Maritime Warfare Officers (MWO) may specialise as Submariners (SM) (MWOSM) either by being recruited as a MWO SM or by joining as an MWO and specialising as a submariner during Phase 4 of their Junior Warfare Application Course (JWAC). Employment training is the same in either case, but Direct Entry MWOSM are guaranteed selection to MWOSM by the Directed Specialisation Board (DSB). For all MWOs considering specialisation as a Submariner, a Submarine Familiarisation is included within the training Continuum. After this point it is crucial to complete a Submarine Selection Course (SSC) prior to the conduct of Fleet Board. MWO SM and those interested in specialising in Submarines should contact the Submarine Recruiting Team (SMRT) as soon as practicable after joining to arrange an SSC and assistance in the specialisation process. Immediately following completion of the NEOC, Maritime Warfare Officer Midshipmen undertake the Junior Warfare Application Course which is conducted in 4 Phases.

Course Details: Junior Warfare Application Course (JWAC)

Phase 1 (nine weeks) is conducted at HMAS Watson. This phase is aimed at teaching the basics of Maritime Warfare Officer's employment such as Officer of the Watch duties and Relative Velocity and Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea, and includes a one week sea training period. Trainees are required to live-in for the duration of the training.

A 22 week period at sea consolidating specialist training previously covered in Phase 1. Phase 2 provides an overview of all departments and sub-specialist areas on board a major fleet unit, such as a frigate. It also provides consolidation of training in the duties of Divisional Officers and Officer of the Day. Trainees will generally live onboard during this phase. During the first week of Phase 2, a Submarine Familiarisation is held at HMAS Stirling for all Maritime Warfare Officers considering specialising as Submariners. The three day course familiarises trainees with the requirements of Submarine Service, allowing an educated decision to be made regarding specialisation.

On completion of Phase 2, trainees are required to pass a Mariner Skills Board (MSB), which comprises of an exam and an oral interview, before progression to Phase 3.

comprises a 23 week shore phase conducted at HMAS Watson which concentrates on more advanced theoretical and practical navigation, bridge management and mariner skills and culminates in a six week period of training in the Bridge Simulator. This is followed by a 20 week sea posting to a Minor War Vessel (Patrol Boat, Mine Hunter etc) for award of Harbour Watchkeeping Certificate (HWC), Limited Navigation Watchkeeping Certificate (LNWC) and completion of Part 2 of the Mariner Competency Log. On completion of Phase 3 Sea, trainees will return to HMAS Watson to sit their Fleet Board (three weeks of written and oral examinations), culminating in the award of the Navigation Watchkeeping Certificate (NWC).

Maritime Warfare Officer Submariners should endeavour to complete the Submarine Selection Course prior to attending Fleet Board.

is a 26 week shore phase conducted at HMAS Watson comprising warfare theory training and 1-8 weeks practical training in the bridge simulator where students will be awarded their Bridge Warfare Certificate (BWC). Phase 4 also includes the Directed Specialisation Board where Maritime Warfare Officers provide preferences for specialisation. Those that are recruited as MWO SM are automatically specialised as Submariners.

The Submarine Officer Training Course (SMOTC - 6 to 9 months) is conducted at the Submarine Training and Systems Centre (STSC) in HMAS Stirling (WA); which includes the Initial Collins Class Course (ICCC) and Submarine unpressurised Escape Training (PSET). After successful completion of the shore component of training, prospective Submariners will be posted to sea in a submarine to complete their Submarine Sea Qualification (SMSQ) and Collins Class Submarine Platform Endorsement (PE) (3 to 6 months). This culminates in the award of award of Dolphins' and their MWO Primary Qualification (PQ).

Note 1: Award of PQ is a prerequisite for promotion to Lieutenant for Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner.

Note 2: Some mental agility is required to be a Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner, particularly once Officers commence practical training both in the Bridge Simulator and at Sea. This includes a requirement for good mathematical and numeracy skills. It is suggested that, as a minimum, prospective candidates undertake two unit mathematics (or equivalent).