You’ll begin your career at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, developing your leadership, communication and teamwork skills. Your ten weeks at BRNC will give you an introduction to the Naval Service and you’ll get the chance to put your new skills into practise during exercises on Dartmoor before being part of the passing out parade where your family and friends will have the opportunity to witness you completing the first element of your training.
From BRNC you’ll join cadets from other parts of the Merchant Navy (MN) at one of the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) accredited training establishments to begin your three-year course. You will study towards a Foundation Degree (FD) in Marine Electrics and Electronics as well as working towards your Electro Technical Officer (ETO) Certificate of Competency. The training is phased so you’ll get the opportunity to spend plenty of time onboard ship shadowing qualified officers and working on your task book to ensure you gain full knowledge of ship systems and operations.
RFA Vessels play an integral role within UK and Coalition Maritime Task Groups and are fitted with a variety of military equipment and systems. So in addition to your commercial training you will attend various training courses at Royal Navy training establishments. Our training is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and forms part of the RFA’s streamlined route to Chartership.
There's also a swimming test, so if you can't swim, make sure you learn by the time you join us.
