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.
| Series title | Date range | Series number | Location | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Naval Personnel Establishment and Management System (NPEMS) | 1970–2001 | A12691 | See 'Notes' | Maintained by the Department of Defence, Canberra |
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.
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
The National Archives can provide access to post-1970 Navy service records.
It is important to be aware that under our legislation, the National Archives may only publicly release records which are over 30 years of age. This means that if you request a record of postwar service from us, you may not be able to view the whole file. In some cases an entire file may consist of documents less than 30 years of age, so it cannot be viewed or copied at all.
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
The cost of an online copy is:
The cost of a colour print copy is:
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/
Veterans' Affairs Network
Tel: 1300 551 918
For more information on Navy records see:
You can also browse our other fact sheets on defence, armed services and war.