At a glance
As a Qualified Communications and Information Systems specialist you will be part of a team that ensures that the ship is able to communicate internally and externally, in all situations under pressure.
Job Role
Qualified Communications and Information Systems (RFA)
Using highly sophisticated equipment, it’ll be your job to guarantee the safe communication of operationally-vital information.
- A-Levels / college qualifications
- Royal Fleet Auxiliary
- Warfare
- Rating level
Pay
Over £29,500 starting salary
Pension
Membership of a Civil Service Pension Scheme
Leave
21 days of paid leave for every month served on board ship
Travel
Potential to travel around the world
Training
World-class Comprehensive Training Programme
As part of the CIS team I know that my work is important to everyone on board, from the Captain to the Laundryman. Keeping the ship connected at all times is not only vital to the ships tasking but also to ensure that the crew stay in touch with their families and loved ones whilst deployed.
Role details
What you’ll do
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) delivers vital logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy, wherever they are in the world. As a Qualified Communications and Information Systems you will be part of a team that ensures that the ship is able to communicate internally and externally, in all situations under pressure; administering complex data processing networks as well as commercial and military integrated communications system and visual signalling procedures.
Your role
- Use your skills gained in your previous career to play a central role in supporting the Royal Navy warships, all over the world
- You will be required to manage the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) on board to ensure that the ship always remains ready to respond to an emergency
- Operate sophisticated global networked information systems, so you’re always able to receive communications that are crucial to the day-to-day operation of the ship
- Provide the command with a vital link to the task group via tactical voice and visual signalling procedures during replenishments and tactical evolutions
- Work with your team to take responsibility for the ship’s complex data-processing network systems, including the internet and satellite, placing you at the heart of tactical and strategic communications
Pay & benefits
-
Earn over £29,500 from the day you start
- Excellent Career Average Occupational Pension Scheme
- 21 days off for every month at sea
- World-class Comprehensive Training Progrmme
Skills for life
Skills you'll develop
- Further your knowledge and skills working on state-of-the-art CIS sytems for the RFA
Eligibility
- Aged at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. There is no upper age limit
- Current Unrestricted ENG1 for Worldwide Sea Service
- D299 IS Network Administrator or commercial equivalent
- DII ASM or Minerva
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) GOC
- Experience using Message Handling Systems
- Experience using Military Integrated Communications Systems
- GCSEs graded C/4 including Maths and English Language
- Must be British, Irish or Commonwealth citizens. However, a number of career paths have nationality restrictions. Dual Nationality will be considered providing the first nationality is British. Note: Residency restrictions may apply
- Need to have confidence with jumping into water and the ability to wade whilst wearing a life jacket
Skills & Interests
- Experienced CIS personnel with military communications skills who can work on their own and as part of a team
- Personnel with drive, enthusiasm and an ambition to succeed
- Reliability and discretion are essential
- Experience in tactical procedures is desirable but not essential as training will be given
Joining Process
From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.
Step 2
Eligibility
We will request copies of certification to ascertain your suitability for the role
Step 3
Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
You will be asked to attend an Armed Forces Careers Office close to your home where you will conduct the DAA.
Step 4
Sift
Your application will go forward for sift by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) who will check that you have the knowledge and potential to succeed in your chosen role
Step 5
Training
If successful, you will be offered a place at HMS Collingwood where you will begin your initial training
Step 6
Interview -
If you are successful at interview, you will be offered a contract
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