Royal Navy Rating

Also known as:

Navy Rating
Seaman/Woman (Royal Navy)
RN Rating
Sailor

Introduction

Royal Navy ratings are the servicemen and women of the Navy. They work in a variety of trades, on ships and submarines, and onshore.

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Work Activities

The Royal Navy provides sea-based security and defence services for the UK and its allies.

Ratings (or sailors) are the servicemen and women of the Navy. They work in a variety of trades, on ships and submarines, and onshore. Some of the different trades are divided are detailed below.

Warfare Branch

Warfare branch ratings work in a number of areas including warfare, mine clearance and communications. They:
• operate sonar and radar equipment
• detect enemy electronic transmissions and signals
• use diving equipment to disable or destroy mines
• operate communications equipment.

Communications and information systems specialists send, receive and interpret communications. They make sure that communications systems are working properly.

Seaman specialists help to look after the day-to-day running, upkeep and safety of a ship above and below decks. They steer the ship, act as lookouts, monitor ship routines and communicate with other ships.

Engineering Branch Engineering technicians (artificers) and mechanics maintain and repair all the equipment and machinery on ships, submarines and aircraft.

Air engineer technicians specialise in the service and repair of aircraft, and onboard operating systems. Marine engineering technicians operate and maintain the ship's mechanical systems, including the engines. Weapons engineering technicians maintain the electronic weapons and defensive systems on board ships and submarines.

Logistics

This branch provides the Navy with administrative support and back-up services, including catering and supplies.
• chefs work on ships, submarines and onshore
• stewards deal with food service, bar work and accommodation services
• writers have administrative duties, including personnel, wages, clerical and accounting
• stores accountants order supplies, arrange for their safe delivery and keep records.

Medical Branch Medical branch ratings provide a full range of health care services for Navy personnel and their families. They are based at sea and onshore. Medical assistants can specialise in: general service, with commandos, in submarines or in an operating department. Other medical trades include naval nurse and dental surgery assistant.

Fleet Air Arm Naval airmen (aircraft handlers) ensure the safe take off and landing of aircraft. They are also firefighters.

Naval airmen (survival equipment) are responsible for checking and maintaining survival equipment such as parachutes, life-jackets, life-rafts, radio devices and protective clothing.

Submarine Service Submarines provide frontline protection for the UK. Currently, only male ratings serve in submarines. Submariners carry out a specialist trade such as chef, artificer, writer or medical assistant.

Royal Navy ratings must be prepared to live and serve anywhere in the UK and overseas. They will sometimes have to work in difficult, dangerous (and sometimes life-threatening) conditions.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Physical fitness is important and you must pass a medical. For some trades, your colour vision and/or hearing may be tested.

It is vital that you are able to work well as part of a team. Onboard ship, and especially on submarines, you need to be tolerant, adaptable and able to live in close communities with colleagues.

You will have to accept Navy discipline. You must also be prepared to take part in armed conflicts when they arise.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

The basic rate of pay for a new entrant to the Royal Navy is £13,013, rising to around £16,227 on completion of training. After this, pay rates vary, depending on specialism and length of service. Pay increases further with promotion.

Royal Navy apprentices (technicians) earn £13,399 on entry, rising to £22,960 in the fourth (final) year of training. Pay increases further with length of service, specialism and promotion.

Hours of work for Royal Navy ratings vary depending on operational requirements, but may include shifts, early starts, late finishes, weekend work and working on public holidays.

As a Royal Navy rating, you may need to work at short notice, and you should expect to work longer hours during military exercises or on operational missions.

Opportunities exist for senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) to become commissioned officers later in their career, although competition is fierce.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation.

Entry is usually up to your 37th birthday.

Standard entry requirements are set for all applicants, regardless of age.

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Further Information

Contact your local Royal Navy and Royal Marines careers information office/armed forces careers office.

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