Catering Services (Chef) (Submariner)

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the joining process is as follows:

• Submit an application

  Once you’ve registered your interest and have satisfied the basic eligibility criteria, you will be sent an online application form

• Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)

  You’ll be tested on: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Electrical Comprehension and Mechanical Comprehension.
  To prepare, you can practise the DAA

• Interview

  A formal interview to talk through your suitability for the role. This is normally conducted using your own device over the Shine video platform

• Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)

  This is a four-day induction to life in the Royal Navy, which is a pass or fail course. This will include:  
  
  - Pre-Joining fitness test  
  - Swimming test  
  - Medical test  

• Start training

  Once you’ve passed a Security Check, you’ll be offered a place at HMS Raleigh

Your Royal Navy career begins with 10 weeks’ basic training at HMS Raleigh, a shore base in Torpoint, Cornwall. The discipline, teamwork, organisational, firefighting and weapon handling skills you learn here will stay with you right through your career.

Aim to get yourself as fit as possible before you arrive. You’ll be doing a lot of physical exercise, and you’ll find it much easier if you’re already in shape.

There's also a swimming test, so if you can't swim, make sure you learn by the time you join us.

Once you have essential military and maritime skills under your belt, it’s time to start your professional training. As a Catering Services rating, you’ll embark on a level 2 Production Chef Apprenticeship. You will conduct professional training which will kickstart your apprenticeship and prepare you for your professional role in the fleet. The benefit of your apprenticeship is that you will complete it whilst already working in your professional role, working towards advancement and promotion at the same time, gaining real time experience. Among many elements your professional training will include:

• Different styles of catering to match the diverse requirements of the job
• Food hygiene
• Health and safety
• Catering accountancy
• Hospitality and front of house skills
• Stock control

After successfully completing your professional training, you will then commence your Submarine Qualification (SMQ) at HMS Neptune, Faslane, Scotland near Glasgow; the home of the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service. You’ll learn about submarine operations, including: warfare, weapons, nuclear propulsion and escape training, and go to sea in a submarine. After this, there’ll be a test to check your knowledge. When you pass, you’ll earn your ‘Dolphins’ – the coveted badge of a qualified Submariner.