Life as a Rating

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is a team. From the moment you join, you’ll be welcomed into it. We live, work and relax together, forming friendships that will last a lifetime. Variety will always be a big part of your life in the RFA and there’ll be numerous opportunities for travel, adventure, training and teamwork, as well as all the practical benefits too.

Quality of Life:

Your ship isn’t just your workplace – at sea it’s your home too. This is why accommodation is usually generous, offering more privacy and space than you’d get on a Royal Navy warship. RFA cabins have TVs and DVD players, and you can always use your own laptop or MP3 player to enjoy entertainment in the privacy of your own cabin. As well as this, you’ll have 80 days off on earned voyage leave after each four-month deployment (a combination of holiday entitlement, worked weekends and bank holidays). This is always on full pay.

Travel the World:

One of the main attractions of the RFA is the opportunity to go to places you might never otherwise see. The Royal Navy operates in literally every part of the world, and wherever they go, we go. A typical four-month voyage could take you to the Far East, the Gulf, the South Atlantic, the Mediterranean or even Antarctica. Once you’ve finished your duties in port, you’ll usually have a chance to explore the country under your own steam.

Sport and Recreation:

We encourage everyone to take part in sport, both for the fitness benefits and the social life that goes with it. Whenever you’re in a Royal Navy port, you can always use the excellent sports facilities that are on offer there too.

Job Security and Pay:

The pay compares well with equivalent Merchant Navy jobs. You’ll be able to gain qualifications that will stand you in good stead within and beyond the RFA.

Maternity and Paternity Leave:

We offer 26 weeks’ maternity leave on full pay and an extra 26 weeks on reduced pay. Men are offered two weeks’ paternity leave on full pay.

Training:

Much of your training will be ‘on the job’, but you’ll also carry out fully funded training to gain Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) certificates. In some branches as a rating, you’ll also earn the equivalent of NVQ to at least Level 2. You may also get the chance to become an officer if you show commitment and the right academic ability. Does this sound good to you?