What could you do in the RFA?

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is made up of three core branches, with specialist personnel who make a vital contribution to every operation, every day. These highly skilled and dedicated people are essential to the crew’s three key functions; operating, repairing and providing for the ship.

The essential replenishment at sea operations and support we provide for the Royal Navy wouldn’t be possible without our exceptional sailors and their crewmates. From the engineers who keep us moving, to the chefs who keep everyone going.

If you’re applying to the RFA there are lots of different roles available across all branches, but your eligibility will depend on your qualifications and age. Take a look at what you could do in the RFA.

What we do

Technical

For our state-of-the-art fleet to cover thousands of miles providing maritime operational support we need world-class engineers. We have roles that allow you to specialise in electrical/electronic engineering or mechanical engineering. In the RFA these specialisations are called systems and marine engineering. 

Deck

A key part of the RFA’s role is the replenishment at sea operations that transfer supplies and fuel to Royal Navy warships. It takes a team of the most exceptional sailors on the planet to get to where we’re needed, and then to carry out the most complex maritime operations imaginable – in any conditions.

 A sub branch of Deck is Communications. Like any merchant navy, communication is key to the safety of our ships and the success of our operations. But in the RFA, it’s not just about signalling to civilian vessels and receiving weather information. Our lines of communication can never go down, because the team of people who send our messages are playing an essential role in keeping the Royal Navy fighting fit.

Logistics

To ensure our crews have everything they need, and that the Royal Navy ships we service have all the right supplies to do their job, we need a team of talented logisticians. They source vital supplies from local and international organisations. But the role of the Logistics branch doesn’t end there. Our chefs, stewards and medical technicians also do crucial work making sure our ships are a home from home for their crewmates and any embarked forces personnel.