Staying in Touch

Ways of Communicating:

We give everyone at sea 20 minutes’ worth of free satellite calls a week and all ships have email access. You can also take your mobile phone on board, but just be aware that there may be restrictions about when they can be used. Letters and parcels can also be sent to your child while they’re at sea.

What if I Need Urgent Contact?

If you need to contact your son or daughter in an emergency our communication systems are all set up for this. In fact we’re often just a phone call away. Our ships at sea and our units ashore, both in the UK and abroad, have satellite phones, which can be used when you need them. You can find out more by taking a look at our Communications with the RNCOM website [http://www.rncom.mod.uk/Support_Services/Communication/Communications.aspx] or by visiting The Naval Families Federation at nff.org.uk. This is the best place to get up to date information whilst your family member is on operation.

Keeping you Informed:

Our aim is to keep you informed of your child’s progress when they first join us. This will be done in a number of different ways including:

HMS Raleigh for Phase 1 Training

When your son or daughter joins HMS Raleigh for Phase 1 training, we will write to you at the end of the first week with details of their Divisional Officer. You are welcome to contact them at any time if you have any concerns.

Maritime Warfare School at Collingwood

If your child is attending the Maritime Warfare School at Collingwood, the Officer commanding the Phase 2 training will contact you by letter and introduce themselves to you, invite you to attend the passing-out parade and explain policies on things such as harassment and bullying.

The Royal Marines Commando Training Centre

The Royal Marines Commando Training Centre, Lympstone, will contact you in week 1 and you will also be invited to a family day in week 3.

Stay Up to Date

You can find out more by taking a look at our Communications with the RNCOM website [http://www.rncom.mod.uk/Support_Services/Communication/Communications.aspx] or by visiting The Naval Families Federation at nff.org.uk.