How to join the RFA
Once you’ve decided that you’re interested in a career in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, it’s time to begin the formal recruitment process.
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1Get in touchx
1. Get in touch
A short chat is all it takes to find out if you’re eligible to apply to the RFA. Call us on 08456 04 05 20.
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2Your applicationx
2. Your application
Once we've talked to you, we’ll let you know whether we have vacancies in the specialist area you’re interested in. Assuming we do, or we can offer you a suitable alternative, we’ll invite you to fill in an application form.
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3Your way aheadx
3. Your way ahead
When we've considered your application form, if you’ve applied for a rating job, we’ll invite you to come to a formal interview at HMNB Portsmouth.
If you’ve chosen an officer job or we feel you have the potential to train as an officer, we’ll invite you to come to the Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. This will give you a chance to show us that you have the skills and personal qualities we’re looking for in a potential Royal Fleet Auxiliary officer.
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4Fit to joinx
4. Fit to join
To serve in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, you will need to pass and receive the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) medical fitness certificate. You’ll usually hear this referred to as an ENG1. You will also need to meet our own medical standards, including colour vision (the way you see and interpret colours).
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5Welcome aboard
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The RFA recruitment process might seem involved. But that’s because we want you to be sure it’s the right decision for you. We also have a duty to make sure you're the right fit too. Because a life in the RFA demands a person who's ready for the responsibilities that lie ahead. So show us what you’re made of – and in return you'll enjoy a career with fantastic prospects.
Life as an Officer
Officers are the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s management team, providing the leadership and taking the decisions needed to fulfil our many and varied jobs. You’ll also be responsible for the training and development, welfare, morale and ultimately the lives of the people under your command.
Life as a Rating
Your ship isn’t just your workplace. And supplying the Royal Navy isn’t just your job. You’ll get generous paid leave and have plenty of opportunity to play every sport imaginable. What’s more, job security is unrivalled and the salaries compare really well with equivalent Merchant Navy jobs.
RFA cadetships
By joining us on one of our Cadetship Schemes, you don’t have to choose between gaining higher qualifications and earning decent money on your way to a career as a Royal Fleet Auxiliary Deck or Engineering Officer.
RFA training
Much of your training in the RFA will be on the job. But you’ll also be fully funded to gain your Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) certificates. And if you’re an officer, you’ll have the chance to be funded while you gain higher degrees and management qualifications.
