Navy
The greatest stories come from the smallest of moments, the people you meet, the bonds you make and the support you bring to those who need it most.
Defending our country and people
Alongside the Army and Air Force, the Navy is responsible for defending Australia, its coastline, its shipping lanes and its citizens. This includes protecting our waters from illegal fishing, drug running and illegal immigration, and contributing to regional security. The Navy also supports global interests by providing maritime patrol and response, maintaining a strategic strike capability, protecting shipping, offshore territories and resources, as well as collecting and evaluating maritime intelligence.
Keeping the oceans safe for shipping
On a day-to-day basis, the Navy provides services that keep the waters safe for shipping and professional or recreational seagoing. These include maritime search and rescue service, hydrographic surveys for navigational purposes, anti-piracy operations, meteorological support operations and maritime escort duties.
Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Missions
As well as defending our nation, the Navy is on permanent standby to participate in a broad range of operations in Australia and overseas. These include supporting international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, and helping communities affected by natural disasters such as fire, flood and earthquake.
What we do
Navy history
Traditions we honour
You’ll become part of time-honoured traditions that serve as a reminder of our rich history. They are important in building the Navy’s ‘esprit de corps’ – our spirit of comradeship and our commitment to each cause.
- The salute, dating back to the Middle Ages when knights used to raise their visors as both a greeting and a symbol of mutual respect, belief, and trust.
- The awarding of medals to recognise outstanding effort and gallantry, or involvement in significant campaigns or missions.
- The Colours ceremony when the Australian White Ensign and Australian National Flag are hoisted at 8 am and lowered at sunset (though the Australian White Ensign is flown 24 hours a day at sea).
- The Ceremonial Sunset, which is one of the oldest and most significant of Navy ceremonies, lowering the Australian White Ensign to conclude days of special importance.
Real stories
Life in the navy
As a submariner, you'll gather intelligence and support operations to protect Australia and its coastline.
Submariner benefits
There’s plenty of benefits that come with being a submariner. Here are just a few:
Discover what life is like in the Navy as a submariner
Have Questions? Find what you need
Meet our submariners
Nuclear-Powered Submarines
Submariner Training
World class capability
Join the Navy at a pivotal moment in history. You may start out crewing a Collins Class submarine and transition to our nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Nuclear-powered submarines are a game-changing capability. These state-of-the-art platforms, with superior stealth, speed and range, meet Australia’s long-term defence needs.
Operating from bases around Australia.
Explore a range of featured roles that offer impactful experiences and skill development, well-paid work and job security.
Recent updates to Navy’s application process and service requirements have made opportunities even more accessible and achievable.
Fitness requirements
A Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA) is no longer required for Navy roles, except for Divers and Physical Training Instructors. Instead, you’ll complete fitness testing throughout your initial military training. Regular exercise before joining will set you up for success.
Learn more at Fitness Requirements - ADF Careers.
Period of Service requirements
Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) is the minimum time you agree to serve when you join the Navy. It’s your way of committing to the team and ensuring you get the most out of your experience. General Entry Sailor roles now have an IMPS of between 2 and 3 years for all applicants.
Receive world-class training that sets you up for life.
Sailor Training
Every recruit tells me that this has been one of the most rewarding parts of their life.
Training breakdown
Officer training
I've learnt new skills that are transferrable across many different pathways.
Training breakdown
Find out what the New Entry Officer Course offers
Block 1 (weeks 1 to 4)
Your introduction to life on base
Over this 4-week initial phase, you’ll get to push your physical fitness and be mentored on making decisions under pressure. This is when you’ll learn all things military from rank to structure.
During this block, training runs 7 days a week. It then moves to 5 days a week with weekends available for leave.
Block 2 (weeks 5 to 12)
Put your skills into action
Across this 8-week practical phase you'll develop core Navy skills including weapons handling and learn how to respond in real emergencies, from stopping floods to putting out fires and keeping others safe. This block also covers first aid and the law of armed conflict.
Block 3 (weeks 13 to 18)
Learn to lead
The last 5 weeks are used to level up your leadership skills. You’ll sharpen your self-awareness and empathy for others, so you can better encourage your team to get the job done.
What you'll get out of it
The course offers plenty of leadership opportunities combining in-person sessions, online modules and group work that is tailored to teach you how to lead high-functioning teams.
As an officer, you'll learn additional skills and duties to become efficient in supporting the security and safety of the space and those around you.
Officer graduates go on to forge inspiring careers as leaders in the Navy. The values you learn will stand by you whatever employment training you take next.
Submariner training
Learn what Navy ranks are and how to identify them
General entry
Our epaulets identify rank and reflect career progression through the Navy.
Officer entry
Our epaulets identify rank and reflect career progression through the Navy.
Support programs to help you start your career
Block 2 (weeks 5 to 12)
Put your skills into action
Across this 8-week practical phase you'll develop core Navy skills including weapons handling and learn how to respond in real emergencies, from stopping floods to putting out fires and keeping others safe. This block also covers first aid and the law of armed conflict.
Block 3 (weeks 13 to 18)
Learn to lead
The last 5 weeks are used to level up your leadership skills. You’ll sharpen your self-awareness and empathy for others, so you can better encourage your team to get the job done.