Sonar Operator

Overview

As a member of the military, Sonar Operators compile and analyze acoustic intelligence information. The Sonar Operator may be employed in three distinct areas of Anti-Submarine Warfare operations: surface ships, submarines, or Integrated Undersea Surveillance.

As part of the ship’s intelligence gathering team, Sonar Operators have the following primary responsibilities:

• Operate all active and passive sonars, sonar simulators, communication equipment, bathythermograph equipment, sonobuoys and data transmission systems
• Perform function checks on equipment by using built-in test equipment, integrated test equipment, and basic on-line fault diagnostic procedures
• Assist in the development of command decisions by compiling and analyzing sonar and intelligence data
• Gather, evaluate and identify the significant features of oceanographic data
• Convert analyzed oceanographic and acoustic data into comprehensive reports
• Maintain status boards, charts and watchkeeping records, as well as geographical, operational and tactical plots

Work environment

Sonar Operators spend much of their career on board ships with “home ports” in either Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Esquimalt, British Columbia. They experience the unique adventures and challenges that come with work at sea, such as working in small spaces, on open deck surfaces, in a variety of weather conditions.

As with all sea-going personnel, Sonar Operators work with their fellow shipmates in out- of-occupation duties such as sentry or lookout duty, line handler for replenishment at sea, and as ship hand for entering and leaving harbour. They participate in Search and Rescue events and person-overboard emergencies, act as a member of the ship’s emergency response team for security watches, and routinely perform ship maintenance and repair. During emergency procedures, they fight fires as members of a fire attack team, and provide damage control in the case of a breach to the hull. If necessary, Sonar Operators may serve as a member of the naval boarding party to inspect the cargo of suspect vessels and detain the vessel’s crew during inspections.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Training

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, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Sonar Operators attend either the Naval Fleet School in Esquimalt, British Columbia, or the Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Training takes approximately 25 weeks and includes the following topics:

• 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

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

• Submariner
• Ship’s team diver
• Ship’s team diving supervisor
• Naval boarding party
• Leadership and management courses
• Instructional techniques

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

• Advanced acoustic analyst
• Sonar control supervisor
• Under water warfare director
• Submarine sonar operator
• SURTASS target processor
• Target data analyzer
• Operations watch officer

Naval recruits attend the Naval Fleet School either in Esquimalt, British Columbia, or 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

Related Civilian Occupations

• No directly related civilian jobs