COULD YOU NAVIGATE AND COMMAND ONE OF THE ARMY'S SEAGOING VESSELS?
AS ARMY MARINERS, WE COMMAND, CONTROL, PLAN AND EXECUTE THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE ARMY'S FLEET OF SEAGOING LOGISTIC VESSELS WHICH MOVE SOLDIERS, VEHICLES AND SUPPLIES WORLDWIDE.
Becoming an RLC Mariner means working outdoors on the water, all over the world. You need to be able to think on your feet, even in the most challenging of situations and be able to work well under pressure. Acting as part of a vessel’s crew, you will form part of the vessels watch, helping with navigational safety, stability and security. Your role is also essential to the safety of your vessel, crew mates, passengers and cargo.
We often work alongside the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and in support of the Royal Marines, carrying out real-life tasks such as hurricane and disaster relief in and around the Caribbean.
Aside from seamanship, there are also opportunities to get involved in the huge array of sports represented within the Army, as well as all forms of Adventurous Training - from Alpine skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing and scuba diving.
Training For The Role
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to how handling a rifle.
If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years 5 months), you’ll do a 23-week basic military training course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years 1 month), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.
Step 2
Next, you will undertake your 15-week Combat Logistician course at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield. During this, you will earn your Category C+E Driving Licence and study general service driver modules. This training also gives you the opportunity to gain a broader knowledge on the Royal Logistic Corps functions and roles.
Step 3
Then you will begin your 13-week Mariner Class 3 Seamanship course and the start of your Level 3 Apprenticeship. The course is delivered by 73 Training Squadron in Marchwood, Southampton.
The Class 2 course is a 19-week vessel command and navigation course, delivered again by 73 Training Squadron, with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accreditation.
Your Class 1 course is 12 weeks long and is designed to further develop your navigation skills and wider understanding of international seafaring regulations.
Entry Requirements
Age:
16 years 6 months - 35 years 6 months
Qualifications: GCSE Grade A–D/9-3 in Maths
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 143kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- MCA Navigational Watch Certificate
- MCA Efficient Deckhand Certificate
- MCA Level 2 Approved Engines
- MCA Social and Personal Responsibilities
- MCA Firefighting and Sea Safety
- RYA Powerboat
- RYA VHF Short Range Certification
- Level 2 Award in food hygiene
- Level 2 Certificate Logistics & Transport
- Level 3 Workboat Crewmember Standard
Rank Progression
Learn about rank progression here.
Pay and Benefits
"Since passing my Mariner Class 3 course two years ago, I've had amazing opportunities which have helped me to promote to Lance Corporal. I'm now preparing for my Mariner Class 2 course, which I'm hoping to pass and gain command of my own Combat Support Boat.
Two months after I passed my Class 3 and becoming a deckhand, I deployed for four months to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Gulf on amphibious exercises with the Royal Marines. Here, I conducted assault and logistic beach landings. This was then followed with an exercise with the French amphibious unit. During these deployments I was given opportunities to enhance my vessel command and control, while developing my understanding of the electronic navigational equipment. My Vessel Commander was a great mentor and encouraged me every step of the way." Lance Corporal Owen
HOW TO APPLY
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre,you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.
Training For The Role
Step 1
You start with basic training and learn to be a soldier.
Step 2
You will attend a 2-week Mariner Reserve Class 3 course delivered at 73 Training Squadron, in Marchwood, Southampton where you will learn basic seamanship principles.
Then you can complete a 2-week Mariner Reserve Class 2 course delivered also by 73 Training Squadron where you will learn about reduced vessel command.
Your final course is your 2-week Mariner Reserve Class 1 course.
Entry Requirements
Age:
17 years 9 months - 42 years 6 months
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 143kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
- 2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
Qualifications:
GCSE Grade A–D / 9-3 in Maths
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- RYA Powerboat Certification
- RYA VHF Short Range Certification
- Level 2 Award in Food Hygiene
Pay and Benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £39.34 in training and rising to £50.21 per day once you're a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
From the Field
“I've worked with our Regular counterparts on numerous occasions: operating Mexeflotes and other vessels in the Solent and on field exercises on the Isle of Wight. I get paid to train and at the end of the year, once I have completed my allotted days and completed all of my training, the bonus which goes into my bank is very welcome. It’s not all about the money though as I‘ve met some brilliant people who have not only become very good friends and colleagues, but also people I can rely on.” – Lance Corporal Whitchurch
HOW TO APPLY
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre,you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.
