Submariner Skills & Training


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.


Gain skills and knowledge for life

Navy training is highly regarded in the civilian world – and the technical, life and leadership skills you'll acquire are fully transferable.

Benefit from expert training

Helping you grow, develop, and rise to every challenge at work and in life.

Work with advanced technology

From intelligence gathering systems to high-tech sensors and weapons.

Train in world-class facilities

Acquiring the skills to be a Submariner, based near Perth in glorious WA.


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Fitness requirements and training

You'll need a reasonable level of fitness and swimming ability to become a Submariner, but if you're a fairly active person who enjoys exercising and/or playing sport, you should have no trouble meeting the minimum requirements.

Fitness training will be part of your job in the Navy and most Submariners really enjoy this aspect of their work. PT instructors will guide you through a variety of gym and outdoor activities and their priority is to help keep you healthy.


What you'll learn and gain

All Submariners undertake standard Navy training in either Sailor or Officer streams. Once you've been identified as having the mental and physical resources to become a Submariner, you'll then undergo your specialist training.

Basic Navy training

OFFICERS: 

15-week New Entry Officer Course
Royal Australian Naval College, Jervis Bay, NSW

Gives you:

  • Leadership and management skills
  • Insights into the culture of Navy life
  • The knowledge to teach and mentor
  • Practical skills related to your work

Covers:

  • Navy life, uniforms, ceremonies and traditions
  • Equipment, arms and work boat familiarisation
  • Four weeks of sea training

SAILORS:

9-week New Entry Sailor Course
RAN Recruit School, HMAS Cerberus, Western Port Bay, VIC

Gives you:

  • Teamwork skills
  • Insights into the culture of Navy life
  • Practical skills related to your work

Covers:

  • Navy life, uniforms, ceremonies and traditions
  • Equality, diversity and teamwork
  • Basic ships duties, first aid and survival at sea
  • Weapons training and use of basic technology

Seamanship training

SAILORS ONLY:

4-week basic seamanship course
RAN Recruit School, HMAS Cerberus, Western Port Bay, VIC

Gives you:

  • General seamanship skills
  • Experience with marine equipment
  • Transferable nautical knowledge

Covers:

  • Boat work (crewing, steering and maintenance)
  • Rigging (cordage, wire ropes, slips and shackles)
  • Helming, pilotage and navigation

Submariner selection

3-day Submarine Selection Course
HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA 
  • Provides information to help you make an informed decision about becoming a Submariner
  • Assesses your medical and psychological suitability

Specific job training

If you have been identified as having what it takes to become a Submariner, you'll undertake training that prepares you for your specific role, in areas such as:

  • Leadership and ship management
  • Technical support and engineering
  • Communication and sensor systems operation
  • Logistics, catering and hospitality

The skills you'll acquire are fully transferable to civilian positions.

Submarine familiarisation

5-week Initial Collins Class Course
HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA 

Covers:

  • An introduction to the construction, systems and inter-relationships of submarines
  • Combating fire, floods and toxic hazards on submarines
  • Escaping from submarines (theory)

Submarine escape training

5-day Escape Training Course
HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA
  • Teaches you a variety of submarine escape strategies in preparation for your Submariner role 
  • Practical element takes place in the Navy's six-storey high escape simulator, which replicates actual submarine escape compartments
  • Culminates with each Submariner required to perform a successful simulated escape

Further job training

Additional submarine-specific job training ranges from three weeks for a Communication and Information Systems Submariner role to up to five months for an Electronics Technician Submariner role.


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Graduate with the Dolphins Badge

You'll receive your 'Dolphins' on completion of your Submariner training and after time spent at sea refining your skills. This highly prestigious badge can only be worn by Sailors and Officers who have proudly earned the right to serve on the Royal Australian Navy's submarines.