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.”
Like working outdoors and being out on the water? A job as a Mariner could be ideal. You’ll serve on Army ships or boats, navigating and maintaining your vessel. You take the helm, use on-board equipment and work worldwide, often supporting Commando and Special Forces. Once you’re experienced, you could command your own crew. You start by learning all about your role and being a soldier. Then you go to Southampton, where you transport troops and supplies. You take maritime qualifications and learn about communication and teamwork. Activities and good mates bring fun and challenges off-duty.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Be employed throughout the Army, from working with combat units to warehousing.
- Work worldwide delivering a bespoke capability, often in support of Commando and Special Forces.
- Operate from the military port at Marchwood (Southampton).
- Work outdoors and on the water.
- Learn good communication and teamwork skills.
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
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 & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £15,230 during training. When your Initial training is finished, and you join your unit as a Private your pay will rise to £18,859.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 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. More about Reserve benefits
FROM THE FIELD
“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.”
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 11 months
QUALIFICATIONS: GCSE Grade A–D/9-3 in Maths
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
- Level 2 Award in Food Hygiene
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £15,230 during training. When your Initial training is finished, and you join your unit as a Private your pay will rise to £18,859.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 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. More about Reserve benefits
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.