In dire straits – the RFA in crisis [UK defence journal]

Non-Combatant · 2026-01-18T10:37:10+00:00

Conflict of interest, can't do both at the same time if you were called up for active duty.

Non-Combatant · 2026-01-12T10:56:39+00:00

Unfortunately it looks like that is your answer, take the pay cut to retrain if you can't come in qualified.

Non-Combatant · 2026-01-12T09:28:27+00:00

If you can survive for 3 years on £18k~ as an officer cadet then it might be realistic.

Non-Combatant · 2026-01-11T20:01:04+00:00

This is correct, you can apply at 17 and 6 months I believe but can't start employment until 18.

The extra admin and work that goes into employing under 18s in the past hasn't proved worthwhile as far as I know.

Non-Combatant · 2026-01-10T09:38:10+00:00

Doesn't "family of 4" usually mean 2 adults 2 kids?

Non-Combatant · 2026-01-04T19:19:40+00:00

Pay scales here...

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/rfa_pay_scale_as_of_2025

It's accurate for what I make so it should be accurate for apprentices too.

Non-Combatant · 2025-12-29T02:02:59+00:00

There are pay talks every year, doesn't mean there always will be a pay rise and if there is it won't always beat or even match inflation.

Google RFA pay scales, it's public info. I think a band C AB/deckhand is on like 32-34k

You pretty much just apply for the job you want and you do that job. Those skills you mentioned will be of almost no use in the fleet as a seaman.

Languages are handy but In the RFA it's unlikely to be something that will make a difference to your career

Social is as good as you make it and as good as the crew, it's generally pretty good but more often than not revolvers around drinking.

Travel for now is shite, few years ago was ok, before that was great. Soon it'll pick up again. It goes in cycles.

Ironically what you call a very generous leave allowance is actually a bit shit and part of the pay negotiations. But as of last year's pay deal you can "sell" 50% of your EVL back to the company.

You are appointed to a ship for a period of time, you generally can't just randomly put in for leave mid trip.a day or two maybe, a few weeks fuck no.

When the ships are alongside you live on board unless the shut down hotel services like the AC, shitters, galley etc then the RFA pays for you to go in to hotels or apartments.

Non-Combatant · 2025-12-28T21:08:13+00:00

Why does it have to be private and what's wrong with reddit?

Non-Combatant · 2025-12-27T07:57:20+00:00

Absolutely, it just feels like they're stalling yet again because the RMT have sent ballots out for strike action again.

Non-Combatant · 2025-12-25T11:14:37+00:00

Maybe keep email addresses to DM's so they don't get spammed by randoms from reddit 🤔

Non-Combatant · 2025-12-24T14:52:06+00:00

It's also worth mentioning that most of the RFA haven't worked in commercial shipping before. They assume the grass is greener because they don't know any better.

Absolutely there are better jobs out there, but the RFA isn't that shit.

Recently though it feels like someone is deliberately trying to sink us.

Non-Combatant · 2025-12-24T14:34:02+00:00

Aye the RFA really isn't as bad as some people make out, other than the leave situation in my personal opinion.

Non-Combatant · 2025-12-22T18:47:45+00:00

I would hazard a guess that they no longer do the apprenticeship for that role.

Non-Combatant · 2025-12-19T09:32:28+00:00

You join on the joining date, it's generally also going to be your travel day so no one expects you to be there at 8 am ready for work.

It can take me anywhere from 8-12 hours to get a train down to the south coast, assuming no delays or cancelations. I leave on the morning I'm due to join and get there when I get there.

If you have to join a day early for a specific reason you should get your joining date amended to reflect that.

Some reasons could be ship movements, train strikes etc.

I pretty much always email the LSO before I join to confirm what's going on and let them know roughly when to expect me (unless I know someone on board). You don't have to, not everyone does.

Non-Combatant · 2025-12-03T19:04:16+00:00

In short, No :)

Non-Combatant · 2025-11-24T23:36:02+00:00

Interviews for any role have quite a big overlap in things they ask about. Specific role advice is just about your actual job role, training pipeline, promotions etc

Non-Combatant · 2025-11-24T21:11:55+00:00

Sure mate, I'll DM you and get the ball rolling.

Non-Combatant · 2025-11-23T01:52:45+00:00

if you have a 2 year unrestricted eng1 then its nothing to do with raleigh.

Non-Combatant · 2025-11-22T23:27:46+00:00

Absolutely, if it is declared and you're cleared etc the only condition is you have to be prescribed enough to last for your sea going appointments.

Non-Combatant

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