Career Progression

Career Progression

1. General entry sailor

a. General entry Sailors are recruited as Seaman – The member enters the SA Navy through a two year Military Skills Development System (MSDS). The training comprises of 24 weeks (length of Military Training Course at SAS SALDANHA). During the training members from the Submarine Service will conduct interviews for the MSDS members that are volunteering to join submarines.

b. Successful candidates will then need to complete a submarine medical examination, submarine escape training, General Submarine Knowledge course, NBCD Part 1 Course, Functional Part 1 Course- no promotion in the two year MSDS contract.

c. Once the member has completed the courses he/she is sent to a submarine to complete task book training and to qualify as a submariner.

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Recruits head off to board the bus.

2. Seaman to Able Seaman minimum of 2 years in the rank of Sea (dependent on a higher post/profile and performance.)

"The retreat ceremony dates back to medieval times when warring factions did battle. This ceremony was conducted at sunset and it marked the end of the day's battle between the opposing forces. In modern times the ceremony has evolved to mark the ceremonial lowering of the national flag at sunset."

SA Navy Technical Ratings Career Path (269KB)

The Career Path file contains career progression information for all members, from non technical through to Combat Officers. Those interested in becoming Marine Engineering Officers will also find handy information in this convenient document.

3. Able Seaman to Leading Seaman –minimum of 2 years in the rank of Able Seaman (dependent on a higher post/profile and performance)

4. Leading Seaman to Petty Officer –minimum of 3 years in the rank of Leading Seaman (dependent on a higher post/profile and performance)

5. Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer- minimum of 5 years in the rank of Petty Officer (dependent on a higher post/profile and performance)

6. Chief Petty Officer to Warrant Officer Second Class - minimum of 5 years in the rank of Chief Petty Officer (dependent on a higher post/profile and performance)

7. Warrant Officer Second Class to Warrant Officer First Class - minimum of 5 years in the rank of Warrant Officer Second Class (dependent on a higher post/profile and performance)

8. Senior Warrant Officer - post reserved for the Coxswain of the submarine

The opportunity to transfer to commissioned officer is open to all sailors who possess the necessary educational qualification and personal attributes.

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Click here to download the C209 Submarine Career Path Communications file. (1MB) (updated 10 May 2012)
Click here to download the C209 Submarine Career Path Electrical file. (1MB) (updated 10 May 2012)
Click here to download the C209 Submarine Career Path Mechanical file. (1MB) (updated 10 May 2012)
Click here to download the C209 Submarine Career Path Weapons file. (1MB) (updated 10 May 2012)
Click here to download the C209 Submarine Career Path Combat Officers file. (403KB) (updated 10 May 2012)
Click here to download the C209 Submarine Career Path Marine Engineer file. (386KB) (updated 10 May 2012)
Click here to download the C209 Submarine GSK Qualification Timeline file. (132KB) (updated 10 May 2012)

Irrespective of the category, sailor’s duties are just as important as specialist duties. Therefore on a submarine, all sailors will perform such activities as:

Fire Fighting- containment and extinguishing of all types of fires;

First Aid- knowledge and application of basic first-aid medical skills;

Duty Watch –member of the overnight security, fire fighting and emergency party;

Communal Duties- working in teams to help clean and maintain all work and living areas;

Damage control – assisting with submarine emergency repairs;

Replenishment at Sea- assisting with the re-supply of submarines at sea;

Submarine Husbandry- maintenance and upkeep of submarines surface, fittings and equipment, and

Physical Fitness –All members of the Navy are required to maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness. Physical fitness is tested on an annual basis.

While in a shore establishment, in addition to normal day-to-day employment, all sailors will perform:

Duty Watch – member of the overnight security, fire fighting and emergency party (including first aid) on a roster basis.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be aged between 18 and 22 years of age inclusive of entry.

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"The parents were intensely grateful to the SA Navy for having such a tremendously positive influence on the lives of their children. Some of the children arrived in Saldanha with long hair and little or no respect for the way in which they looked. Now they have been transformed into sharp and disciplined young men and women who are proud to be part of something larger than themselves."

Become a Submarine Officer.

How do I become a Submarine Officer? The South African Navy trains all aspiring officers at the South African Naval College in Gordon's Bay. Officer's training is conducted over a period of one year. If you are successful you will be given the opportunity to study at the Military Academy in Saldanha for a period of up to three years. Thereafter you will either become a Combat Officer or a Technical Officer. To fully qualify as a submarine officer can take anything from three years to five years. Prospectve submarine officers must have passed matric with at least a D symbol in maths and science.

What does a submarine Combat Officer do? Combat Officers keep watch on the surface and when dived, this means they act on behalf of the captain in all respects.

What does a submarine Engineering Officer do? Engineering Officers are responsible for all mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment on the submarine. The engineer must ensure that all equipment is combat ready.

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