A Launceston student was given the opportunity of a lifetime, getting to see first hand the work that goes into being a Navy submariner.
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Luke Saunders, 18 of Newnham, was one of 15 Australians that won a competition to have a VIP experience at the country's largest Navy base - HMAS Stirling in Western Australia - as part of the National Submarine Tour and Competition.
Mr Saunders said the experience was fascinating, as he was considering a career in the Navy.
"I entered the competition to learn more about living and working on a submarine," he said.
"Having time to talk one-on-one with current serving submariners gave me a taste of the experiences available in the Royal Australian Navy.
He said one of the best parts of the experience was walking through the submarine and seeing what life was like.
"It made me want to join up even more," he said.
"Submariners work in a job that protects our country, operate at a high intensity and love what they do."
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Open to all Australians aged 18 to 35, the competition received 1891 submissions - more than nine times more than received last year.
To enter, competitors played an online game where they took control of a submarine on a mission, and also had to explain which submariner role they were most suited to.
The winners were chosen based on the literary and creative merit of the answers.
Winners received return airfare to Perth, transfers, accomodation, food, and the chance to participate in a range of exclusive activities.
General Defence Force director Recruiting Brigadier Duncan Hayward said he was inspired by the number of young men and women interested in becoming a submariner in the Royal Australian Navy.
"In financial year 2018-19, Navy experienced a 46 per cent increase in the number of submariner applications compared to the previous year," he said.
"A career as a Navy Submariner redefines comfort zones, offers a breadth of experience, and opens an individual's eyes to what they're truly capable of."
For more information about a career as a Navy Submariner, visit navy.defencejobs.gov.au.