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As a rating you contribute to the ships overall operational success. And your hard work will see you gain a level of skill and experience that only comes from providing specialist global support to the Royal Navy.
Much of your training in the RFA will be on the job. But you’ll also have the opportunity to gain Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) certificates, funded by us. These will develop your RFA career, making you eligible for more senior role, but they're also recognised by other Merchant Navy employers too.
The work done by our ratings is the foundation of all our operations. From the galley and the mess, to the Engine Room and the deck. You’ll work together with your crewmates to provide the Royal Navy with logistical and operational support that’s second to none. If you’ve already got experience of life at sea, you could be eligible to join on a ‘lateral entry’ basis:
Here are the different rating roles available:
“My 35-year career at sea has seen me sailing on many differing classes of vessels and visiting all corners of the globe, from Norway to South Georgia, and from the U.S.A. to Japan. My career was going places too, as I worked my way through the ranks from Junior Ordinary Seaman to Chief Petty Officer Deck.
“I have also worked in our Head Office as the subject matter expert for seamanship, and within HMS Raleigh as the Chief Instructor for seamanship. These two posts required me to undertake a number of specialised training courses, giving me skills and knowledge that will remain with me for the rest of my life. I am currently working in South Korea supporting the build of four new tankers which are due to enter service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary soon.”
Matt, CPO Deck
