Is the Royal Fleet Auxiliary part of the armed forces?

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) is a naval auxiliary fleet owned by the UK’s Ministry of Defence. It provides vital logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. They are a uniformed civilian branch of the Royal Navy staffed by British merchant sailors.

Is a deck cadet an officer?

A Deck Cadet or Trainee Navigational Deck Officer or Nautical Apprentice is an apprentice who has to learn the basic duties of a deck officer onboard a ship. The cadet has to complete the prescribed sea-time obtain a certificate of competency as officer in charge of a navigational watch.

Is the Royal Fleet Auxiliary the merchant navy?

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary is a Merchant Navy organisation that is made up of civilian-crewed ships operated by the Ministry of Defence. It provides vital – and highly valued – logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Are RFA officers commissioned?

RFA Officers are either enrolled, with the necessary experience, direct entry, recruited as Cadets or through the Rating to Officer scheme. Officer training is carried out at various UK nautical colleges (Warsash/South Tyneside/Glasgow) and also at various Royal Navy and Defence training establishments.

Is deck cadet and deck officer same?

Key difference: The deck officer or mate is essentially an officer serving in the deck department. Depending on the size of the ship, the deck department may have one or more deck officers. A deck cadet, on the other hand is an officer under training. The ship’s crew is headed by the Captain of the ship.

What do the Royal Fleet Auxiliary do?

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) delivers worldwide logistic and operational support to Royal Navy military operations. The RFA supports a wide spectrum of operations from high-tempo upthreat war-fighting to counter-piracy, disaster relief, counter-narcotics, law enforcement and evacuation operations.

How long is an RFA apprenticeship?

“The whole process only took about two years, and I was getting paid at the same time.

Is there WIFI on Royal Navy ships?

Many units now have Wi-fi, so Facebook, FaceTime, WhatsApp and Instagram can be used on deployment. As with all types of communication, you must be careful what is discussed due to security.