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.
- £18,687The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
- £23,496Your pay after completing basic trade training
- AgeFrom 16 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months
- QualificationsGCSEs

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.
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.
Earn your Category B, C and C+E Driving Licences.
Complete a Level 3 Workboat Apprenticeship Standard with associated MCA and RYA certification.
Have any questions? Talk with us

Regular (full time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 16 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months
Qualifications:
Qualifications: GCSE Grade A–C/9-4 in Maths
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
MSFT (beep test) level 6.6
Training for the role
Step 1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.
If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do a 23-week basic military training course at Harrogate.
If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.
Step 2
Next, you will undertake your 15-week Combat Logistician course at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield. During this, you will earn your Category C+E Driving Licence and study general service driver modules. This training also gives you the opportunity to gain a broader knowledge on the Royal Logistic Corps functions and roles.
Step 3
Then you will begin your 13-week Mariner Class 3 Seamanship course and the start of your Level 3 Apprenticeship. The course is delivered by 73 Training Squadron in Marchwood, Southampton. The Class 2 course is a 19-week vessel command and navigation course, delivered again by 73 Training Squadron, with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accreditation. Your Class 1 course is 12 weeks long and is designed to further develop your navigation skills and wider understanding of international seafaring regulations.
Qualifications you could get after training
MCA Navigational Watch Certificate
MCA Efficient Deckhand Certificate
MCA Level 2 Approved Engines
MCA Social and Personal Responsibilities
MCA Firefighting and Sea Safety
RYA Powerboat
RYA VHF Short Range Certification
Level 2 Award in food hygiene
Level 2 Certificate Logistics and Transport
Pay & benefits
Earn £18,687 a year during training. When you have completed 26 weeks' service or finished basic trade training – whichever comes first – your pay will rise to £23,496.
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.