At a glance
We need to make the seas safe. For our warships, for civilian ships, for everyone. And that’s where you come in. You’ll lead the way for our fleet, clearing any mines in its path – and making our global missions possible.
Job Role
Mine Warfare Specialist
You’ll find mines using mine-hunting sonar, and deal with them using a remote-controlled disposal vehicle.
- £21,000 - £54,500
- No qualifications
- Surface Fleet
- Warfare
- Rating level
£23,496
The minimum you’ll earn after training
£56,383
Earn in excess of this amount as your career progresses
Zero
Qualifications needed
Free
Medical and dental care
6 weeks
Of paid holiday every year
Travel
All around the world
Working with the unmanned systems is a real thrill. We’re world-leaders in the mine disposal field, which means we get to work in partnership with lots of different nations and meet lots of interesting people.
Role details
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.
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
Pay & benefits
- A salary that rises to £23,496 after initial training
- Earn in excess of £56,383 as your career progresses
- An excellent pension scheme
- Subsidised travel and accommodation
- Six weeks of paid holiday every year
- Free medical and dental care
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
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. Dual Nationality restricions apply
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)
- Pass the Naval Swimming Test
Skills & 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
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 1
Submit an application
Once you’ve registered your interest and have satisfied the basic eligibility criteria, you will be sent an online application form
Step 2
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
Step 3
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
Step 4
Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)
This four-day induction to life in the Royal Navy, including a Swimming Test and a fitness assessment, is a pass or fail course
Step 5
Start training
Once you’ve passed a Security Check, you’ll be offered a place at HMS Raleigh
Career Progression
From responsibilities to pay, find out where this role can take you.
Day one
Initial training at HMS Raleigh, learn basic military skills
Year one
Join your first Mine Countermeasures vessel, develop skills
First promotion
Become Leading Hand, lead Deck Team, control Seafox
Second promotion
Become Petty Officer, lead Mine Warfare department
Got a question?
Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day