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Acoustic Warfare Analyst Submariner
As an Acoustic Warfare Analyst you will be operating advanced Sonar and Combat Systems to contribute to the mission of
the submarine and Australia’s Naval Operations.
Additional Information
IN BRIEF
A submarine's principal task is to keep Australia's maritime environment free from the threat of incursion by hostile ships
and submarines. In this important role your job will be to operate the sophisticated sonar and combat systems that detect
noise from an unknown contact, then track and classify each source. In response to your recommendations the target may
then be engaged.
TECHNOLOGY
Aboard your Collins Class Submarine you'll have some of the world's most advanced sensor and combat systems at your
fingertips. This highly classified equipment is driven by world-leading technology so you'll be given full training in its use.
You will also be trained in watch-keeping, navigation, helming, damage control, safety systems and general seamanship.
LIFESTYLE
The submarine way of life isn't that different to that on a ship, as you'll work regular hours (watches), eat well, and have
plenty of time for rest, relaxation and exercise. The atmosphere aboard is uniquely supportive and you'll make friends for
life as you share exciting operations and exercises. Then when ashore, enjoy the excellent sports, social and entertainment
facilities on base.
WHAT YOU COULD EARN
In the Navy you'll receive a competitive salary, generous Super and an excellent range of benefits. You get paid from the
day you start training and your salary will increase with rank and experience.
ACOUSTIC WARFARE ANALYST SUBMARINERS
can earn over
$73,500 p.a.
on completion of initial employment training. This salary includes Uniform and Service allowances and applies to full time
general entry.
Job Details
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
The use of submarines and effective anti-submarine tactics is one of the most important aspects of Australia's Naval
Operations. Over the years Australia has developed a conventional submarine force which is second to none in our region
or the world.
The submarine's principal task is to keep Australia's maritime environment free from the threat of incursion by hostile ships
and submarines. To achieve this aim the submarine may operate in conjunction with other ships as part of a task group or
operate as an independent unit far from home or support. Submarines achieve their aim primarily by detecting the noise
from an unknown contact. That noise source is then tracked, classified and if required, engaged with a variety of weapons.
However the submarines primary weapon is stealth. Major techniques employed for the detection of other submarines and ships include broad and narrow band detection. Broadband uses the combined noise that a contact may be putting into the water whereas narrowband analysis allows a
submarine to "fingerprint" a contact based on specific machinery noises.
An Acoustic Warfare Analyst (AWA) operates, supervises and manages all passive and active sonar's and acoustic
sensors onboard a Collins Class submarine. An AWA is trained to detect, track and classify noise sources in the oceans. This
information that the AWA provides Command is critical for the Submarine to achieve the aim.
Acoustic information which is passed to command can consist of classification of sonar contacts, tactical recommendations
relating to that contact and also environmental data on how it can help us evade a threat or increase our tactical advantage
over contacts.
AWA’s come under the seamanship branch, so when the submarine is on the surface you do a variety of duties consisting
of a control room watch-keeper, act as a lookout, Helmsman and standby Fire Party.
When the submarine is alongside the AWA branch conducts all the hull preservation work required on the submarine and
any seamanship evolutions that are required.
AWA’S not only watch keep as sonar operators at sea they can also fill a variety of auxiliary positions consisting of
navigators, damage control and survival equipment yeoman, helo transfer and boat transfer members to name just a few.
As an AWA you will be operating the most advanced sonar and combat systems in the RAN and as such you will have a
high degree of training.
Entry
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
Direct Entry to Submarines
During your application phase you will be required to undertake additional psychological and aptitude tests to assess your
initial suitability for entry to submarines.
What kind of people does the Submarine service want?
Service in submarines is extremely demanding, both emotionally and physically. Submariners work and live in very close
proximity to each other and personal privacy is extremely limited. Submarine personnel work long hours and are constantly
subjected to emotional and physical pressures not found in surface ships.
Many a new recruit to the submarine arm of the Royal Australian Navy believes that he /she has what it takes to become a
good Submariner. However, until you have been tested and have experienced the arduous conditions and life inside a
submarine, you won't fully appreciate the difficulties.
Today's Submariner is a unique breed of Sailor/Officer. They have met the challenges, been tested to the limits of their
endurance and abilities and found to have what it takes to be members of a very demanding arm of the Royal Australian
Navy.
If you think you have what it takes, then you must be prepared for some very demanding personal challenges throughout
your training and employment. Basic submarine training is intense, culminating in a rigorous at sea training lasting up to 12
weeks. After qualification, you are a member of the Submariner group and entitled to wear the "Dolphins," a badge of
distinction.
Pay & Allowances
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
Salary while undertaking Military (Recruit) Training: $1,379 per fortnight ($35,854 per year).*
Salary while undertaking Initial Employment Training: $1,576 per fortnight ($40,976 per year).*
While under training, you will also receive $388 per fortnight ($10,086 per year pro rata) trainee allowance.
To assist you in maintaining your uniforms in good order and condition, you will also receive a uniform allowance of $16 per
fortnight ($419 per year).
Salary on completion of Employment Training and Submarine Qualification: $2,400 per fortnight ($62,415 per year).*
In addition to your salary, you will receive Service Allowance of $517 per fortnight ($13,448 per year) except while
undertaking Military (Initial) or Employment training. This allowance compensates a member for the unique requirements
that service life may impose on an individual and his or her family.
When at sea, you will receive a Submarine Service Allowance of $677 per fortnight ($17,598 per year).
Each General Entry job in the Australian Defence Force is classified into a pay grade. This particular job is classified as a
Pay Grade 6 occupation.
Salary will continue to increase based on rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank. Pay grade may
also increase following the acquisition of additional skills and completion of advanced courses.
There is a special package of conditions of service approved for submariners.
Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.
* Please note that these figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as
applicable); and superannuation.
General Requirements
Age Requirement
On the day you enter the Navy you must be at least 17 years old. Subject to the capacity of your local recruiting centre,
you may be able to start the application process aged 16.5 years.
Citizenship Requirement
Only Australian Citizens are permitted to serve in the ADF.
If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary waiver of the citizenship requirement if the
position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then
only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian citizenship as early as possible following
enlistment or appointment.
Find out more in our Recruitment Centre or ask your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.
Security Requirement
The Department of Defence requires ADF entrants to obtain a security clearance appropriate to their avenue of entry.
A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and, as required, interviews enables the Regional
Security Office to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.
Current policy requires applicants for this particular avenue of entry to have lived in Australia for the preceding 10 years, or
have a checkable background for this period.
Aptitude Requirement
The application process to join the Australian Defence Force requires you to complete a series of aptitude tests which may
include verbal, spatial and numerical ability and a general maths test. Some jobs may also require you to complete
additional testing at a later date.
Psychology support staff will explain what is involved with each test.
The aptitude tests provide information about your suitability for the Defence Force and for particular jobs. Defence Force
Recruiting can then help you identify jobs that best match your abilities.
Further information on the aptitude testing requirements can be found here.
Education & Experience
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
The minimum educational standard for entry to the Acoustic Warfare Analyst category is successful completion of year 10
level, which must include passes in English and Mathematics. However, you may apply while still studying year 10,
or
If you do not satisfy the education requirements for this trade or do not possess evidence of your educational attainment
there is an alternative pathway available to you.
You may be eligible to sit an Alternative Education Equivalency (AEE) assessment to ascertain your ability at the required
educational level for this trade.
Further information is available here.
Medical & Fitness Requirements
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
To be appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry into the ADF. This is partially assessed from the
completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You must also pass the swim test and physical fitness test to graduate from your Navy Training and to proceed to the
Safety of Life at Sea Training that is a requirement for Recruit School and Officer training.
Royal Australian Navy Swim Test (RANST)
The RANST is conducted to ensure the Navy's duty of care to all serving personnel, with respect to rudimentary swimming
skills. The purpose of the RANST is to ensure fundamental water survival skills as a prerequisite to training such as survival
at sea training.
Individual components of the RANST are fundamentally related to the survival at sea scenario. Competency in the RANST is
achieved through successful completion of each component comprising:
•
•
•
•
A safety jump off a 3m tower in overalls
A 10m underwater swim in overalls
A 50m swim using three safety strokes
The ability to tread water or float for 15 mins (removal of overalls optional)
Note: You will find it much easier to pass the swimming test if you undertake swimming training before you join.
All personnel will undertake the RANST upon entry and competency is to be achieved within 15 weeks from commencement
of initial training. Failure of any one component will constitute failure of the entire RANST and no waivers will be granted.
For more details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF,
Medical Process for Entry into the ADF and Physical Employment Standards once you're in the ADF
Period of Service
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
You will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of six years. On enlistment if you elect to serve an open
ended enlistment, you will be able to serve until retirement age, subject to your continued suitability for service. If you
elect to serve for a fixed period of service, subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the
ADF and your suitability for further service.
If you are female and keen to join the Navy as an Electronic Technician, you have the option of applying for a two-year
role.
Your Careers Counsellor can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.
Additional Requirements
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
Royal Australian Navy Swim Test (RANST)
The RANST is conducted to ensure the Navy's duty of care to all serving personnel, with respect to rudimentary swimming
skills. The purpose of the RANST is to ensure fundamental water survival skills as a prerequisite to training such as survival
at sea training.
Individual components of the RANST are fundamentally related to the survival at sea scenario.
Competency in the RANST is achieved through successful completion of each component comprising: safety jump,
underwater front scull swim of 10 metres, continuous swim for 50 metres, and treading water to remain afloat for 15
minutes.
All personnel will undertake the RANST upon entry and competency is to be achieved within 15 weeks from commencement
of initial training. Failure of any one component will constitute failure of the entire RANST and no waivers will be granted.
It is therefore strongly advised that all candidates considering entry to the Royal Australian Navy are either proficient with
or are working towards gaining swimming skills.
Military Training
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
Duration: 11 weeks
Location: Crib Point, Victoria
The Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus is situated on Western Port Bay, Victoria about 70 kilometres south east of
Melbourne. The school has its own administration building, accommodation blocks and classrooms and operates as an
independent unit within the greater training environment of Cerberus.
The eleven week recruit course is designed to give you sufficient knowledge and skills on which to base your navy career.
The course includes both classroom and practical activities. Most subjects are individually tested. Examinations are set to
ensure recruits are sufficiently prepared to undertake further specialist training at category schools. Private study areas are
available in the school and a Duty Instructor is available for assistance during non-instructional hours.
When you are offered a General Entry job in the Navy, you will receive Joining Instructions for the Recruit Training
Course. These instructions will provide you with a good indication of the daily routine while at the recruit school and what
will be expected of you during your training. This information is also available by accessing the Navy recruit school web
site.
Recruits, who successfully complete the course including the Navy Swimming Test, participate in a Graduation Parade,
which is normally held on the Friday of the last week of training. Recruits will have the opportunity to invite family and
friends to view the parade.
After graduation, personnel will be posted to category schools at Cerberus or at other training establishments throughout
Australia.
During Military (Initial Recruit) Training and Initial Employment Training (IET), members may be required to pay a
contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities, depending on a number of factors.
Employment Training
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
Basic Seamanship Course
Location: Crib Point, Victoria
Duration: 3 weeks
This course is completed by all Seaman Branch Sailors and covers all aspects of basic seamanship, including:
• Boatwork - crew, maintenance and navigation of power boats
• Rigging - working all types of cordage and wire ropes, understanding splicing, maintenance of all forms of rigging,
blocks, slips and shackles
• Anchorwork - maintenance of ships and boats anchors and cables, and acting as a member of a ship's cable party
• Helmsmanship - steering the ship
• Ships Husbandry - cleanliness and maintenance of all parts of a ship (except machinery spaces) and
• General - a working knowledge of ship organisation, routines, survival at sea and 'Rule of the Road' for the
prevention of collision at sea.
On completion of Recruit and Basic Seamanship Training you will then be posted to HMAS Stirling in WA to undertake a
Submarine Selection Course (SSC) Course for 3 days.
The SSC is a two way process in which:
• Personnel can make an informed decision as to their suitability for submarine service and
• The member’s suitability for submarine service will be assessed.
Once you have been assessed as suitable at the SSC you will be posted to the Submarine Training and Systems Centre to
undertake your submarine training and then all category specific training.
Initial Collins Class Course (ICCC)
Location: STSC, HMAS Stirling, WA
Duration: 5 weeks
Consists of a series of computer based and instructor based modules that introduces the students to the construction,
systems and inter-relationships that make up the submarine. The students also undertake submarine fire-fighting and
submarine escape during this 6 week period.
AWASM Training
Basic Acoustic Warfare Analyst Course (AWA 1) and Sonar Operators Course
Location: STSC, HMAS Stirling, WA
Duration: 11 WEEKS
The course covers those aspects of passive sonar design, construction and operation that are essential to maintaining
acoustic awareness and is designed to give the student the requisite knowledge to undertake their job as part of the
submarine technical and tactical departments.
The course covers:
Basic theory of acoustics and under water sound, sonar theory and operation, construction of a sonar, theory on
propulsion, power plants and auxiliary power plants, active sonar theory, oceanography and weather, aural classification,
narrowband analysis and introduction to brief preparation & presentation.
Further information is available on the submariner pages.
Further Training
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
AWA 2 Advanced Acoustic Warfare Analysis
Location: STSC, HMAS Stirling, WA
Duration: 7 Weeks
This is the supervisors course for promotion to Leading Seaman and consists of instruction in:
• Oceanography and weather
• Brief presentation and preparation
• Aural and narrowband analysis
• Supervision of sonar watch
• 2 week practical component in the combat system trainer for practical instruction on watch supervision; and
• Operations and a practical assessment
AWA 3 Petty Officer
Location: STSC, HMAS Stirling, WA
Duration: 6 Weeks
This advanced training is designed to give the POAWASM the skills to play a major lead in the Control Room Command
Team. This training is to be completed before promotion to Petty Officer.
As a qualified POAWASM you may also be selected to undertake advanced acoustic analysis course that are conducted in
the UK or Canada.
AWA 4 Specialist
Location: TBD
Duration: 4-6 months
The AWA 4 advanced training is designed to give the CPO/POAWASM the skills to lead the Control Room Command Team in
the role as Acoustic Warfare Specialist.
Employment Location
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
All sailors will serve in fleet units and shore establishments on a rotational basis.
As an AWASM, the majority of your postings will be in Western Australia, working onboard submarines operating from
HMAS Stirling or shore-based support positions. There are also opportunities for interstate postings to the ADF's Joint
Advanced Acoustic Analysis Centre at HMAS Albatross, Nowra, NSW or various Defence organisations within Canberra, ACT.
There is also the opportunity to apply for an overseas exchange position as you progress your career as an AWASM.
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