Ready to take the next step?
Need support?
If you’re struggling with your application, either due to a technical issue or because you’re unsure what information to supply, we have a dedicated recruitment team who can provide all the advice and guidance you need. Just get in touch with us using the details below.
What’s it really like?
Life as a Submariner couldn't be further removed from the ordinary 9 to 5, but if you're passionate about being part of a close-knit team, there's nothing quite like it. Your crewmates become your best mates, and each typical three-month deployment represents a new adventure. Finding it hard to imagine? There are serving personnel waiting to answer your questions.
Wondering if you’re ready?
Joining the Submarine Service might feel like a real challenge, but it's achievable to anyone who brings the right attitude and will to succeed. You don't have to be the finished article as soon as you apply because we'll give you all the support you need to earn your Dolphins – the mark of a qualified Submariner.
Did you know?
- A submarine can be as long as one-and-a-half football pitches
- Vanguard-class nuclear submarines are three storeys
- Many submarines have a maximum three-month deployment
- You can explore other countries when you resurface for supplies
- The Submarine Service holds our most sophisticated weaponry
- You can speak to your family when on deployment
- You’ll earn your ‘Dolphins’ – and £5,000 – when you finish Basic Training
Get in touch with us today
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Your route to the Submarine Service
- Steps
Complete your application form
Your first step on the recruitment journey is to complete your full application form, which you can find in our Recruitment Portal. We have emailed you a link to the Recruitment Portal. If you can't find the link, please check your spam folder or give us a call so we can send it to you again.
Arranging next steps with your AFCO
Once you've submitted the 'Apply now' form on this website for your preferred role, you'll need to fill out the full application form sent to you via email. You can then expect to receive a call from your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) to arrange your next steps. Depending on your circumstances, some stages may take longer than others. We’ll make sure that you are kept involved and informed throughout the whole recruitment and training process.
Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
The Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) is a multiple-choice test that all recruits sit. It tests your general intellectual ability, and how well you do shows your capacity to cope with the technical and academic aspects of training for the role you’ve chosen.
Interview
We'll invite you to a formal interview to assess your suitability for a career in the Royal Navy, and specifically the role that you have chosen. This is much like any other job interview, so you should prepare accordingly and ask your AFCO for help if required.
Medical and eye tests
The medical and eye exam are quite comprehensive, because life in the Royal Navy is physically demanding.Your tests must be completed by one of our Ministry of Defence-approved doctors, who are based all around the country. Your local AFCO will arrange an appointment for you at a convenient time and location.
Pre-joining fitness test
Before you can join you'll have to pass the Royal Navy's Pre-Joining Fitness Test, which involves completing a 2.4km run on a treadmill within a certain time, at a fitness centre near you. This will typically be scheduled within 28 days of passing your medical. You'll need to be in the best possible shape to have the greatest chance of passing, which will also help with basic training.
CPC or AIB
Once you've been given an entry date, you'll need to attend assessments at either the Candidate Preparation Course (CPC) if you're applying as a rating, or the Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) if you're applying as an officer.
The CPC is a comprehensive physical examination, including a number of running and swimming tests, which will confirm that you’re ready for entry. This is also your chance to sample life in the Royal Navy.
The AIB is a competency-based assessment that confirms that you’re physically and mentally ready to become a Royal Navy Officer.
Earn your 'Dolphins'
After Basic Training, you'll begin your submariner training, learning about submarine operations and going to sea in a submarine. Once you pass this stage, you'll earn your 'Dolphins' - the coveted badge of a qualified Submariner - as well as a £5,000 bonus.