Mine Warfare Specialist

Fast track role A high priority role with an accelerated joining process.
Service:Surface Fleet
Branch:Warfare
Level:Rating,Apprenticeship
Technology
Weapons
Hands on
Strategic
Warfare
Warfare
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At a glance

What you’ll do

We need to make the seas safe. For our warships, for civilian ships, for everyone. And that’s where you come in. You’ll be at the heart of these missions whether they’re in a Mediterranean port, or on operations in the Persian Gulf. As a Mine Warfare Specialist you’ll lead the way for our fleet, clearing any mines in its path. You’ll make sure our missions are possible whatever they’re for, from delivering essential humanitarian aid, to embarking on conflict operations.

If you have questions, talk to us

Your role

  • Find mines using sonar, and then launch remote controlled mine disposal vehicles
  • Gain a wide range of skills, from basic seamanship to manning light weaponry
  • Be responsible for the safety of your ship and everyone on board
  • Stay quick thinking and focused at all times

What you’ll get

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

  • Attain a Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship
  • GCSEs, A-Levels, NVQs or a degree
  • Specialist vocational qualifications, with a significant financial contribution from us
     

Skills you'll develop

  • How to use some of the most advanced technology on the planet 
  • Techniques in safeguarding the seas for Navy and civilian benefit 
     

Career progression

What you'll need

Eligibility

  • You must be aged 16 to 39
  • No qualifications are required for this role
  • A National of the United Kingdom, a Commonwealth citizen or Dual National
  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)
  • Pass the Naval Swimming Test
     

Skills and interests

  • Quick thinking and able to stay calm in high-pressure situations
  • A dedicated team player 
  • Passion for working with the latest technology
  • A sense of adventure
  • A common sense approach to problems 
Check Eligibility

Starting your career

Joining process

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


Initial training

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 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.


Professional training

After your initial training you’ll complete three months at the Maritime Warfare School, which will cover:

  • Learning various types of mines and how they operate
  • Understanding how different mines are used in war
  • Training in mine disposal techniques
  • Becoming skilled in mine detection, including using mine-hunting sonar
  • Learning to launch and operate a remote-controlled unmanned vehicle