rfa deck officer

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L3/RFA/D/DO/V3

RFA DECK OFFICER DECK OFFICER As a Deck Officer, you’ll be an important part of a team at the forefront of Britain’s Naval Operations, where the diverse roles you undertake, will test your Officer of the Watch skills. Our Fast Fleet Tankers refuel Royal Navy (RN) and NATO ships while underway with less than 50-metres’ clear water, and your expertise will be essential to ensure we keep our course and complete a transfer safely. On our landing ships, your dynamic positioning and awareness proficiency will be put to the test as you aid the landing of Royal Marines ashore by boat, helicopter and hovercraft as part of the RN’s amphibious operations. The RFA fleet undertakes various roles from other commercial vessels, and you’ll find your Merchant Navy skills are required when handling cargo during navigation work and while on watch. In port you’ll be Officer of the Day (OOD), the first point of contact for any visitors and the Commanding Officer’s representative. What we’re looking for This role demands intelligence, good communication skills and plenty of common sense. You must be able to make safe decisions quickly and calmly, especially under pressure. You’ll often be carrying out several tasks at the same time, such as when you’re on a watch and a Replenishment at Sea is taking place or stores are being transferred by helicopter. To cope with this you’ll have to be organised, flexible and adaptable; we must be able to rely on you to perform at your very best at any time, day or night. You’ll have to work as a team, providing leadership, technical expertise and inspiration to the people under your command and good advice to those above. Training The skills you already have will be bolstered with targeted training designed to develop you in your role as a Third Officer in the RFA. Throughout your career you will be required to complete several Royal Navy Warfare Officer courses to ensure you have an understanding of operations and to ensure you have the skills to operate specialist MOD equipment you may not have seen on other vessels. As OOD you will have a prominent managerial role in the ship’s firefighting and damage control organisation which will again be supported with training. All essential courses, including those required for you to gain higher MCA certification, are fully funded by the RFA. Skills for life You will already be aware how highly respected your MCA qualifications are within the Maritime Industry and as well as advancing these qualifications, the RFA will provide you with a different set of military skills which are hugely sought after in the commercial world. Promotion You will start your role as a Third Officer. Promotion is principally based on merit, so if you perform well you will get the chance to be considered for advancement through Second and First Officer. On reaching Chief Officer you’ll be head of the Deck department on board ship and

be one step away from being a Captain. If you are appointed Commodore you’ll have achieved the highest officer rank in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. As your career progresses you will have the chance to apply for shore posts which provide a wide range of career development opportunities including roles in training and headquarters staff support to RFA ships. These would see you playing a key role in the management or development of the RFA from a MOD or RN base. Pay and conditions You’ll earn a highly competitive salary, plus an extra RFA allowance reflecting our special status which is paid monthly with your basic salary. We also offer a choice of Civil Service pension schemes. As a qualified officer you will work for four-month appointments earning 84 days’ leave after each one. Being a civil servant means you have access to welfare and family support including sick pay and special paid/unpaid leave. You will also benefit from a deployed welfare package, including satellite TV, and if your ship is operating in UK waters you could have opportunities for weekend leave and associated concessionary travel. Sports and recreation When you’re in a UK port, you’ll be able to use the superb sports and fitness facilities on offer at Royal Navy shore bases. All RFA ships have gyms and other recreational facilities on board. Working on ship is a physically demanding role therefore it is advantageous to have a good level of fitness as well as being able to meet our medical requirements. Overseas, you’ll be free to explore when you are off duty.

DO I QUALIFY? RFA DECK OFFICER Age:

16 upwards.

Nationality:

British.

Qualifications: You should hold an in-date STCW 95 Regulation II/1 Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency (Unlimited), an in-date STCW 95 Regulation IV/2 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Radio Operators Certificate and an in-date ENG Unrestricted for Worldwide Sea-Service Sex:

T his job is open to both men and women.

Starting salary: £26,745 Plus RFA allowance: £3072 a year.

HOW TO APPLY GET IN TOUCH 1. Go to rfa.mod.uk or call 08456 04 05 20 and ask for an application form

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT 2. Application form check 3. Pass the sift interview 4. Pass the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) 5. Satisfy RFA Medical Requirements and other pre-employment checks. 6. Join the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Salary and pay details correct (as of 1 October 2013)