Details of South African Navy Career Opportunities

The South African Navy (SAN) is one of the arms of service of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

the SA Navy’s core business is to ‘fight
at sea’ The SA Navy is a modern, balanced and credible Navy which commands international respect and contributes to the safety, security and welfare of South Africa in times of peace and war.

The SA Navy relies heavily on the expertise of all serving naval officers and ratings. Discipline, dedication, hard work and a keen interest in the maritime environment will contribute to a successful career with infinite challenges and opportunities. The SA Navy has various specializations and careers which are referred to as Musterings.

On the bridge of one of the SA Navy’s Valour Class Frigates

What is the SAN’s core business?

The South African Navy’s core business is to “fight at sea” thereby protecting South Africa’s coastlines and marine resources. For this reason, the South African Navy uses ships and submarines to conduct its business and its fleet is based in Simon’s Town (Cape Town). The South African Navy has Naval Stations in Durban and Port Elizabeth. The Headquarters is situated in Pretoria.

Credit: Courtesy YOTV and SABC1

Interview with Capt A de Wet of the SA Navy Submarine Service, about a career as a submariner.
Click to view video clip Part 1 (23MB)
Click to view video clip Part 2 (28MB)

Career Brochure 5MB

What is required before applying?

Anyone applying for the above mentioned functional areas must:

‘applicants must
be a
South African citizen’

Be a South African Citizen

Be between the age of 18 and 22 (graduates up to the age of 26)

Have completed the National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)

Preferably be single

Not be area bound

Have no record of a criminal offence

Comply with the medical fitness requirements for appointment in the SANDF.

Please Note

Divers: Due to the requirements of this occupation, applicants must have no physical disabilities and not suffer from claustrophobia or a fear of heights. Applicants should be strong swimmers with a flair for general water activities.

MRS: Applicants must first successfully complete the Military Skills Development programme.

Combat Officers and Student Naval Technical Officers:Applicants must have Mathematics, Physical Science at level 4 and Matric exemption.

In addition to the above mentioned MSD career information provided, applicants up to the age of 26 who are in possession of an appropriate recognised University Degree or a 3-year Diploma or N4, N5 and N6 Certificate in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering are welcome to apply.

A Candidate Diver stretches out his hand for his team member to tag him.

Enquiries can be directed to: SA Navy Recruitment Centre at (012) 339 4252 or (012) 339 4421.

Mail: Navy Headquarters, Department of Defence, Private Bag X 104, Pretoria, 0001, Recruitment Section

Forward your enquiries to:

SA NAVY Recruitment Section
Private Bag X104
Pretoria 0001
Tel: (012) 339 4252 or
(012) 339 4421

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