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
| Title or description of record | 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, you may choose to purchase a copy. Copying charges will apply. Alternatively, you may view the record in the Canberra reading room of the National Archives at no cost.
To request a post-1970 Navy service record, please use our general reference inquiry form.
Other contacts
Medals
Information about medal entitlements is available from Defence Honours and Awards; tel: 1800 111 321.
Pension information and entitlements
Veterans' Affairs Network
Tel: 133 254
Further information
For more information on Navy records see:
You can also browse our other fact sheets on defence, armed services and war.
