The Navy has charged four sailors over inappropriate behaviour aboard HMAS Ballarat in 2011.

Those charged will face a court martial later in the year.

Three of those charged have been suspended from duty and suspension is being considered for the fourth person.

The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, says all personnel should be aware the Navy has no tolerance for unacceptable behaviour.

Allegations emerged last year of members on board HMAS Ballarat being sexually assaulted as part of an initiation ritual.

A former Navy member, who identified herself as Bridget, previously told Channel Ten that sailors on board HMAS Ballarat said young men were being attacked with objects including water bottles and marker pens.

“People were set upon by members and stripped off and had things essentially put in their bums,” she said.

“If it happened in a normal workplace the police would be called, charges would be laid.”