Mariner - Reserve

Royal Logistic Corps

At a glance

  • Soldier
  • logistics

Want to experience a maritime career in the Army? Join us a Mariner and get training, qualifications and an incredible role that could take you round the world.

Mariner

We command, control, plan and execute the deployment of the Army's fleet of sea-going logistic vessels, which move soldiers, vehicles and supplies worldwide.

Becoming an RLC Mariner means working outdoors on the water, all over the world. You need to be able to think on your feet, even in the most challenging of situations and be able to work well under pressure. Acting as part of a vessel’s crew, you will form part of the vessels watch, helping with navigational safety, stability and security. Your role is also essential to the safety of your vessel, crew mates, passengers and cargo.

We often work alongside the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and in support of the Royal Marines, carrying out real-life tasks such as hurricane and disaster relief in and around the Caribbean.

Aside from seamanship, there are also opportunities to get involved in the huge array of sports represented within the Army, as well as all forms of Adventurous Training - from Alpine skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing and scuba diving.

The Royal Logistic Corps are the Army’s professional logisticians keeping the Field Army marching, its helicopters flying, its vehicles moving and its tanks and guns firing. We enable its deployment and supply it with everything it needs, wherever it operates, throughout the world.

Apply now

Key Responsibilities

  • Primarily based in Marchwood, Southampton, you’ll work on either a Mexeflote, Combat Support Boat or Workboat.

  • Form part of a crew responsible for the maintenance, security and upkeep of the vessel, as well as lifesaving equipment.

  • Opportunities to travel all over the world - wherever the vessels are called on to operate.

  • Complete a Level 3 Workboat Apprenticeship Standard with associated MCA and RYA certification.

  • Earn your category B Driving Licens

Have any questions? Talk with us

mariner

Reserve (part time)

Entry requirements

  • Age:

    From 17 years & 9 months to 42 years & 6 months

  • Qualifications:

    GCSE Grade A-D / 9-3 in Maths

  • Basic physical fitness assessment:

    • Mid Thigh Pull 50kg

    • Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m

    • MSFT (beep test) level 6.6

    Army Reserve standards

    • Mid Thigh Pull: 50kg

    • Medicine Ball Throw: 2m 70cm

    • MSFT (beep test): Level 5 shuttle 8

    More information about the fitness test

Training for the role

Step 1
You start Basic Training, this consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.

  • Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.

  • Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.

Step 2
You will attend a 2-week Mariner Reserve Class 3 course delivered at 73 Training Squadron, in Marchwood, Southampton where you will learn basic seamanship principles. Then you can complete a 2-week Mariner Reserve Class 2 course delivered also by 73 Training Squadron where you will learn about reduced vessel command. Your final course is your 2-week Mariner Reserve Class 1 course.

Qualifications you could get after training

  • RYA Powerboat Certification

  • RYA VHF Short Range Certification

  • Level 2 Award in Food Hygiene

Pay & benefits

You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £63.27 in training and once you're a Private and increase as you rise through the ranks. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.

More about Reserve benefits

How to Apply

When you decide to apply, your local unit will help you through the process - you don't need to wait until you've finished Army Assessment to get involved.

To join, you have to apply online. The application process will take some time, but you can also ring the unit you're interested in joining - the team there will help often invite you to join them for drill nights, and you'll get support for your application.

More about the joining process