FAQs

The primary roles are:Merlin - Anti Submarine Warfare, Sea King - Troop Carrying, Airborne Surveillance and Area Control, SAR Lynx - Anti Surface and Anti Submarine Warfare. However, helicopters are versatile and flexible platforms and each helicopter is not restricted to the roles above and can carry out any number of subsidiary roles.

It depends on how well you do on the PRMC. Some people are not quite ready to start straight away and are asked to go away and do some more training. If we feel you are ready to join, then you could start between 4-8 weeks later.

No, of course not. Everyone is treated equally, no matter what country they come from.

No. The Royal Marines are an amphibious force and are therefore part of the Royal Navy. There are Army Commandos who have completed the All Arms Commando Course that work with the Royal Marines but are not Royal Marines Commandos.

The Royal Marines have roles for both helicopter and jet pilots. You would train alongside pilots from the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm. Pilot roles are only open to Officer Commandos, so you would need to apply at that level.

The best thing to do is keep your eye on the Royal Marines website as this is where we'll post information about any events. Signing up for the Royal Marines email newsletter is another way to make sure you don't miss out on news.

Yes, there are sponsorships available to Potential Officer recruits. However, each case is assessed on an individual basis so you need to speak to your local Career Centre team for advice.

No, Government policy states that females are restricted from operating and fighting in front line infantry Units and as such are not able to join the Royal Marines. Females are however eligible to join the Royal Marines Band Service.

It's certainly possible and we do cater for vegetarian diets. However, building your body strength requires protein, so you'll need to ensure you have enough in your diet from sources other than meat.

There are lots of good reasons to get a degree but it's not essential to become an Royal Marines Commando Officer. There are lots of Commando Officers without degrees who are doing well in the Royal Marines.

When you complete training, you need to spend 12 months as a General Duties Marine to complete your training and gain experience. You can submit your specialisation preference during that time. We do not force people into specialisations that they don't want unless there is a requirement for the service. For example, there are 600 signallers in the Royal Marines and sometimes ranks need to do 2 years in a specialisation to meet this requirement. They can then choose their preferred specialisation after this.

We usually want guys to do a year of close combat Company time, however on occasions you can go straight to a specialisation. It depends what is needed within the Commando Brigade at any given time.

Each case is assessed on an individual basis, so the  best thing to do would is speak to your local Career Centre team for advice.

Yes, we have elite sportsmen across many sports and actively encourage everyone to get involved in sport. The Royal Marines have sports teams for everything from Football and Rugby to Motor Bike and Dragon Boat racing. You name it, we've pretty much got a team for it. If you are very good at a sport, you may even get the chance to represent the Royal Navy or combined services teams which often go on tour all over the world.

It depends what level you have reached within the Reserves. If you have been awarded your Green Beret, there would definitely be opportunities for you to transfer directly into a full-time role with us.

Yes. The Royal Marines run several "look at life" courses throughout the year and all the Units run several "meet the Marines" days. Everyone is eligible to attend these and they serve to improve potential applicants knowledge and understanding of what a career in the Royal Marines would be like. For more details, speak to a Royal Marines Careers Adviser.

It is preferable if you don’t have tattoos, however the Royal Marines will not turn you away if you do, so don't let that stand in the way of your application

Yes, Government policy states that females are restricted from operating and fighting in front line Infantry Units, however, women are eligible to join the Royal Marines Band Service and, through joining the Royal Navy, may be drafted to the Royal Marines in a number of exciting support roles.

On completion of training you are asked which unit you would like to join. We then look at the requirements of each unit; if your first choice unit is deployed on operations at that time they will be fully manned, so you may then get your second choice.

You can fail, but that's not what we want and we work hard to train recruits to pass. Some people might take a little longer than others, but with our support you will get there.

You will receive a full pension after 22 years service - not something available in many civilian roles these days.

We now supply rations to cater for a number of different dietary needs, including kosher, halal, Hindi and Vegetarian, and there are a number of serving personnel that only use these rations.

Yes. Royal Marines use shipping assets to move to a potential conflict zone as well as a platform from which to base themselves from. The Royal Navy provide the ships and play an integral role to the success of Royal Marine Operations.

During training you will have some restrictions on using both phones and laptops, but you will be allowed to use them after working hours. Computers are a great help for writing up your notes from lessons and field periods.

Leave is normally in December, at Easter and in August. You'll also get most weekends off if your training is up to standard.

To become a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) you must serve as a Royal Marine and gain a B grade promotion appraisal as all PTI's are Corporals. Once you have a B, you can apply to do an aptitude test, where your fitness and instructional technique are assessed. If successful, you will go on course upon completion and will be based at CTCRM instructing a troop of recruits through training. After 2 years you can go back to a Commando Unit or specialise in remedial training for injured Royal Marines, or in adventure training.

When you train to be a Royal Marines Commando, we will help you develop the State of Mind that makes us stand out as an elite force. It's all about accepting situations and finding solutions. Give your all, whatever comes your way, and remember that you are never alone.

To become an Royal Marines Officer, the minimum entry requirements are at least 180 UCAS points from 2 non-overlapping subjects and 5 GCSEs (A* - C), which must include English and Maths. Applicants with alternative qualifications are considered on their individual merits.

You can start your application online. You'll then go through a selection process designed to help us find out more about each other. To apply as an Officer you'll need a minimum off 5 GCSEs, two of which must be English and Maths.

It's all about State of Mind. That's what helps you to stay focused and deal with the situation. During training you will develop that Royal Marines Commando State of Mind, and once you've got it, it won't leave you!

As a Royal Marines Commando, you are put in difficult situation on operations all the time. But the Commando Training you get at CTCRM is great, and helps you develop the right state of mind to deal with those situations.

After Royal Marines training, you would complete a year's general duties as a Rifleman and then apply to join the SBS.

The pay is on par with civilian salaries and other Armed Services, plus there are a number of other benefits that you just wouldn't get in a civilian role. You'll also receive extra payments when you are deployed on exercise or operations to help with expenses like Council Tax.

You'll need to be able to run 3 miles to pass the PRMC. Aim to build up to 7-minute miles over 4 and 6 miles. Remember though, its not just about being able to run - upper body strength is essential too.

Each case is assessed on an individual basis, so the  best thing to do would is speak to your local Career Centre team for advice.

The secret is keep it steady. Keep your workouts to once a day, and ensure you have rest days to relax. During the week of your PRMC, stop your training altogether to avoid over exercising and causing an injury.

Our training is tough, but we are the best, so it has to be. It is however, all achievable as long as you stay positive and find the right state of mind to get through the difficult days.

The process from start, through to the PRMC and entering training can take between 3 and 6 months. The actual time will depend a lot on your individual needs.

Recruit training lasts 9 months. Young Officer training lasts 15 months. If you get injured or become ill training may take slightly longer. Although this seems a long time it goes extremely quickly and once you have earned your coveted Green Beret you are ready to deploy with your Unit anywhere in the world.

Not long. At present the time scale at present is very short, so if you're available, you'll usually be invited to a PRMC between 4 to 8 weeks after you pass the fitness test.

The numbers joining Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) vary depending on how many have been successful at Potential Royal Marine Course. On average about 50 recruits join CTCRM every two weeks.

You need to be aiming at around 60 push-ups and 10 pull-ups. Focus on doing as many repetitions as possible in your training. Keep it varied by adding in some triceps dips as well - these are also good for getting used to lifting your own body weight.

We do have Medical Assistants in the Royal Marines Commandos but only about 6 or so. We normally get them from the Royal Navy personnel who complete the All Arms Commando Course. Naval doctors do the same course if working in the Commando Brigade.

You'll need 180 points to apply to join as a Royal Marines Commando Officer.

Once you've passed out and been awarded your Green Beret, you'll get 6 weeks paid leave per year.

The training varies from day to day and week to week. It could be an hour one day, and 2 hours the next day. Some weeks you will be in camp, in the gym or on the assault courses. Other weeks, time will be spent in the field where the troop will still get up first thing before breakfast and do a circuit or run.

We hold PRMC's every week. If you are successful, you will start your training 4 to 8 weeks later.

We will be taking in approximately 1,260 recruits this year. Every two weeks a new troop joins and each troop contains approximately 50 guys.

You need to be 17 on your first day of entry to join as an Officer.

Direct entrants should be between 16 (with your parent's or guardian's consent) and 33 years old on the first day of the month of entry.

Promotion within the Royal Marines is based on merit, so if you have the desire to achieve more and are willing to put in the effort, you will move up the ranks.

Married quarters are available after you have completed basic training, but only for married couples. There is also service accommodation available for short term rental if families want to visit.

No, you will need to fund your own travel costs.

Yes definitely. Some people pass out at the age of 32, so you should never see age as a problem. As long as you meet our eligibility requirements and are fit and determined, we'd love to hear from you.

Normally you cannot leave during the first four weeks (unless you are under 18) but then at anytime up to the first six months after giving 7 days' notice. After six months you will be required to serve a minimum of 3½ years from the end of initial training or the age of 18, whichever is the later.

Yes, you can come back for a second PRMC. If you fail your first PRMC, we'll let you know where you went wrong, and what you need to improve on, to increase your chances of succeeding the second time round.

Living overseas is not a problem as long as your nationality is in our eligible group. Approaching your embassy is often a good way to get started on the application process from overseas.

Your age is not a problem - we will allow people to join anytime before their 33rd birthday. Older recruits tend to have more life skills than the younger guys, and this can mean they actually find training easier.

Upon completion of recruit training, everyone will serve 12 months in a Commando unit to gain necessary experience. You can apply to be a sniper on completion of these general duties.

No you wouldn't just teach. There are a number of positions for Mountain Leader Officers (MLOs) and there are plenty of them in the front line.

As long as you can pass the prerequisite tests, pull-ups and 3 mile run, then you are at the starting level we need. The training is designed to build you up to the required standard over 32 weeks - we don't expect you to be a Royal Marines Commando before you start!

We will always try to accommodate your requests. It's not always possible to give everyone the barracks they want, but we always try.

The Naval Service is fully committed to the application of equality of opportunity for all its employees within the framework of the law, irrespective of gender, race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion or social background. All serving personnel have equality of opportunity for employment and advancement based upon ability. The Naval Service makes every effort to accommodate religious and cultural requirements including dietary needs within constraints imposed by operations, health and safety and duty of care.

People who care about you will always worry - it's natural! The best way to reassure people is to keep them informed and get them involved in your application process.

It is always beneficial to get an education. However if you feel ready to start your life as a Royal Marines Commando sooner rather than later, we have a policy of life-long learning, so you'll be able to gain qualifications throughout your career in the Royal Marines.

Don't worry too much about your hair, we'll give you a haircut when you arrive!

Whatever makes you nervous about the assault course today, won't be a problem by the time you actually come to do it. You will have had weeks of the world's best training and will be both physically and mentally strong enough to overcome your fears.

Make sure you arrive fit, with a positive attitude, and give it your best. Don't compare yourself to others. Remember that the PRMC is for you to demonstrate you have potential to become a Royal Marines Commando, not to already be one. All we ask is that you give it 100% effort. You have nothing to lose, so go for it!

There are a lot of options open to both Commandos and Officer Commandos when it comes to specialisation. For example, for Commandos, we need everything from Chefs to Heavy Weapons experts to Vehicle Mechanics.

To become a Royal Marines commando you must be male and a British citizen. You do not need any formal qualifications. Instead you must pass the Royal Navy selection process.

To become an Officer, the minimum entry requirements are three GCSEs (A-C)/five S grades (1-3) including English language and mathematics and two A levels/three H grades. Applicants with alternative qualifications are considered on their individual merits.

To become a Royal Marines Commando you must be either a British Citizen, a Citizen of a Commonwealth Country, a citizen of the Irish Republic or dual nationality.

We look for a combination of things. The most important is your potential, your state of mind and your determination to succeed. Fitness matters, but this will be developed during training. Remember, we are not looking for 'superman', but those with commitment and who will not give up.

The Royal Marines have a package of benefits that is rarely equalled today. This includes a good pension, low cost accommodation, free medical and dental cover and a range of travel expenses entitlements. Sports facilities are also available on most ships and all shore establishments, and are free to use. Extra money and time away from your place of work is sometimes available for sport and adventure training as well as education and development courses.

Most of the Royal Marines training courses attract the award of civilian recognised qualifications. The Royal Marines supports lifelong learning and issues everyone with a Learning Achievement Portfolio. Grants and support are also available to help pay for external courses, which can be for anything up to degree level.

Some people who fail Officer selection at the Admiralty Interview Board are invited to come back in a year.

It's very difficult to describe how it feels, and of course everybody has a slightly different experience. You can expect to have a whole range of emotions, from exhilaration to fear. One thing you can be sure of though, is that you will be trained to deal with the situation. You'll be confident in yourself and in the team you are working with, and that's what makes the difference.

Daily life is very busy and is usually a mixture of weapons and equipment training and physical training (PT). For example, if we are going to deploy to Norway for Arctic training, we begin a training package to learn about that environment. The way we look at it is, amateurs practice to get it right. We practice so that we cannot get it wrong. We train all the time.

All Commandos are encouraged to take a specialisation after their training and 12 month general duty period. All career profiles and promotion are based upon the branches, so it makes sense to specialise.

Ratings form the majority of the workforce and fit into a hierarchy based on experience and supervisory capability. Officers make up the management team, providing leadership and specialist knowledge.

There are different entry requirements for ratings and officers, and details can be found on the relevant job pages.

Direct entrants should be between 16 (with your parent's or guardian's consent) and 33 years old on the first day of the month of entry.

The Royal Marine Reserves is a part time organisation which complements the Royal Marines in times of war, conflict and in peacetime where there is a requirement by the regular service. Entry into the Royal Marine Reserves is the same as for the regular service, go to the Royal Marine Reserves pages on this website to find out more.

Direct entrants should be between 16 (with your parent's or guardian's consent) and 33 years old on the first day of the month of entry.

Royal Marines Young Officer Training is challenging but very rewarding. You are given a great deal of responsibility and expected to behave accordingly. You'll be given some fantastic opportunities and enjoy a great social life with a lot of new mates. The initial commission is for eight years and then a career commission would be for 16 years.

We have zero tolerance policy on drug use and all Royal Marines are randomly tested.

Women are eligible to join the Royal Navy for most of the roles available on the Royal Navy Careers website. During your career with the Royal Navy you may request to join a Royal Marines Commando Unit to serve in a number of exciting roles which do not include hand to hand combat. Women are also eligible to join the Royal Marines Band Service.

Your training should include running at least 3 times a week, and circuit training is also good. Strength-wise, you need to be doing press-ups, dips, pull-ups and if you can find ropes to climb, that would help too. It's pretty much about lifting your own body weight. Remember to always give yourself a rest day each week to allow your body to recuperate.

As a Platoon Weapons specialist, you would teach and train with all UK Infantry Weapons.

We keep an up-to-date list of salaries and benefits on the Royal Marines website as they change regularly.

Making sure you have a good understanding of current affairs and the world situation is really important - start reading and watching the news! Making sure you're fit is a given, and keep up-to-date with what the Royal Marines are doing - the website's great for that. Also take a look at psychometric books and work through the exercises they give you. Finally, and most importantly, be positive and be yourself.

The idea of meeting all those new people can be scary, but you will start making lifelong mates right from your first days of basic training. Remember, everyone's here to look after you.

When you have passed training you have the choice

They were formed in 1664 as The Duke of York and Albany's Regiment of the Foot. Go to Royal Marine history pages to find out more.

There's lots of information on this website and you can always talk to your local Careers Office.

The Royal Marines are the UK's 'go anywhere' amphibious forces and a key component of the UK's Rapid Reaction Force. As such, they are required to be trained to work in different terrains and environments, from the cold, mountainous conditions in Northern Europe, to the hot arid regions of the Middle East and Africa and to the dense tropical jungles of the Far East.

Our State of Mind, attitude and approach is what sets the Royal Marines Commandos apart. Our Officers and other ranks train together from the start. Our training is longer and, in the 32 weeks we cover a myriad of roles. We are self-reliant and train all our specialists. We are the Armed Forces lead, requiring quick thinking, intelligent men with determination and a high level of fitness. Who wouldn't want to be part of that?

Operational tours last approximately 6 months, and it can be difficult to be away from home for so long. But when you return and have sorted out  kit etc, you will get  post-op leave, standard leave and usually a week's CO's leave, giving you plenty of time to spend with your family.

Leave periods are dictated by the organisation you are working with, but if you're not away on operations, then generally you will get weekends off.

Being punctual and committed is really important if you want to make it as a Royal Marines Commando. Think of your application as a new start. We're interested in your future, not what's happened in the past.

Not necessarily. With reference to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 local Careers Office staff will advise individual applicants regarding spent and unspent convictions. The severity of the offence committed governs the time of the rehabilitation period, which has to be completed before an applicant can be processed for entry into the service.

All our ships and shore units have satellite phones for emergencies. We also give everyone at sea 20 minutes’ worth of free satellite calls a week (this increases to 30 minutes if you are serving in Afghanistan). All ships have email access and mobile phones are also allowed on board, although there may be some restrictions about when they can be used.

Most people and the high levels of training,responsibility and management skills they gain from their Royal Marines Band Service career are highly desirable among civilian employers.

To some extent, that’s up to you. Once you complete your professional training, we’ll ask you to serve for at least two-and-a-half years. As a Musician, Bugler or an NCO, you can serve a full career of 18 years’ service or until the age of 40, whichever is later. However, you can extend this depending on your fitness and the needs of the service. If you earn a commission as an officer, you may stay on until the age of 50..

For married couples, civil partnerships and those with children, rented family housing is available after you’ve completed basic training

In the first six months with us, you can choose to leave at any point, as long as you give us 14 days’ notice. After this, you will need to serve for two-and-a-half years from completion of your standard initial training period. You can then submit 12 months’ notice to leave.

We do not tolerate drugs in the Royal Marines Band Service or any area of the Naval Service. If you’re found guilty of drug use, you will usually be discharged from the Royal Marines Band Service and may be prosecuted.

For both officers and ratings the normal retirement age from the Royal Naval Reserve is 55. However, this can be extended depending on the current needs of the Service.

Yes you can. Many Reservists decide to join the Royal Navy fulltime.  Depending on how far you have progressed through your training, it is possible to skip some of the Royal Navy initial training. But whatever the decision made, you can be sure that your RNR training will give you a good head-start.

Yes you can. Even if there’s no unit near your new home, you may be able to stay in the RNR, but this will depend on your job role in the RNR.

Yes they can. Currently women make up approximately 25 per cent of the RNR.

No, but much will depend on the job role assigned to you. Many Reservists will work ashore, rather than at sea.

Yes you do. Pay rates vary according to your rank or rate.

Yes, you will require consent if you are under 17-and-a-half years of age.

No. However, there is a Reserve Forces pension which is available to those who mobilise, or take a Full Time Reserve Service contract.

Every two-hour period of  training equates to a quarter day’s worth of pay. Your unit will advise you of the current rate of pay for your rank or rate.

If you have no previous military experience you cannot be mobilised until you have reached ‘Trained Strength’. This means you must have completed your initial training and some branch training too. Therefore, you will probably have served at least two years before you are required for active service.  For those that have previous experience, you could be called out almost as soon as you join the RNR.

For ratings, the normal period of engagement is in 5 year blocks, up to the age of 45. Beyond the age of 45 extensions can be granted and it is possible to serve up to 55, depending on the current requirements of the RNR. Officers are on a continuous commission until 55 with a review point every 6 years.

A tour of duty is usually 6 months, supplemented with some pre-deployment training. On completion, you will be entitled to paid Post Operational Leave.

A person with no previous military experience should assume it will take no more than two years to complete initial training, whether as a rating or officer.  Then the reservist has to start ‘branch training’ for a specific job. This can take a further  two years.  You will then join the ‘trained strength’ of the RNR. It may seem a long time, but it all needs to fit around your day job.

From start to finish it usually takes between 3 and 4 months. There are quite a few checks to be made, and you will be asked to submit various papers. The quicker you are, then the quicker the process will be. But do not despair - while your application is being processed, you can start training at your local unit.

The Armed Forces Careers Offices will try to arrange many of the procedures on the same day.  Sometimes it’s not always feasible so we would suggest you plan on having to take two days off work.

This very much depends on whether or not you were classed as ‘trained strength’ in the Royal Navy, and which RNR job is assigned to you. You’re not expected to attend New Entry training – you are more likely to undertake your branch training at weekends instead. But you will still be expected to play an active part in your local unit.

Unfortunately not. Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have Sponsored Reserves status which means their terms and conditions preclude them from being members of the RNR.

If we accept your application, you’ll have to pass a full medical examination. If you fail to meet the minimum required standard for entry because of an illness, injury or other condition, we won’t be able to offer you a place in the Royal Naval Reserve.

No. People in fulltime education are not called for mobilised service.

As a minimum requirement you will normally be expected to have been resident in the United Kingdom for three years. Our reservists are required to attend their local training unit at least once a week. If you feel you can meet this commitment and that you are also a British citizen, British dual citizen, Irish Republic or Commonwealth citizen, then you can apply to join. Asylum seekers are not eligible for entry into any part of the Naval Service.

Occasionally a call-out notice could prove very difficult at work or at home so there is a procedure for you, or your employer, to appeal against mobilisation.

We recognise that personal circumstances can change so if you feel you have to leave the RNR you are required to give a month’s notice, in writing.

The RNR is part of the wider Naval Service which is fully committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Today’s fighting services rely on self discipline and good team-work, rather than any harsh methods. But you are a member of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces and you are subject to the Armed Forces Act when undertaking Naval duties and training. Training can be demanding and tough, and the decision to join the Royal Naval Reserve is yours – and yours alone.

Some absences from weekly training are understood and accepted, providing you have made the unit aware beforehand.  Being a Reservist is a big commitment so before applying to join you must ask yourself if you will be able to make the time, on a regular basis.

Your job is protected during your mobilised service.

Each year you will be expected to complete your annual training commitment of 24 days. This is usually made up of a 12-day continuous training period and a further 12 days of training made up of weekly training evenings and some weekend training.

To be eligible, you must be a British citizen, British dual citizen, Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of the Irish Republic at the time of application. However, please note that some jobs have nationality restrictions.

We do not tolerate drugs in the Royal Naval Reserve or any area of the Naval Service.  If you’re found guilty of drug use, you will usually be discharged from the service and may be prosecuted.

Not necessarily. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, convictions are said to be ‘spent’ after a period of time, which varies according to the offence. Provided you have no ‘unspent’ convictions, a criminal record should be no bar to entering the Royal Naval Reserve. You local Armed Forces Careers Office or RNR unit will be able to advise you.

Yes, unless you’re either called out for permanent mobilised service, or you’re accepted on a Full Time Reserve Service contract.

Most entrants to the RNR join as ratings, particularly if they have no previous military experience.  The exceptions are Merchant Navy officers, medical officers, chaplains, and occasionally nursing officers – all of whom will be recruited for their specialist civilian skills, and will enter as Specialist Officers.  Ratings’ training provides invaluable background knowledge. As your career develops, you may be considered for promotion to the commissioned (officer) ranks.

This will depend on the scope of the injury. Injuries that prevent or reduce mobility could bar you from entry.  Seek advice from the staff at your local Careers Office.

Yes at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport they have an actual submarine that is permanently open to the public. Their website can be found at the link below.

WWW.Submarine-Museum.co.uk

It depends on the size of the waves on the surface. During normal weather conditions, a submerged submarine will not rock with the motion of the sea.

In fact, during moderate storms the submarine remains level at its submerged depth while the waves crash above. In extremely violent storms, like hurricanes or cyclones, wave motion can reach to a depth of 400 feet; though not as violent as the surface, these waves can cause a submarine to roll 5 to 10 degrees either way.

With today's technological advances, it is possible to send e-mails to the submarine whilst it is alongside in harbour. The Royal Navy is investigating the possibility of expanding the e-mail connection to the submarine at sea, but only if this is possible without compromising submarine security.

Yes. Modern Sonars are designed to enable us to listen for other man made noises such as ships or other submarines; but they are also able to hear the natural sounds of the sea, these are referred to as "Bio".

All Royal Navy vessels are named by a committee of senior officers and civil servants who meet at various times to discuss the naming of new ships and submarines. Things that are taken into consideration are, famous names from Naval history e.g. HMS Trafalgar, the type or class of the vessel e.g. if it is a "City" class frigate HMS Cardiff etc. When all the talking has been exhausted, the announcement will be made and another famous name joins the Fleet.

An SSN is approx. 85 x 10 x 10 metres and weighs in the region of 5000 tons when submerged.

An SSBN is larger at 150 x 13 x 12 metres and weighs in excess of 15000 tons.

A London double-decker bus is 10 x 5 x 3 metres and weighs about 4 tons

Submarines can dive to depths in excess of 250 metres.

The actual depth is classified.

To dive or submerge the submarine, valves on the top of the very large ballast tanks are opened.

This allows the air in the tanks to escape; at the bottom of the tanks are holes that allow the seawater to flood in.

As water is heavier than air, the submarine becomes heavier and therefore sinks in a controlled manner.

To surface the submarine, the valves on the top of the ballast tanks are shut, high-pressure air is pumped into the tanks and the water is forced out through the holes at the bottom. The tanks fill with air and "float" the submarine to the surface.

Submarine Navigators use normal navigational charts just like any other ship, but probably pay more attention to depth of water than most ships.

Submarines have computers that know how fast the submarine is going and in what direction. This computer can also sense when the submarine changes direction. Submarines also have an aerial that can use the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites.

All submarines carry qualified medical ratings and there are standard operating procedures for any medical emergencies that are beyond their skills. If the submarine is operating in areas that make it unsuitable to evacuate casualties, then they will embark a submarine qualified doctor.

Submarines use specialised radios and aerials that can communicate with shore bases and other ships, either directly or via a satellite. The submarine can communicate either by voice or by written word.

A submarine obtains air in two ways: bringing it in from the outside whilst on or just below the surface or making it from seawater. When on the surface or at periscope depth, the submarine will "suck" air in through its "induction" system, which is a mast that is raised and then operates just like a swimmers snorkel.

To produce air when underwater, the submarine uses machines that take in seawater and break it down into hydrogen and oxygen (water is H2O). The hydrogen is discharged back into the sea, while the oxygen is used to allow the sailors to breathe.

Letters and parcels addressed to a submarine while it is at sea are forwarded to the next port they are scheduled to visit.

If a submarine is on an operational trip then it is sometimes possible for short messages to be sent at specific times; these "familygrams" are about 40 words long and each sailor from the CO to the most junior sailor gets the same amount.

Submarines store their waste until a suitable time alongside, when they dispose of it as we dispose of any waste in our own homes. If there is no opportunity to dispose of waste ashore, then there are International laws sets down for the disposal of waste at sea. Any waste that cannot be disposed of at sea is stored and removed at the next port visit.

British submarines have two escape routes called "towers", which can be used to escape from stricken submarines. These towers are located at each end of the submarine so that all personnel have access to one or the other.

The sailor gets into the tower dressed in a special escape suit, shuts the door, floods the tower with water, the outer door opens and the sailor floats to the surface. The special escape suit, is an all in one waterproof overall, that has a built in hood that can be inflated to enable the escaping sailor to breath normally on his way to the surface.

Using sonar it is possible to hear other ships many miles away while underwater. If the other vessel is very noisy then the distance can be in excess of 75 miles. Sonar reception is very dependent on water temperature, other activity in your area and the weather on the surface.

Modern nuclear submarines can travel at speeds in excess of 25 miles per hour and can maintain this speed indefinitely, so allowing the submarine the ability to go anywhere in the world quickly and quietly.

Nuclear Submarines are able to produce their own indefinite supply of air, water and power for driving the submarine forward. It's only limitation for staying submerged is the amount of food on board, or if they sustain a major defect.

Nuclear fuel has an indefinite life, due to the decay rate of radioactive products. However when fitted to the propulsion system of a submarine, the fuel is renewed at every "re-fit", which is when the submarine receives a major overhaul. Each submarine is expected to receive a re-fit every 5 -7 years.

The exact amount of missiles and torpedoes carried by UK submarines is classified, however each submarine will carry sufficient weapons to carry out its task.

Crew size depends on the class or type of submarine, but a typical British submarine would have a crew of around 120 officers and men, which compares to the original crew of the first British submarine that had a crew of 8

The present complement of submarines within the RN is; 4 in number SSBNs, based at Faslane on the West coast of Scotland, approx. 25 miles from Glasgow, and 11 SSNs split between Faslane and Devonport in Plymouth.

On average the Commanding Officer of a submarine will be between 35 and 45.

Safety is a submarine's top priority. The submarine is designed and operated to ensure that the crew, the public, and the environment are protected from the risks of radiation.

The ship is designed with "shielding" around the reactor to reduce radiation levels. Radiation levels are very low, so much so that a submariner gets less radiation at sea than a person on a beach receiving radiation from the sun and other natural source

"Hunter killer" submarines (designated SSNs by the RN) are designed to pursue and attack enemy submarines and surface ships using torpedoes. They are also able to carry "cruise" missiles for use against shore-based targets. This type of submarine is used to conduct surveillance and intelligence gathering tasks as well as other types of classified operations. Ballistic missile submarines (designated SSBNs) carry long-range nuclear warhead missiles. They roam the oceans of the globe avoiding contact, to ensure that their anonymity is not compromised. The ability to strike at any time has ensured that deterrent value of SSBNs, or "Bombers", has proved effective in preventing attack on the UK.

The crew of any submarine wears the same working clothes as any other sailor in the Navy. An advantage that submariners have, is, that as they are not exposed to the elements, as much as their counterparts in surface ships, then they don't have the need for lots of warm and waterproof gear, which is a good thing as they don't have much space to store it.

Submariners eat everyday food like you would find on any table in a British home.

Imagine shopping for 120 men for 6 months and planning every meal in that time! The fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products don't last if the submarines programme takes it away from port for any length of time, but the chefs on board have become masters of creativity and invention.

Typical meals would be full cooked "English" or cereals for breakfast; filled rolls, burgers or pizza for lunch, and a chicken, pork or mince dish for supper. Every week there will be a "special" menu.

Although it is difficult for most people to imagine living on a submarine, challenging submarine living conditions actually build strong fellowship among crewmates.

The crew is highly motivated and quickly adapts to the conditions. It is a busy life of watches, work and exercise drills. There are four meal times per day with breakfast, lunch, supper and a midnight meal for the watch changeover.

Sleep is taken during the off-watch periods, and submariners soon become adept at dropping off to sleep as soon as their heads touch the pillow. Submarines are normally quieter than their surface counterparts, and tend to be more stable due to the depth. The air is cleaner than the outside air and many submariners notice the strong smell of the ocean when the hatches are opened after a long spell at sea.

Just as is seen in films, there are dashed lines on the eyepiece of a modern periscope, which aid the operative in gauging distances.

However, a modern day submarine periscope is much more than just an eye on the outside world. They are more often then not fitted with TV cameras, radio aerials and other electronic gadgets.

Active sonar makes sounds very much like the "pings" you've heard on TV programmes or in films. Submarines don't usually use "active" sonar as this can give away their position. Instead they use "passive" sonar; passive sonar only listens, so no noise is put out into the water.

Typically, the submarine day is divided into 4 x 6-hour slots or watches. The majority of the submarine crew is divided into 2 watches, which will spend 6 hours "on-watch" followed by a period of 6 hours "off-watch".

This cycle is repeated for the entire time that the submarine is at sea. When "on-watch", the crew will be actively operating their assigned equipment. When "off-watch" the crew will basically eat and sleep.

Obviously reading, TV and studying for exams will also take up time. There are also limited facilities for keeping fit, with most submarines carrying an exercise bike, rowing machine and an assortment of free weights.

Conventionally powered submarines were disposed of either by selling them to other friendly nations or by scrapping. Nuclear powered submarines are disposed of, by taking them to a port where there are facilities to remove all the equipment that can be re-used.

After the removal of all non-essential equipment, the submarine is monitored to ensure that the nuclear power plant is still safe and that there are no harmful emissions. This monitoring will continue until it is decided that the nuclear fuel is safe to be removed and disposed of safely.

SONAR (Sound Operated aid to Navigation And Ranging) is the system that provides a submarine with its underwater ears and eyes. It is used to detect other ships and submarines, undersea mountains, and can tell the submarine what is happening in the alien environment around it.

There are two types of sonar: Active and Passive. When operating in the Active mode, a submarine will send out a pulse of sound into the water and listen for the echo of that sound to return but this is rarely used. Passive Sonar operates by listening for the sounds emitted by other vessels and then carries out analysis of these sounds to determine the characteristics of that vessel.

Skilled passive Sonar operators are able to determine the number of propellers fitted, the number of blades on each propeller, and from this, name the individual class of vessel.

Depending upon whether it is a hunter killer or a missile submarine, a submarine is capable of performing many important tasks.

Sea Control (denying the ocean to hostile naval forces through ant-submarine and anti-surface warfare) Anti-Submarine Warfare (detecting and destroying hostile submarines) Anti-Surface Warfare (detecting and destroying hostile surface ships) Strategic Deterrence (launching retaliatory strikes against any nation attacking the UK with nuclear weapons) Landing Special Forces (performing covert infiltration of hostile regions by commando forces) Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (listening for hostile electronic communications and information) Carrier Group Support (providing intelligence and undersea protection for aircraft carriers and their support vessels) Cruise Missile Strike Capability (striking ground targets with conventionally armed warheads)

Submarines carry torpedoes, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.

Torpedoes are for use against other ships or submarines in time of war.

Cruise missiles allow the submarine to target sites that are several hundred miles from the nearest sea.

Ballistic missiles can be fired at targets that are many thousands of miles from the sea, and are used as a deterrent, to prevent other countries from waging war on Great Britain.

At the present time all UK submarines are built at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, and over 50% of all UK submarines have been built there.

In the past submarines have been built in Birkenhead Merseyside, and on the Clyde in Scotland.

On British submarines there is an area set-aside as the "bunk space", which contains all the beds or bunks for the crew. Each bunk is approx. 2 metres long by 1 metre wide by 1 metre high, and is often shared by two men who are in different shifts or "watches".

The principle is; as each man gets up to go "on watch" he rolls up his own sleeping bag, and rolls out the sleeping bag of the man coming "off watch". During the normal operations of a submarine the sleeping area will only be lit by dim red lights, so as to enable the off watch sailors to sleep. The only man who has his own room, or cabin, is the Commanding Officer.

As fresh water is at a premium on board a submarine, the use of the washing machines is strictly controlled, and only certain members of the crew are allowed to operate them.

Therefore the normal laundry routine is; each day will be for a specific item of clothing e.g. Monday - Overalls Tuesday - Working clothes.

It helps them to hide. If you were to look down at the sea from above, then it would appear as a dark depth, so it is sensible to paint the submarine a colour that will blend into the background.

A submarines "tear drop" shape allows it to slice cleanly through the ocean when there is water surrounding the hull. When a submarine is on the surface the water and air mix to create turbulent conditions that produce an invisible "barrier" that pushes against the submarine, thus slowing it as well as causing it to roll and yaw.

Women can join the Royal Navy, Royal Navy Reserves, QARNNS and Royal Marines Band Service and serve in all branches; however female personnel are currently excluded from serving as Royal Marines Commandos. This Armed Forces (AF) policy is regularly reviewed.

There are a number of roles in the AF which are closed to women on grounds of medical or combat effectiveness/team cohesion. Those roles are; Royal Marines Commandos; the Household Cavalry and Royal Armoured Corps; the Infantry and Royal Air Force Regiment. However, we do have women who serve in the Royal Marines Band Service, and there are females who have passed the All Arms Commando Course. This allows them to serve in support of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. This legal exemption from discrimination law is regularly reviewed.

Yes. The Naval Service is interested in people with potential to do their job, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender.

Our ethos is inclusive; it welcomes and appreciates differences and we are committed to ensuring that every individual has equality of opportunity for employment, training and advancement based solely on merit, and that they can be themselves at work to achieve their full potential in an environment that is trusting and open.

Bullying and harassment in the Naval Service is not tolerated; our people should be able to work in an environment free from intimidation, humiliation, harassment or abuse. Any allegations of discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimization will be addressed with impartiality using clearly laid down MOD processes.

Under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 the AF have an age exemption on the grounds of combat effectiveness. The delivery of fighting power is primarily the preserve of youth. AF personnel have to be able to respond to a wide range of operational circumstances in the most challenging environments. In order to maintain combat effectiveness and the ability to respond immediately in an emergency, all posts in the AF carry with them an underlying commitment for deployment. For this reason we tend to recruit most of our personnel from the younger end of the age spectrum. Thereafter, the best of these people are progressed to Command positions at non-commissioned and officer level. Unlike other employers, the AF cannot bring personnel in to fill senior positions as they will not have had the required experience. There is a range of compulsory retirement ages for AF personnel based on rank.

Under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 the AF have a disability exemption on the grounds of combat effectiveness. However, subject to a medical board, where AF personnel become disabled during the course of their service and a suitable post can be found for them, they may be retained – this decision is made on a case by case basis and retention is not guaranteed. The Government do not expect the rationale for the exemption from the Equality Act to change; hence there are no plans to remove this exemption.

The Naval Service provides a wide range of support to families of serving personnel. These include; flexible/alternative working patterns (operational commitment permitting), statutory maternity and paternity provision, support from the Naval Families Federation, Naval Personal and Family Service and RM Welfare groups providing comprehensive social work, community and advice service to Naval Service personnel and their families. Many Naval and Royal Marine establishments provide crèche facilities for working parents.

The Naval Service has an interest in helping sailors and marines balance the needs of their employment with their family life. However as sailors and marines, serving parents or carers must be available for deployment at any time and thus have a responsibility for ensuring that they have arrangements in place to care for their children or dependant adults should they need to be away. Advice and guidance for serving parents is available from Career Managers and Naval Service support networks. AF policies allow serving couples with dependant children to accommodate only one serving parent being deployed at any one time.

Commitment, Courage, Discipline, Respect for Others, Integrity, Loyalty