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The Optimal Pathway to acquire nuclear-powered submarines has been announced: start your career here.
Training
Gain transferable skills that benefit you for life.
Camaraderie
Enjoy amazing mateship in a supportive team environment.
Travel
Explore the world, its people and cultures.
Submariner Pay & Benefits
Much more than just pay and perks
Job security, memorable experiences and a sense of pride are just the start. As a Submariner you’ll also receive a competitive salary plus additional allowances and benefits.
Submariner Life
An enriched and varied lifestyle
During your time as a Submariner you’ll get to socialise and keep fit, play a variety of sports and explore the places you visit when at sea. You'll have a great work/life balance and get to work with your mates every day.
Submariner Skills & Training
Training that takes you places
World-class Navy training will equip you with all the skills and resources you need to work with a close-knit team on a submarine. Once qualified you'll be awarded your highly prestigious Dolphins badge.
Any questions?
You probably have a lot of questions about serving on a submarine. If you can’t find the answers here, just get in touch.
Yes, as your application proceeds you will be given plenty of opportunities to meet and chat with Navy members, including Submariners. Or just call us on 13 19 01 if you'd like to arrange to chat with one before you apply.
Every Submariner has their own answer ranging from "everyone has each other's back" to "it's just a really cool place to work". People enjoy working with advanced technology, being "covert and special", the amazing mateship, "everything I've learnt", and all the travel opportunities. Many simply love the balance between an active lifestyle ashore and the adventures when at sea.
It takes many different roles to keep a submarine operational, in areas such as:
- Leadership and management
- Technical support and engineering
- Communication and sensor systems operation
- Logistics, catering and hospitality
Full training is provided and the skills you'll learn will be readily transferable to other careers.
Submarines play host to vibrant communities of around 50 sailors and 10 officers. You’ll have your own bunk on board plus room to move about, relax and exercise during your time off.
This can vary, but for most Submariners it's the time they look forward to the most. You could be alongside various ports within Australia or overseas for some time, or if your submarine is on a training cycle you might go to sea in the week and be back home for weekends. On the other hand, if your submarine deploys overseas, your time at sea will be longer depending on the final destination.
It averages out at roughly 17 weeks at sea per year with individual deployments ranging from eight weeks to six months, including port visits. This is similar to the time spent at sea by surface fleet Sailors and Officers.
When in port you’ll generally work an eight-hour day. You’ll be required to stay overnight on board about once a week to maintain the security and safety of the submarine. When at sea, the shifts (called ‘watches’) are six hours on, six hours off for most crew members.