TAKE TO THE SEA WITH THE ARMY
“I HAVE PROGRESSED FROM NEWLY QUALIFIED DECKHAND ALL THE WAY TO VESSEL COXSWAIN (SKIPPER). IN THE PROCESS, I HAVE TRAVELLED ALL AROUND THE WORLD.”
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 to handle 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
Then you take Seamanship training at the Defence School of Logistics at Marchwood near Southampton. Over 20 weeks, you learn to carry out seamanship duties as a deckhand on board an Army Work Boat, Mexeflote and Combat Support Boat.
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
- Level 2 Certificate Logistics & Transport
- Affiliate Membership of CILT
- RYA STCM Watchkeeping
- RYA STCW Personal Responsibilities
- RYA Day Skipper
- RYA Radar
- Get higher level qualifications as you progress
Rank Progression
Learn about rank progression here.
Pay and Benefits
“The Maritime trade has enabled me to progress from newly qualified deckhand all the way to vessel coxswain (skipper). In the process, I have travelled all around the world, from Singapore to Norway, USA to Africa and beyond. I have also had the opportunity to enhance my leadership and instructional capabilities outside of the Mariner trade, spending three excellent years as an instructor for new soldiers. The Maritime trade provides an excellent opportunity to not only enhance your leadership qualities as a vessel coxswain, but to also see the world and broaden your own horizons.”
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
Then you take the Mariner course which lasts 2 weeks at the Defence School of Logistics near Southampton. You learn about seamanship as a deckhand on board MEXEFLOTE and Combat Support Boats. You will need to complete the record of work place training too. We do our best to make sure all Army Reserve training fits around your day job.
Entry Requirements
Age:
17 years 9 months - 49 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
- 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.
