the Marine Technician - Propulsion Career Continuum.
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 57 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.
Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable for this job. Year 10 Trade and Business Maths is acceptable.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be required to undertake category training modules as necessary to align your civilian trade with the military category. The number of modules and duration of training will be determined by the Training Authority.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process will occur in 2 stages:
- The first stage will consist of an assessment of RPL against the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) 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 stage 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 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 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.
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:
RAN Propulsion Maintainer:
- MEM31419 Cert III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant
- Certificate IV (AQF) in Engineering - Higher Engineering Trade - (MEM40198) Diesel Mechanic
- Certificate III in Automotive Heavy Vehicle - Agricultural Mechanic
- Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical (Heavy Vehicle Mobile Equip)
- Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical - Diesel Fitter)
- Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical (Maintenance Diesel Fitter)
- Certificate III in Marine Mechanics Trade
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 Navy 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 3 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: 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.
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, 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: Marine Technician Initial Technical Training
Duration: 5 Days
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
ITT covers the TA-ENG Cerberus inductions and study skills required.
Marine Technician – Propulsion Employment Training:
Course: MT Propulsion Initial Technical Training
Duration: 31 Weeks 1 day
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 after joining the Fleet.
This training will provide you with all the underpinning knowledge required to work on the variety of propulsion and plant systems you will come across in your career in the RAN.
On completion of the Intensive Delivery Method and Task Evidence Journal, you will be awarded the Certificate, and trade.
Course: Navy Specific Marine Technician Training
Duration: 1 week 3 days
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
This training covers the basics of Mariner skills, Work health and safety and Working at Heights.
Course: Marine Systems Foundation
Duration: 15 weeks
Location: Technical Training Faculty, HMAS Cerberus, Vic
There are opportunities to obtain further qualifications (up to and including a Diploma) as you advance through the Marine Technician - Propulsion Career Continuum.