Mine Warfare Operator
As a Mine Warfare Operator, you’ll specialise in working with sophisticated sensors to help defend Australia's shipping routes and trade interests. You'll work as part of a tight-knit team using minehunting and minesweeping techniques to identify, prevent or remove minefields at sea, putting you at the heart of the action. This is a role where you can really make a difference, travelling the world to hunt down and remove the threat of mines.
What you'll do
You'll be trained to operate cutting-edge sensor technology onboard the Navy's Mine Hunter Coastal ships – some of the most advanced ships in the world. Or as a member of the Mine Warfare Deployable Systems Team, you’ll operate the latest Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS).
Your duties may include operating a variety of equipment and sensors, including:
- combat data systems
- mine hunting sonars
- mine disposal vehicles
- surface radars
- operating Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) such as autonomous underwater vehicles and uncrewed surface vessels.
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. You’ll serve in fleet units, deployable teams and shore establishments on a rotational basis.
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 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.
The Navy swim test
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.
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: Basic Seamanship Course
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Course: Small Boats Coxswain Course
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Course: Small Arms Training
Duration: 9 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
Course: Basic Combat System Operator (Mine Warfare) Training
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: HMAS Waterhen, Sydney, NSW
The Basic Combat System Operator Mine Warfare Course includes the following theory and practical-based training:
- Principles of Mine Warfare – introduction to Mine Warfare in the Navy including history and definitions, roles and responsibilities of a Mine Warfare Operator, sea mine capabilities and Navy's Mine Warfare capabilities
- Mine Sweeping Operations – how to prepare, stream and recover influence sweeps and maintain all Mine Sweeping equipment
- Route Survey Operations – how to prepare, stream, operate and recover data collection sensors in support of route survey operations including the launch and recovery of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV)
- Minehunting Operations – includes sonar theory, how to prepare and operate minehunting sonar and the launch and recovery of the Mine Disposal Vehicle (MDV)
- MHC Tactical Data System – the setup and operation of the tactical data system for the conduct of route survey or minehunting operations
- Mine Disposal System – the setup and operation of the Mine Disposal System (MDS), including the preparation and loading of a Mine Disposal Charge (MDC) onto the MDV for the disposal of sea mines during minehunting operations.
The Navy is currently investing significantly in the future of Mine Warfare and as a result, you’ll receive specialised training from both Navy and industry partners such as the Australian Maritime College in the operation of emerging Robotic and Autonomous Systems. Currently these systems include Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, Unmanned Surface Vessels and the Expendable Mine Neutralisation System.
When you are identified for further career advancement and promotion, you’ll be provided with intermediate and advanced level training to prepare you for supervisor and manager roles.