Merchant Navy vs Royal Navy - Recruitment Process

[GoingInTheNavy]

I am simply wondering, what is the difference between the processes of recruitment for the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy in regards to time, qualifications, training, medical etc.?

 

[Ballistic]

One is applying to join the Armed Forces.

The other is applying to join a commercial organisation like Tesco, or Rolls Royce.

 

[Klanky67]

You'd be hard pushed to join the Merch as a Seaman being from the UK. Most companies use cheap labour from India, Philippines, etc.

A lot of companies do like the UK officers though. You can apply to a company - Shell, Maersk, Bibby, etc., and if successful they will sponsor you through a 3 year degree course with some seatime included. Once qualified they will normally take you on.

The application stage is carried out every September and January. Normally you'd go to the company offices and have a group interview with other candidates. That's if you pass the application sift. If successful you undergo an ENG1 medical with a specific GP then you're in.

The RN is very different. Obviously you can join as a rating from the British Commonwealth, do a basic written test at a local careers office, interview and fitness test, medical and security clearance and you're in. Can take upto 12 months depending on branch being applied for.

 

[Matt247]

There are now some limted apprenticeship ratings available via P&0 ferries DFDS and CALMAC.....

 

[seajudged]

Of course, you could always join the RFA

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[Matt247]

There are plans increase both UK ratings and Officers due a shortage and age profile

 

[Klanky67]

Are you on about the RFA Matt?

 

[Matt247]

No general merchant navy.....Trinity House just advertised for rating apprentice
app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Careers/CareersPage.aspx?e=LMo8nnTwYNZTPh0jtwutfrW_0u_fM92H4O1jVgLIA33qQNqTdWwNr9Q8YfeA3Yo_mn2HwFFm6pQ&iframe=True

 

[Matt247]

Check out
Career at sea website
http://www.careersatsea.org

 

[Matt247]

Suggest you might get more sea time in the merchant navy.....any thoughts.....

 

[Klanky67]

More seatime and more leave in the merch, normally 50% each. RFA is 4 months at sea 3 months leave. Although there has been talk of 3 months sea and 2 months leave but I think this will be opposed.

 

[GoingInTheNavy]

So, out of interest, how long and rigorous is the recruitment process for the RFA?

 

[Matt247]

I suspect its a numbers game. The RFA is only about 2000 strong all ranks

 

[Klanky67]

Depends on branch applied for but generally it'll take about 12-18 months depending on when you apply. There's loads of info on procedure on here. Search in the free text box top right and you'll find masses of info. I've posted the same info a number of times so search my posts if you like.
Currently in training at Raleigh, and it's worth the wait/struggle.

 

[seajudged]

So, out of interest, how long and rigorous is the recruitment process for the RFA?

If going officer, you have to pass the same AIB as RN, RNR.

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