You can start the application process prior to turning 17, but on the day you start your training you must be 17. 

There are a few other criteria that we take into consideration such as meeting medical and physical fitness requirements and scholastic achievements. Take the eligibility test find out what these are, and to see if you qualify.

*An age limit is in place for Electronic Warfare Specialists, who must be 18 years of age to join; security clearance can only be given at this age.

Citizenship
To be eligible to join the Royal New Zealand Navy you usually need to be a New Zealand citizen. You may, however, apply to join the Navy if you are a Permanent Resident of New Zealand and:

• you have lived in New Zealand for at least five years; or
• you have been a citizen of Australia, Canada, the United States of America or the United Kingdom for at least ten years.

You will need to sign an undertaking to become a New Zealand citizen before you can enlist. Our recruiters can assist you with this.

Medical

All new recruits are required to pass a comprehensive medical assessment before they can serve in the Royal New Zealand Navy. It is essential that all our Navy personnel have a high level of health and physical fitness to ensure their safety and that of the people they will be working with.

Any pre-existing health conditions or injuries can be discussed with a recruiter prior to the medical assessment and you may be required to obtain additional documentation from your doctor or specialist as part of this process.

To be considered medically fit you will need to be able to easily complete common Navy activities. The initial physical training period includes running, jumping, tramping and marching on a daily basis and is a compulsory requirement for recruits. Service in the RNZN requires that you be fit to wear heavy breathing apparatus and carry firefighting gear while climbing ladders with ease.

All recruits in the RNZN need to be fully fit for operational service; this assessment is made by the Director of Naval Medicine at PHILOMEL and is based on your entry medical examination and any other information and investigations that may be requested.

You will be able to wear your glasses or contact lenses for most jobs in the Navy. However some jobs require that you have no decreased colour perception (are not colour blind). If you do wear glasses or contact lenses, you may need to get a special eye clearance. However, talk to a Navy recruiter to see if this applies to you.

IIf you have had a major injury you may need to obtain a medical clearance for your injury. Talk to a Navy recruiter to see if this applies to you.

Medications
Do you have asthma or any other condition that requires medication? If so, you may need to obtain a medical clearance for your condition. However, talk to a Navy recruiter to see if this applies to you.

Other options
If you don't meet the medical requirements it's still possible to join the Navy as a civilian. Civilians work with officers and sailors in specialised roles. Search for civilian vacancies.

Fitness
You need to meet the minimum fitness levels required for joining and continued employment. Download the Fitness Training Guide to help get ready.

Swimming
You will need to be a confident swimmer by the time you finish your basic training. If you are worried about your swimming now is the time to enrol in a swimming programme or clock up a few practice hours in the pool.

Security
Have you ever been convicted, or are you awaiting trial for a crime (including traffic officences that have gone to Court)?  The Navy needs people who are trust-worthy and can work well in a team. A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from joining, but as all applicants are subject to a police records check you will need to be up front and honest about any past or pending convictions.

Education

Secondary School
Have you completed at least three years of secondary school education and gained at least eight credits at level one in both English and maths? This is the minimum education requirements needed to join the Navy. Don't forget to look at the pre-requisites for the job you want, as a higher standard for that particular job may be required. You can also download the  Entry Requirements Guide.

English
You will need to be a competent English speaker before you can join the Royal New Zealand Navy. There are lots of ways you can help improve your skills such as enrolling in a language English class, watching New Zealand TV shows or listening to the National Radio.