Qualified Deck Officer (RFA)

From fuel to food, you’ll be central to the operations that provide essential supplies to the Royal Navy, all over the world.

At a Glance

Refueling a Type 45 Destroyer in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? All in a day’s work for a Qualified Deck Officer. It’s a position of huge responsibility, and a rewarding one too. You’ll be integral to your ship’s operations any time, day.

Pay & Leave

£43,500 from the day you start as a Third Officer.

21 days of paid leave for every month served on board ship, earned Voyage Leave (EVL).

Pension

Membership of a Civil Service Pension scheme.

Travel

Potential to travel all around the world.

What you’ll do

As a Qualified Deck Officer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), you’ll be central to the Replenishment at Sea operations that provide vital support to the Royal Navy, all over the world.

• Deliver fuel, food, ammunition and other supplies to warships safely and efficiently.
• Assist Royal Marines during amphibious operations.
• Act as Officer of the Watch and Officer of the Day when the ship is in port.
• Use first‑class navigational skills for operations such as locating drug runners or searching for pirates.
• Be part of the deck department management team and work toward becoming Executive Officer, and ultimately Commanding Officer.

Your role

• Earn £43,500 from the day you start as a Third Officer.
• Earn Voyage Leave (EVL) of 21 days for every month spent on board ship.
• Membership of a Civil Service Pension scheme.
• World‑class training.
• Potential to travel the world.

Qualifications you\’ll gain

• Further MCA qualifications fully supported by the RFA.
• Military Navigation and Warfare Training.
• Advanced Oil Tanker Training Endorsement (at Chief Mate level).
• Recent sea time of at least 6 months in the last 3 years.
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Code‑Table A‑V1/2).
• Elementary First Aid (STCW Code‑Table A‑V1/3).
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW Code‑Table A‑V1/4).

Nationality & Residency

• Must be British or have indefinite leave to remain with 5 years residency in the UK.
• Dual nationality considered providing the first nationality is British; residency restrictions may apply.

Other requirements

• Age at least 17 years 6 months to apply, and 18 years to commence employment. No upper age limit.
• Suitable UK degree (HNC/HND or FD) in Nautical Science, plus an in‑date STCW 95 Regulation II/1 Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency (Unlimited) and a current ENG1 Unrestricted Certificate for Worldwide Service.
• STCW code – Table A, IV/2 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Radio Operators Certificate.
• HND in Nautical Science or Foundation Degree in Marine Operations.

Skills & Interests

• Ability to thrive on responsibility and lead from the front.
• Confidence making key decisions in high‑pressure situations.
• Problem solver with a common sense approach, working well as part of a team.

Joining Process

From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you’ll take:

• Submit copies of certifications to verify suitability.
• Complete an online test; if successful, you’ll be invited to Portsmouth for a Suitability Interview (AIB).
• Attend a Pre‑Recorded Interview and Group Planning Exercise online.
• If successful, you’ll be offered a place at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), Dartmouth.

Career progression

• Start as Third Officer, accrue required sea time.
• Promotions: Second Officer, Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency (First Officer), Chief Officer, then Captain.

EEO statement

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero‑tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for any employment within the MOD if you have been dismissed from a role for unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre‑employment checks will be carried out.