Nuclear Submarine Officer
As a Nuclear Submarine Officer, you’ll help write a new chapter in Navy history by making a meaningful contribution to the deployment of Australia’s first conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. You’ll oversee day-to-day operations, including everything from communications and navigation to armament and the tactical deployment of the submarine.
The nuclear-powered fleet is a game-changer for the Navy. The superior stealth, speed and range of the new submarines will help the Navy better meet Australia’s long-term defence needs.
What you'll do
Working with a highly trained crew onboard a state-of-the-art vessel, you’ll lead teams responsible for atmosphere control, communications, and operating and maintaining the nuclear propulsion system, among other functions.
Your duties may include:
- maintaining the safe navigation of the submarine
- contributing to submarine operations, warfare activities and tactics
- controlling the vessel through surfaced, dived and harbour watchkeeping
- overseeing sensors, combat and weapon systems.
- atmosphere management (ensuring the air is safe to breathe)
- driving the vessel and charting its position
- leading and managing teams
- operating communications and intelligence equipment
- overseeing nuclear propulsion operations
- weapons system management
As a submariner, you'll also perform additional general duties that support the whole submarine, including:
- emergency response (damage control)
- submarine 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 an officer. As you progress, the Navy will provide you with leadership, management, and specialist skills training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related expertise and help you prepare to one day lead the entire crew as Commanding Officer. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Navy allowing you to face any challenge, either at sea or ashore.
As an officer in the Navy, you may also undertake a posting to an Any Officer role during your career, such as instructor/training roles and staff officer roles. This experience helps you broaden your skill set and prepare for more senior roles.
Your initial military training will take place in Australia and then you’ll move to the United States of America to complete employment training. Sea postings may be on submarines operating out of Western Australia, Hawaii, Connecticut, Guam and San Diego , and shore postings will be in both Australia and the United States of America.
Discover where the Navy operates across Australia on our base locations map.
It’s an absolute honour to be one of the very first Australians to take this technology home with us
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 to join ADFA from 16 years of age and must be at least 17 on the day of entry. The maximum age to join is 51 years.
You must be at least 18 years of age on commencement of overseas training.
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.
To be eligible for admission to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at ADFA, you’ll need to have completed Year 12 and obtained an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry into the relevant degree program.
While all UNSW degrees require Year 12 English as Assumed Knowledge, applicants wishing to enter the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology programs (or study Mathematics or Physics as part of a Bachelor of Science degree) also require current Year 12 Mathematics and Year 12 Physics as Assumed Knowledge.
Note: As well as applying to the Navy for entry, you’ll also need to apply to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for entry to the University of New South Wales (UNSW). For more information, visit the UAC website or our ADFA page.
While at ADFA, you won’t incur a HECS-HELP debt as the Navy will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This includes the higher costs associated with ADFA studies and may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
Navy Midshipmen can leave ADFA at any time within their first year. Please note, if you choose to leave university, you'll be expected to reimburse the ADF for the academic training provided to date (i.e. you are not liable for the full cost if you leave before completion of the course). However, if you leave university but continue your career in the ADF by transferring to a Direct Entry role, you will not be expected to reimburse the ADF in this case.
Nuclear specialisation requirements
To continue progressing as a Nuclear Submarine Officer, you’ll be required to complete first year calculus and one year of calculus-based physics, with a credit average or better (NSW grading scale). Officers will remain in Australia until these requirements are met.
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 appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 9 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.
For ADFA officers in the Navy who undertake Navy training in their first year of appointment, you may resign up until the graduation day of your first year of study (which generally equates with having completed by then 2 years of Navy 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 any outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
Nuclear Submarine Officer trainees must hold an NV1 clearance before commencing overseas training, and will subsequently require a PV clearance.
Note: Certain positions will require you to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR Compliant), which is an additional set of compliance checks.
Selection to overseas nuclear-powered submarine training is not guaranteed, and you must successfully pass United States Navy testing to be selected. If you’re not successful in this testing or are unable to compete the overseas portions of the training, you’ll be given the opportunity to transfer to another role in the Navy, including but not limited to Collins Class Submarine service.
Australian Submarine Agency Screening
Due to the security settings of the Nuclear Powered Submarine Program, members will be subject to additional eligibility and suitability screening by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA). This screening also considers foreign partner security requirements. You’ll have a Careers Coach you can speak to for more information.
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Year One Familiarisation Training (YOFT)
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
YOFT is Initial Military Training to prepare you for life in the ADF. It’s made up of the fundamental basic lessons and requirements to allow you to thrive and succeed in your new career.
Training includes:
- leadership
- ceremonial
- field training
- physical training
- adventurous training
- weapon training.
Course: Joint Military Education and Training (JMET)
Duration: 10 hours per week
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
ADFA’s JMET program establishes foundational military knowledge for Trainee Officers (TOs) in the profession of arms.
JMET has 5 core modules:
- Foundational Military Skills
- National Security Policy and Strategy
- Character Leadership and Ethics
- Technology and Capability
- Joint Warfare.
JMET integrates the professional military education of TOs with the academic program to establish foundational skills and historical, philosophical and technical literacy. The ADFA program of JMET and academic studies encourages curiosity and critical thinking so that TOs understand their role as leaders within the ADF, and their service’s contribution to the Joint Force.
JMET training:
- character, leadership and ethics
- drill and ceremonial
- field craft
- joint warfare
- national security, policy and strategy
- physical training
- technology and capability
- weapons training.
Course: Single Service Training (SST)
Duration: During academic semester breaks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
Navy SST furthers your skills, knowledge and attributes gained in your first year in the Navy, and provides you the opportunity to undertake work experience and training in your chosen specialisation.
- Degree related work experience.
- Navy culture and traditions.
- Professional development work experience and outplacements.
- Seamanship and mariner skills.
- Teamwork and leadership.
Course: Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS)
Duration: 24 weeks
Location: Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Nuclear Submarine Officers will commence their overseas nuclear-powered submarine training once initial Australian training requirements and Naval Reactors selection process are both complete. NNPS is the first of these overseas courses and is an intensive, graduate-level course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of pressurised-water Naval nuclear power plants and the science and engineering involved in their design, operation and maintenance. NNPS areas of study include:
- Chemistry
- Electrical power theory and generating equipment
- Health physics
- Material science and metallurgy
- Mathematics
- Nuclear physics
- Nuclear reactor technology
- Reactor principles
- Thermodynamics
Course: Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU)
Duration: 26 weeks
Location: Charleston, South Carolina (USA)
Commonly referred to as ‘Prototype’, this course follows the theoretical learning of NNPS with hands-on training on a real nuclear reactor. You’ll study the systems and components of a nuclear propulsion plant and work with all the associated systems of a full-scale, operating plant. You’ll learn the command skills needed to lead the watch team in the safe operation of a Naval nuclear power plant. On completion, you’ll qualify as an Engineering Officer of the Watch.
Course: Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC)
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: Groton, Connecticut, USA
On completion of nuclear propulsion training, you’ll learn about submarine operations, including safety, seamanship, damage control and the responsibilities associated with leading highly trained submarine crews as a Divisional Officer.
There are opportunities for a wide range of personal and professional development training and education, and leadership training continues throughout your career.
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 60 years, less the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS).
You must be at least 18 years of age on commencement of overseas training.
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.
In order to be eligible for selection to USN Nuclear Power School, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years. You must also have completed (as part of this degree or in addition to it) 2 semesters of first-year calculus-based mathematics and 2 semesters of first-year calculus-based physics with a credit average or better (NSW grading scale).
Navy offers a range of programs to assist you in achieving civilian University qualifications. If you don’t currently hold a bachelor’s degree, you’re encouraged to consider applying as a Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner and take advantage of these services while training and serving on Collins Class Submarines.
You may commence the selection process if you’re in the final year of an engineering degree and can present your completed academic transcript and confirmed completion/graduation date. Your appointment will be subject to successful completion of all professional experience requirements and the final semester of your degree.
To balance skillsets across the workforce, Navy selects candidates with a range of engineering and non-engineering degrees to the Graduate Entry Nuclear Submarine Officer pathway.
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 appointed 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 and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
Nuclear Submarine Officer trainees must hold an NV1 clearance before commencing overseas training, and will subsequently require a PV clearance.
Note: Certain positions will require you to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR Compliant), which is an additional set of compliance checks.
Selection to overseas nuclear-powered submarine training is not guaranteed, and you must successfully pass United States Navy testing to be selected. If you’re not successful in this testing or are unable to compete the overseas portions of the training, you’ll be given the opportunity to transfer to another role in the Navy, including but not limited to Collins Class Submarine service.
Australian Submarine Agency Screening
Due to the security settings of the Nuclear Powered Submarine Program, members will be subject to additional eligibility and suitability screening by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA). This screening also considers foreign partner security requirements. You’ll have a Careers Coach you can speak to for more information.
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS)
Duration: 24 weeks
Location: Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Nuclear Submarine Officers will commence their overseas nuclear-powered submarine training once initial Australian training requirements and Naval Reactors selection process are both complete. NNPS is the first of these overseas courses and is an intensive, graduate-level course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of pressurised-water Naval nuclear power plants and the science and engineering involved in their design, operation and maintenance. NNPS areas of study include:
- Chemistry
- Electrical power theory and generating equipment
- Health physics
- Material science and metallurgy
- Mathematics
- Nuclear physics
- Nuclear reactor technology
- Reactor principles
- Thermodynamics
Course: Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU)
Duration: 26 weeks
Location: Charleston, South Carolina (USA)
Commonly referred to as ‘Prototype’, this course follows the theoretical learning of NNPS with hands-on training on a real nuclear reactor. You’ll study the systems and components of a nuclear propulsion plant and work with all the associated systems of a full-scale, operating plant. You’ll learn the command skills needed to lead the watch team in the safe operation of a Naval nuclear power plant. On completion, you’ll qualify as an Engineering Officer of the Watch.
Course: Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC)
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: Groton, Connecticut, USA
On completion of nuclear propulsion training, you’ll learn about submarine operations, including safety, seamanship, damage control and the responsibilities associated with leading highly trained submarine crews as a Divisional Officer.
There are opportunities for a wide range of personal and professional development training and education, and leadership training continues throughout your career.
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 60 years, less the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS).
You must be at least 18 years of age on commencement of overseas training.
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.
With Defence University Sponsorship (DUS), you won’t incur a HELP or HECS-HELP debt as the Navy will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
You can apply for DUS at any point during your degree (so long as you have an offer of placement from an Australian university for a degree that meets Navy requirements), however, you’ll only have your study sponsored from your date of appointment into the Navy.
You may commence the selection process if you have completed at least 6 months of a bachelor‘s degree and can present your academic transcript. Your appointment will be subject to:
- A minimum of one full year (full time study equivalent) of an appropriate degree
Have no more than three years of study (full time) outstanding to complete all of the requirements for the award of your degree. - You must also complete (as part of this degree or in addition to it) first-year university calculus and first-year university calculus-based physics with a credit average or better (NSW grading scale).
While all undergraduate degree streams will be considered for the undergraduate method of entry, applicants completing an undergraduate STEM degree will be considered more competitive.
If you’re in high school, it's best to apply in your final year of school, to maximise your sponsorship time (if you join after having started your degree, you are ineligible to have your degree back paid). If you’re out of high school, you should apply as early as you can so you can maximise the benefits of your sponsorship.
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 appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) commencing from your date of appointment. This is calculated as either two times the length of your academic sponsorship plus one year or the total length of your academic sponsorship plus the officer entry initial minimum period of service for the same role (whichever is the greater).
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Nuclear Submarine Officer trainees must hold an NV1 clearance before commencing overseas training, and will subsequently require a PV clearance.
Note: Certain positions will require you to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR Compliant), which is an additional set of compliance checks.
Selection to overseas nuclear-powered submarine training is not guaranteed, and you must successfully pass United States Navy testing to be selected. If you’re not successful in this testing or are unable to compete the overseas portions of the training, you’ll be given the opportunity to transfer to another role in the Navy, including but not limited to Collins Class Submarine service.
Australian Submarine Agency Screening
Due to the security settings of the Nuclear Powered Submarine Program, members will be subject to additional eligibility and suitability screening by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA). This screening also considers foreign partner security requirements. You’ll have a Careers Coach you can speak to for more information.
Course: Undergraduate Entry Officers’ Course (UEOC)
Duration: 5 days
Location: Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell, NSW
This course is conducted upon joining and will provide you with an insight into life in the Navy including:
- expectations of a junior officer
- how to salute and march
- an introduction to Navy and compliance training
- issuing of uniforms and Navy identification
- swim test
- fitness test.
Upon completion of your university degree, you’ll complete the New Entry Officers’ Course (NEOC).
Course: New Entry Officers Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Duration: 24 weeks
Location: Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Nuclear Submarine Officers will commence their overseas nuclear-powered submarine training once initial Australian training requirements and Naval Reactors selection process are both complete. NNPS is the first of these overseas courses and is an intensive, graduate-level course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of pressurised-water Naval nuclear power plants and the science and engineering involved in their design, operation and maintenance. NNPS areas of study include:
- Chemistry
- Electrical power theory and generating equipment
- Health physics
- Material science and metallurgy
- Mathematics
- Nuclear physics
- Nuclear reactor technology
- Reactor principles
- Thermodynamics
Course: Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU)
Duration: 26 weeks
Location: Charleston, South Carolina (USA)
Commonly referred to as ‘Prototype’, this course follows the theoretical learning of NNPS with hands-on training on a real nuclear reactor. You’ll study the systems and components of a nuclear propulsion plant and work with all the associated systems of a full-scale, operating plant. You’ll learn the command skills needed to lead the watch team in the safe operation of a Naval nuclear power plant. On completion, you’ll qualify as an Engineering Officer of the Watch.
Course: Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC)
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: Groton, Connecticut, USA
On completion of nuclear propulsion training, you’ll learn about submarine operations, including safety, seamanship, damage control and the responsibilities associated with leading highly trained submarine crews as a Divisional Officer.
There are opportunities for a wide range of personal and professional development training and education, and leadership training continues throughout your career.