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Royal Fleet Auxiliary
Careers / Services

Royal Fleet Auxiliary

The RFA is a Merchant Navy organisation of civilian-crewed ships providing vital logistic and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Discover more about the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Tell me more
Photo of two large boats at sea. The Tide class tankers were conducting replenishment at sea trials (RAS).

A civilian maritime force

The largest British employer of British non-military merchant navy sailors, the RFA brings together highly trained civilian personnel which are part of the Naval Service. Wearing Royal Navy uniforms, complimented with Merchant Navy styled insignia, the committed and close-knit team make sure the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are well supplied and well supported.
RFA Argus assists US military in Honduras. Pictured Merlin Helicopters refuelling during Humanitarian aid operations.

Make a difference

Every member of the fleet positively impacts our nation, society and the world. Providing medical care, transporting kit, fuel and other essentials to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines sets the RFA apart. They make a direct difference to people's lives by providing humanitarian aid, completing counter piracy and narcotic patrols, assisting with defence diplomacy & conflict prevention and safeguarding international trade.
RFA Tidespring's personnel prepare to conduct a replenishment at sea. Personnel working, one points forward whilst the other listens another smiles.

Work and life in balance

A meaningful career with great prospects and great benefits, the RFA gives you a well-paid career that takes you across the world. It goes further than that, though. With a leading civil service pension, time off for time spent at sea, paid-for learning and development, world-class training & industry recognised qualifications, and a fund for downtime activities with your crewmates, it can take you anywhere.
Two navy personnel preparing a dinning table looking towards the camera smiling.

A broad range of entry

As long as you‘re over 18, there’s no age limit for joining the RFA. If you‘re a British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen, there‘s no barrier to joining the RFA. All you need is your dedication to work hard and an ambition achieve extraordinary things. With many roles not requiring qualifications to get started, and with world-class training from the Royal Navy and industry bodies, you can go as far as your drive takes you.
Navy personnel in uniform sitting and talking. Image taken during video interview.

Why should you join the RFA?

Every time you do something, you're making a better world.

RFA personnel have all the benefits that come from being Ministry of Defence employed civil servants, while also being able to take advantage of the world-class facilities and training provided by the Royal Navy and leading professional and industry bodies such as the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

That means you’re on course for a first-class maritime career from the moment you join, specialising in areas of your choice and developing your career to suit you.

Crew members stand on deck looking at the opposing boat. RFA Tidespring conducts her first ever RAS with a Royal Navy Warship, HMS Sutherland.
Navy personnel sitting in a equipment filled room.

RFA joining options

Whether you’re just starting out or have experience working in another merchant shipping company, if you‘re over 18 there are opportunities for you with the RFA.

Learn more about your joining options
Personnel working as RFA Tidesurge visits Portsmouth.

Featured roles

Need help finding the right role?

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Apply now

If you are ready for an exciting career in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, use the below link to request your application.

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Not ready to apply?

If you are unsure at this stage if you want to apply, you can still register your interest with us using the below link.

Register your interest