Royal Australian Navy beyond 1970
From 1970, the Department of Defence established an electronic system of recording service information. Known as the Naval Personnel Establishment and Management System (NPEMS), the presentation of this service information is quite different to the service cards used up to 1970.
The NPEMS records are in series A12691.
Collection references
| Series title | Date range | Series number | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Naval Personnel Establishment and Management System (NPEMS) | 1970–2001 | A12691 |
What's in a post-1970 Navy service record?
NPEMS documents contain historical information about the service person including date of birth, next of kin, marital status, address on entry, dependent children, awards and decorations, courses undertaken, leave details, postings and movements.
Access to records
For former serving members and their next of kin
If you are a former serving member and you wish to obtain a copy of your record of service, please write with proof of identity to the Staff Officer Navy Records at the address below. Relations of those who have served may also write, including proof of their next-of-kin relationship.
Staff Officer Navy Records
Queanbeyan Annex
Russell Offices
Department of Defence
Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6266 5964
From the National Archives
The National Archives can provide access to post-1970 Navy service records.
Please be aware that under our legislation, Archives Act 1983, the National Archives may only release records which are in the open access period.
Post-1970 Naval Personnel Establishment and Management System (NPEMS) records are held by the Department of Defence in Canberra. We request records from Defence to answer your inquiry.
Records, if located, will be temporarily transferred to the National Archives' Canberra office. This process may take up to three months.
Once a record has been received by our Canberra office, a quote for the provision of an online copy or a photocopy will be sent to you. You may also choose to the view the record in the Canberra reading room of the National Archives at no cost.
To request a post-1970 Navy service record, please contact the National Reference Service:
Online: general reference inquiry
Tel: 1300 886 881
Fax: 1300 886 882
Mail: National Reference Service, National Archives of Australia, PO Box 7425, Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610, Australia
Copying charges
The cost of an online copy is:
- AU$16.50 (including GST) for purchases within Australia
- AU$15 (GST-free) for purchases made outside Australia
The cost of a colour print copy is:
- AU$25 (including GST) for purchases within Australia
- AU$28 (GST-free) for purchases made outside Australia
Other contacts
Medals
Information about medal entitlements is available from:
Defence Honours and Awards
T-1-49, Department of Defence
Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: 1800 111 321
Email: honoursandawards@defence.gov.au
Website: www.defence.gov.au/medals/
Pension information and entitlements
Veterans' Affairs Network
Tel: 1300 551 918
Further information
For more information on Navy records see:
- Navy service records
- Navy crew and ships’ records
- Navy service records held in Melbourne
- Defence service records for WWI and WWII
You can also browse our other fact sheets on defence, armed services and war.
