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As an aspiring sailor the first thing you'll do is complete your Basic Training, at the RAN Recruit School at HMAS CERBERUS, in Victoria. You will learn about teamwork, living with other people, life on board ship, first aid and survival at sea.
Some of this training will take place in the classroom, but there's also a big practical element which includes five days at sea on a training vessel. Fitness training is also included with instructors present to keep things varied and fun.
Its historic presence, heritage buildings, chapels, sports facilities and garden create a highly enjoyable training environment. Navy specific training like fire fighting, damage control and weapons training prepare you for life out at sea.
HMAS CERBERUSAerial view of the base
Upon graduation from Recruit School, recruits will be promoted to Seaman (Star) and undertake training at their respective category school, within HMAS CERBERUS.
Trainees will be divided up into small groups of between 12 and 20 people, known as a Division and train at one of the Schools of Ship's Safety and Survivability. They will study together and form great friendships that will last throughout their naval careers.
Trainees are housed in three storey accommodation blocks. Each block has a common room with a large TV and DVD player and comfortable couches to recline on. Every level has shared bathrooms and a laundry. Cabins are comfortable and spacious and include a double bunk, desk with shelves and a wardrobe.
Part of the overall Basic Training program will be fitness training. Navy instructors will guide you through activities such as obstacle courses, parades and exercises to build your confidence and fitness levels along the way. Look at it as an opportunity to greatly improve your fitness rather than as a requirement.
There's also a wealth of sporting options for you to pursue in your own time, which are lots of fun and help to break up your study. Trainees play golf, do adventure training, go sailing and play Aussie Rules and Rugby, amongst other things. There's also a gym with weights and cardio machines for rowing, cycling and walking. Inter-service competitions might take you all around the country and even overseas
This is an actual mock-up of a ship's structure. Students work together in teams to confront possible real-life situations like onboard fires.
Trainees learn how to combat floodwaters in compartments and ruptures in the hull, events that could be caused by missiles or torpedoes.
Students study basic seamanship which includes knot tying, line handling, equipment identification and safe working practices. Corrosion control and survival training are also covered.
This is the largest training section within HMAS CERBERUS. Electronics Technical and Marine Technical Sailors undergo their Initial Training here.
Maritime communications are studied here. This can include learning about flag signals, terrestrial and satellite radio, data security and message encryption.
This covers initial employment training for cooks, stewards and writers amongst others.
The Junior Sailors' Mess is where you can socialise with your training mates or also bring your civilian friends onboard to hang out. There's BBQ facilities, an Aquatic Centre, Cinema, Cable TV and for those over eighteen, a well stocked bar.
Fitness in the ADF
The Real Sea Patrol
Battleships Extreme
NEOC 38