Royal Navy Rating
What is the work like?
Royal Navy ratings work in a variety of job roles onboard ships or submarines at sea, or in a Royal Navy shore base.
As a royal navy rating, your work will vary depending on which branch of the service you support and your specific trade. Branches and related duties include:
- warfare – operating and maintaining the ship’s weapons, electronic systems and sensors; co-ordinating the ship’s communications systems
- engineering – operating, maintaining and refitting the Royal Navy’s ships, submarines and aircraft
- logistics – operating and co-ordinating a range of office, accounting, stores and catering systems
- medical – providing a healthcare service for Royal Navy personnel and their families, roles include medical assistant, technician and Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service (QARNNS) staff nurse
- naval air branch – ensuring that Navy aircraft are prepared for action and giving navigation information based on weather and ocean conditions
- submarine service – operating and maintaining a submarine’s weapons, electronic systems and sensors.
A list of all the areas in which you could specialise is available on the Royal Navy website.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To join the Royal Navy you will need to pass a selection test, interview and medical examination.
For many jobs or trades within the Navy, there are no formal academic entry requirements and you will receive training on the job. However, you will have a wider choice of careers if you have some GCSEs (A-C). Your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) can advise you further on your options, and the exact requirements.
Entry to the Royal Navy is possible from the age of 16 for most trades. The exceptions are:
- medical assistants, dental surgery assistants and dental hygienists (17)
- divers (18)
- student naval nurses (17 years, 6 months)
- direct entry registered general nurses (21).
For all trades, the upper age limit at entry is 36. The upper age limit may be waived for exceptional candidates. You will need to apply at least six months in advance of the age limit.
The minimum height for all entrants is 151.5 centimetres and your weight must be in proportion to your height. There are strict eyesight standards and, for some jobs, normal colour vision is essential. You must also meet nationality and residence requirements.
For further information and advice on eligibility, contact your local AFCO.
What further training and development can I do?
As a new entrant to the Royal Navy you will do eight weeks' basic training at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall. Basic training includes:
- physical exercises
- marching
- teamwork
- fire fighting
- security
- weapons handling
- general naval training.
After basic training you will progress to specialist training for your chosen trade. When this is complete, you will be posted to a ship or shore base.
Depending on your chosen trade, you will be given the opportunity to work towards qualifications such as NVQs, City & Guilds certificates, foundation degrees and professional awards.
As a Royal Navy rating you will join the Navy for 18 years or up to the age of 40. There may be opportunities to extend your period of service beyond this depending on the needs of the service and your wishes. You may leave after giving 12 months' notice, two and a half years after your initial professional training. The length of your initial professional training will vary depending on your job role and the level of training required.
Where can I go for more information?
Careers Enquiries: 0845 607 5555Palace Barracks
Holywood
Co Down
BT18 9RA
Tel: 028 9042 7040
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning advisor at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are from £12,572 a year.
- Able ratings can earn between £15,677 and £26,665 a year.
- Warrant officers can earn up to £43,077 a year.
Submariners, divers and anyone required to fly, may receive additional pay. Extra allowances are also paid for family separations. Where accommodation is provided, deductions may be made from monthly pay.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You will usually be on call 24 hours a day and work on a shift system which includes weekends and public holidays.
Living quarters onboard ships and submarines are cramped. While serving at sea you may be separated from your family for several months at a time.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good team working skills
- self-discipline and the ability to live in an enclosed environment
- the ability to make decisions and react quickly under pressure
- good levels of physical fitness
- the ability to follow orders and take responsibility
- practical and technical skills
- an interest in science and technology
- good communication skills
- a willingness to work anywhere in the world, possibly in combat situations.
What opportunities are there?
The Royal Navy recruits around 4,500 ratings each year. The number recruited into different roles can vary.
When you have completed your basic training you will be promoted to able rating. You could then progress to leading rating, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer or Warrant Officer. Promotion opportunities will be based on merit and experience.
If you have the necessary qualifications and potential, you may be able to apply for a commission as an officer. About one in five of naval officers are former ratings.
With the exception of submarines and clearance diving, all jobs are open to women as well as men.
Free leaflets and advice about careers in the Royal Navy are available from your local AFCOs.
Search
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
