Opportunity

Looking for a one-of-a-kind challenge? As a Sonar Operator for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), you’ll learn to use the world’s most sophisticated sonar equipment, enjoy unique travel opportunities and become part of a team of highly skilled marine experts.

No previous work experience or career-related skills are required.

Overview

Sonar Operators compile and analyze acoustic intelligence information. As part of the ship’s intelligence gathering team, their primary responsibilities are:

• Operating all active and passive sonar equipment and data transmission systems
• Performing function checks on equipment
• Assisting in the development of command decisions by compiling and analyzing sonar and intelligence data
• Gathering, evaluating and identifying oceanographic data
• Converting collected data into comprehensive reports
• Maintaining status boards, charts and watchkeeping records, as well as geographical, operational and tactical plots

To be eligible to apply to the Canadian Armed Forces, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada;
• Be at least 18 years old (17 years old with parental consent), except:
  • For the Paid Education programs—you may be 16 years old (with parental consent);
  • For the Primary Reserves—you may be 16 years old (with parental consent) and must be enrolled as a full-time student;
• Have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Québec (some jobs need higher levels of education).

Work Environment

A Sonar Operator may be employed in one of three areas: surface ships, submarines or Integrated Undersea Surveillance. Sonar Operators spend much of their career on board ships with “home ports” in either Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Esquimalt, British Columbia. In addition to the unique challenges of working at sea, they also share out-of-occupation tasks such as sentry duty, at-sea replenishments and emergency response services. They may also participate in Search and Rescue operations, firefighting, damage control and naval boarding parties for inspections of cargo.

Basic Military Qualification

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. One main goal of this course is to ensure all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding but achievable.

Naval Environmental Training
Naval recruits attend Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia, or Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for approximately five weeks. Training includes the following topics:

• Naval History and Organization
• Shipboard Firefighting and Damage Control
• Shipboard Safety
• Watchkeeping Duties
• Seamanship

Sonar Operator Training

Sonar Operators attend the Canadian Forces Fleet School in Esquimalt, British Columbia, for approximately 25 weeks. Using a combination of theory instruction, demonstrations, practical work and simulation exercises, it covers the following:

• Operation of Active and Passive Acoustic Sonars
• Analysis of Passive Acoustic Sound Sources
• Operation of Auxiliary Acoustic Equipment
• Physics of Sound as Applied to Military Oceanography

Available Specialty Training

Sonar Operators may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training for topics like:

• Submariner
• Ship’s Team Diver
• Ship’s Team Diving Supervisor
• Naval Boarding Party
• Leadership and Management Courses
• Instructional Techniques

Available Advanced Training

As they progress in their career, Sonar Operators who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Advanced Acoustic Analyst
• Sonar Control Supervisor
• Underwater Warfare Director
• Submarine Sonar Operator
• SURTASS Target Processor
• Target Data Analyzer
• Operations Watch Officer

Education

The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Québec. Foreign education may be accepted.

Direct Entry Plan

No previous work experience or career-related skills are required. A recruiter can help you decide if your interests and attributes fit. If you already have a university or college diploma, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the necessary on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training is required before being assigned.

Join the CAF

To learn more about becoming a Sonar Operator, visit talk to a recruiter at a centre near you or call 1-800-856-8488.

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