Surface Warfare Officer
As a Surface Warfare Officer, you’ll take on a leadership role that will help drive the future of the Navy's surface fleet.
What you'll do
Working at sea or ashore, you'll command and lead in Air, Surface, Mine, Anti-Submarine, Amphibious and Navigation warfare operations across the maritime domain. You’ll be accountable for the safety of your ship and play a lead role in the meticulous planning and execution of military operations. Your expertise and understanding of your ship, as well as your ability to leverage the full spectrum of ADF capabilities, will make you a highly valued member of your crew.
Your duties may include:
- being accountable for the safety of the ship
- bridgemanship and navigation
- understanding the operation and use of machinery and the propulsion plant
- launching and recovering the ship’s boats and aircraft
- monitoring ship safety during live weapons firings
- contributing to whole ship warfare activities
- warfare tactics, including evasive ship handling manoeuvres
- assisting with the identification of advancing aircraft, submarines and other warships.
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 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. 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.
Following training, you’ll serve in fleet units and shore establishments around Australia based on service needs. Individual preferences for posting location will be considered where possible. Many opportunities also exist for short periods (4-6 months) of operational service overseas.
Discover where the Navy 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 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 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.
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.Assumed Knowledge Requirements
Assumed Knowledge is the level of subject knowledge that a lecturer or a tutor of a first year UNSW at ADFA course could reasonably expect of students enrolled in that course.
Assumed Knowledge is fundamental to the assessment of whether or not an applicant is likely to succeed and is taken into account by the ADF (during the recruiting process) and by UNSW at ADFA when assessing the application.
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 Maths or Physics as part of a Bachelor of Science degree) also require current Year 12 Maths and Year 12 Physics as Assumed Knowledge.
In states where Year 12 English may be replaced by a Humanities subject for the purposes of meeting Year 12 certificate requirements, the Assumed Knowledge is Year 11 English plus a Year 12 Humanities subject.
ADF Service Requirements
You should be aware that in addition to the UNSW at ADFA Assumed Subject Knowledge requirements. Maritime Warfare Officer Submariners require a strong level of mental arithmetic. Candidates are strongly encouraged to study 2 Unit maths during Years 11 and 12.
This document is provided as a guide to assist you in preparing for the mental maths required in this role.
Members wishing to join the nuclear-powered submarine training continuum are required to gain a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of first year mathematics and physics. Upon attainment of the tertiary pre-requisites’ members undertake an additional selection process.
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.
For this role, you’ll require a Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Security Clearance.
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: Maritime Warfare Officer Course (MWOC)
Duration: 2 years
Location: HMAS Watson, Sydney, NSW and HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
The course includes, but is not limited to:
- simulation training
- navigation principles
- mariner skills
- bridge work
- seamanship training
- boat work
- risk management
- engineering module
- watchkeeping
- warfare theory
- Officer of the Watch (OOW) duties.
Your initial training concludes in the award of your Primary Qualification (PQ) and Bridge Warfare Certificate (BWC).
You’ll progress through the professional development milestones aligned to the Navy Mastery stages: Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced and Master.
Foundation to Intermediate Progression
- 18–24 months sea posting as an Officer of Watch (OOW) on a Frigate, Destroyer or Landing Helicopter Dock (Major Fleet Unit (MFU)).
- Intermediate training to become a:
- Patrol Boat Executive Officer (XO)
- Patrol Boat Navigator (NAV)
- Fighter Controller (FC) on an Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft, ashore at RAAF Williamstown or at sea on a Frigate and Destroyer.
During your Naval career as a SWO, you’ll work various appointments. This may lead you towards being in Command of a Naval ship in the future.
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 54 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 have either completed Year 12 with passes in English and 3 other board accredited academic subjects or be in your final year and on track to pass them all.
If you’re currently studying Year 12 you may apply, however, progression through the application process will be contingent on reaching these levels.
Degree qualified entrants will normally be granted seniority as a Midshipman.
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 6 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.
For this role, you’ll require a Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Security Clearance.
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: Maritime Warfare Officer Course (MWOC)
Duration: 2 years
Location: HMAS Watson, Sydney, NSW and HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
The course includes, but is not limited to:
- simulation training
- navigation principles
- mariner skills
- bridge work
- seamanship training
- boat work
- risk management
- engineering module
- watchkeeping
- warfare theory
- Officer of the Watch (OOW) duties.
Your initial training concludes in the award of your Primary Qualification (PQ) and Bridge Warfare Certificate (BWC).
You’ll progress through the professional development milestones aligned to the Navy Mastery stages: Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced and Master.
Foundation to Intermediate Progression
- 18–24 months sea posting as an Officer of Watch (OOW) on a Frigate, Destroyer or Landing Helicopter Dock (Major Fleet Unit (MFU)).
- Intermediate training to become a:
- Patrol Boat Executive Officer (XO)
- Patrol Boat Navigator (NAV)
- Fighter Controller (FC) on an Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft, ashore at RAAF Williamstown or at sea on a Frigate and Destroyer.
During your Naval career as a SWO, you’ll work various appointments. This may lead you towards being in Command of a Naval ship in the future.
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 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.
While all undergraduate degree streams will be considered, applicants completing an undergraduate STEM degree will be considered more competitive. MWOC and SWO specialisation courses all have significant maths and/or physics components.
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.
Degree qualified entrants will normally be granted seniority as a Midshipman.
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.
For this role, you’ll require a Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Security Clearance.
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.
Course: Maritime Warfare Officer Course (MWOC)
Duration: 2 years
Location: HMAS Watson, Sydney, NSW and HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
The course includes, but is not limited to:
- simulation training
- navigation principles
- mariner skills
- bridge work
- seamanship training
- boat work
- risk management
- engineering module
- watchkeeping
- warfare theory
- Officer of the Watch (OOW) duties.
Your initial training concludes in the award of your Primary Qualification (PQ) and Bridge Warfare Certificate (BWC).
You’ll progress through the professional development milestones aligned to the Navy Mastery stages: Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced and Master.
Foundation to Intermediate Progression
- 18–24 months sea posting as an Officer of Watch (OOW) on a Frigate, Destroyer or Landing Helicopter Dock (Major Fleet Unit (MFU)).
- Intermediate training to become a:
- Patrol Boat Executive Officer (XO)
- Patrol Boat Navigator (NAV)
- Fighter Controller (FC) on an Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft, ashore at RAAF Williamstown or at sea on a Frigate and Destroyer.
During your Naval career as a SWO, you’ll work various appointments. This may lead you towards being in Command of a Naval ship in the future.