Naval Discipline

Joint Services Publication JSP 830 – Manual of Service Law covers many of the same areas as civilian law but it also deals with the discipline aspects of employment within the RN and RM subsequently placing the serving person under an obligation to obey legal orders.

This means that Service personnel must go on deployment, return from leave and go on duty when they are ordered to do so.

If Serving personnel disobey this legislation they can be punished by the Royal Navy / Royal Marines. This can mean a fine or imprisonment, just as in civilian law.

If you do get into trouble with the Service you will always be provided with full written information regarding the charges you face, your legal rights and the support available.

Overseas you and your children will be subject to the laws of the country in which you are living. Partly for your protection, you and your children will also become subject to some of the provisions of Service Law legislation so that the Royal Navy / Royal Marines may deal with cases rather than the local civilian court.

Remember you may only be allowed to live in certain foreign countries because you are a dependant of a Service person.