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Qualified Marine Engineer Officer (RFA)

Qualified Marine Engineer Officer (RFA)

You’ll provide the ship’s power that delivers vital logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy, all over the world.

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As part of your application process, we’ll help you find the most suitable role based on your skills and experience.

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  • MCA Certified
  • Royal Fleet Auxiliary
  • Engineering
  • Officer level
RFA Tiderace people at work

Role details

As a Qualified Marine Engineer Officer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), you’ll provide the power we need to deliver vital logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy, wherever they are in the world. Without you, the crucial work of the RFA would grind to a halt. It’s an engineering career of the utmost importance, where you’ll oversee work on some of our largest-scale kit.

  • Wherever you’re stationed, you’ll be responsible for specific mechanical systems, mentoring and providing guidance for your ratings.
  • If you like getting your hands dirty, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction that comes from finding innovative solutions to the most complex mechanical problems.
  • Work towards the same MCA certification that you would in any merchant navy, but with the additional responsibility that comes from powering the engines that fuel our ships.
  • Become an expert in a mix of diesel-electric, slow and medium speed diesel propulsion systems, as you work across the RFA fleet. 
  • Earn £43,500 from the day you start as a Third Officer
  • Earned Voyage Leave (EVL) of 21 days for every month spent on board ship
  • Membership of a Civil Service Pension scheme 
  • World-class training
  • Potential to travel the world

Qualifications you'll gain

  • A streamlined path to becoming a Chartered Engineer
  • MCA certification that is financially supported by the RFA

Skills you'll develop

  • An in-depth knowledge of Marine Engineering principles
  • The ability to lead and manage a highly skilled team
     

 

  • Aged at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. There is no upper age limit
  • HND, or higher, in Marine Engineering
  • ENG1 medical certificate, unrestricted for worldwide sea service
  • The certificate of competency you have will determine which level you enter the RFA. You must have one of the following: Officer of the Watch (unlimited); Second Engineer (unlimited); Chief Engineer (unlimited)
  • Four elements of basic training, updated iaw Manila Convention 2010
  • Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Code-Table A-Vl/1-1)
  • Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Code-Table A-Vl/1-2)
  • Elementary First Aid (STCW Code-Table A-Vl/1-3)
  • Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW Code-Table A-Vl/1-4)
  • Must be British or have indefinite leave to remain with 5 years residency in UK. Dual Nationality will be considered providing the first nationality is British. Note: Residency restrictions may apply
  • The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for any employment within the MOD if you have been dismissed from a role for unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out
 
  • An ability to thrive on responsibility and lead from the front
  • Confidence making key decisions in high-pressure situations
  • A problem solver, with a common sense approach, who can work well as part of a team
  • A love of all things mechanical
I maintain and operate all of the machinery on board RFA Argus. I’ve picked up loads of qualifications along the way, and done some really memorable things, including providing humanitarian relief after Hurricane Katrina.

Jack

Marine Engineer Officer

Joining Process

From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.

  • Register your interest
  • Complete your application
  • Eligibility
  • Interview
  • Admiralty Interview Board (AIB)
  • Training

Register your interest

Find the right profession and entry level for you, make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria, and register your interest online.

Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email with more details about your chosen profession, along with an invitation to speak with our friendly recruitment team about any questions or concerns you might have.

Start your application

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