Support the fleet that protects our nation's interest

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is a Merchant Navy organisation that is made up of civilian-crewed ships operated by the Ministry of Defence. It provides vital – and highly valued – logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. A committed team of personnel makes sure the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are well supplied and well supported, providing medical care, transporting kit, fuel and other essentials all over the world. In addition the RFA provides humanitarian aid, undertakes counter piracy patrols, counter narcotic operations, defence diplomacy together with assisting in preventing conflict or safeguarding the flow of international trade as single units. 

Whatever your role, you’ll be supported with training throughout your career, while all the time going to places you never thought you’d visit. And although you’ll still be a civilian, you’ll enjoy many benefits including a great pension scheme.

This is life at sea like you never imagined it.

About the RFA

The RFA is a world-class integrated maritime support force. If you’ve always fancied life at sea, or just want to know more about it, this is where you can learn understand our heritage and the vital work we do.

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What could you do?

To carry out the essential operations that keep our Royal Navy operational, we need more than just world-class seamen. From the engineers who keep our kit working at the highest level, to the chefs who keep our crew going, there are different roles to suit different people skillsets.

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Why RFA?

There’s a reason why being in the RFA is respected over and above the majority of merchant navy positions. It’s because you’ll be doing some truly important work at the pinnacle of your profession. And what do you get in return? There is a host of benefits that are also second to none.

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Life in the RFA

Spending large amounts of time at sea isn’t for everyone, but if it’s for you, you’ll experience things you never imagined. You might be working on deck in the middle of the Indian Ocean, or using the three months off you get for every four month’s work, travelling.

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RFA training, progression and development

In the RFA, if you’re dedicated, hard-working and motivated to succeed, you’ll be supported with structured career development and world-class training. There’s no such thing as standing still. You’ll constantly be pushed both educationally and vocationally.

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How to join

Sound like the career for you? If you’re looking for a life at sea that’s as rewarding as it is challenging, with a raft of benefits from day one, there’s a range of jobs for you to choose from.

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