What We Do | Providing Security At Sea

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A thriving global economy depends on maritime trade – and as an island nation, the UK needs a strong navy to protect its interests on the high seas. Day after day, the Royal Navy keeps a watchful eye over home and international waters, safeguarding its citizens and allies from pirates, terrorists and criminals, and ensuring that vital trade can continue without interruption.

Providing security at sea

Maintaining capability

More than 950,000 jobs are directly supported by the UK maritime sector, a sector which adds £37.4 billion of gross value to the UK economy. With so much at stake, it’s vital that the Royal Navy strikes a formidable presence on the world stage.

In order to keep our maritime trade routes safe, the Royal Navy requires a truly global reach. Our forces deploy right across the world, maintaining a strong presence and forging links with independent territories.

Providing security at sea

Working in partnership

Keeping the high seas safe is a truly international undertaking. The Royal Navy works with NATO and other allied nations on security operations and exercises all over the world, including the Gulf and the Horn of Africa.

Internal partnerships are just as important as international ones. Equipped with the skills, knowledge and equipment needed to keep our seas safe, our personnel are highly trained experts who share an unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of the UK and its allies.

Providing security at sea

Fighting crime

Over 90% of global trade is transported by sea – and inevitably, this attracts the attention of criminals. The Royal Navy is committed to protecting maritime trade from pirates, terrorists and traffickers and keeping the wheels of commerce turning, whatever it takes.

British ships and units, including the Royal Marines, are committed to maritime security operations around the world. These operations focus on reassurance and wider regional engagement, with the ultimate aim of protecting the interests of the UK and its allies.

Maritime Domain Awareness Programme

The Royal Navy Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Programme provides an understanding of maritime activity to improve national, regional and international maritime security.

The Programme directly supports international trade, through the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the Maritime Domain Awareness Trade - Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GOG).

Chief Petty Officer Jenkins
Assistant Operations Officer

My last appointment involved carrying out fishery protection; it has been an interesting and positive change to move to MCM1 squadron and take a more active role in providing security at sea for the wider strategic roles of the Royal Navy.

Lieutenant Barlow
Royal Marines Commando

I joined the Royal Marines to make a difference. By patrolling the high seas and keeping them safe, I feel like I’m doing just that.

Petty Officer Barton
Operations Room Supervisor

As the Ops Room Supervisor, my job is to co-ordinate the search for mines and launch the SeaFox underwater vehicle to investigate any suspected contacts.