Royal Navy rating
Royal Navy ratings work in a variety of roles on board ships and submarines, and at naval bases.
Also known as: Seaman, seawoman, sailor
- Starter salary£27,000 a year
- Experienced£51,000 a year
What you'll do
As a Royal Navy rating, you could:
- operate a ship's weapons and communications systems
- maintain and refit ships, submarines and aircraft
- co-ordinate delivery of equipment and supplies
- provide healthcare to Royal Navy staff and their families
- assist with navigation based on satellite and sonar systems
- maintain submarine weapons, electronic systems and sensors
Working environment
You could work at a military base, on a ship, be based overseas or in a warzone.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- physical fitness and endurance
- the ability to work well with others in a team
- excellent verbal communication skills
- concentration skills for practical tasks
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a royal Navy rating
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You could apply to join the navy through an HM Forces Serviceperson Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
You'll apply directly to the navy to find the best apprenticeship route for you. This will depend on your qualifications and which service role you're interested in.
Entry requirements
- entry requirements vary
Volunteering
You can join the Royal Naval Reserves to get some experience of what life is like in the service, and to learn new skills at the same time.
You'll need to be:
- between the ages of 16 and 42
- able to commit to basic training, including a 2-week course at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall
If you're between 12 and 18 years old, you can join the Sea Cadets .
Direct application
You can apply directly to join the Royal Navy as a rating. You don't need any specific qualifications, but you will need to meet the navy's eligibility requirements. For example, you must:
- be aged between 16 and 39
- pass fitness and medical tests
After applying, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. You will then do the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) followed by an interview.
If you have the right skills, you'll be asked to attend the 4-day Pre-Royal Navy Course. This includes further interviews, fitness, medical and aptitude tests. If successful, you'll be offered a place on the navy's basic training programme.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
- pass a medical check
- have a good level of fitness
- pass security checks
- pass enhanced background checks
- be at least 145cm tall
Career path and progression
After you complete your basic training, you can choose to specialise in a particular area.
Examples include:
- communications
- logistics
- mine warfare
- submarine operations
With training and experience you could move up through the ranks and become an officer.
Throughout your navy career, you'll have the opportunity to gain qualifications in your area of expertise.
You could apply to join the UK Special Forces as a Regular or a Reservist. Get information on how to join UK Special Forces Reserves .
On leaving active service, you could use your skills, qualifications and experience to go into a new career. You can find details about support and opportunities from:
- Quest
- Career Transition Partnership
- Forces Employment Charity
- Get Into Teaching
Career tips
You will need to pass physical fitness assessments, including swimming, to be accepted into the Royal Navy. Get fit to Join has information on how to check your current fitness and how to improve to the level required.
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