As a Warfare Officer (Submariner) it’s your job to provide the boat’s eyes and ears, deep below the surface. That means taking charge of sophisticated sonar, tactical and communications systems, using your advanced maritime training to keep your crew safe. Whether you’re using your first-class navigation skills to help maintain our nation’s nuclear deterrent on a Vanguard-class submarine, or passing crucial tactical information directly to your Captain on hunter-killer operations, you’ll be in a position of real responsibility from day one.
Warfare Officer (Submariner)
In charge of sonar, tactical systems or communications, you’ll lead a team that acts as the eyes, ears and defence capabilities of its vessel.
Start your application
This role is classed as a RBP Warfare Officer. As part of your application process, we’ll help you find the most suitable role based on your skills and experience.
Register interest- £33,138 - £90,268
- A-Levels / college qualifications
- Submarine Service
- Warfare
- Officer level

Role details
- From starting as an Officer of the Watch, to becoming the Principal Warfare Officer, you’ll marshal a team of dedicated sailors in a unique and challenging environment.
- Use all the maritime skills you acquire during training, to keep the crew safe, which is your primary responsibility. That might mean negotiating a tricky underwater canyon, or even identifying and neutralising a potential threat.
- Provide leadership and guidance to the Warfare Specialists who are busy listening to, and reporting on, what’s happening around the boat. They’ll be doing a vital job, and supplying all the information you need to do yours.
- Stealth is a submarine’s primary weapon, and you’ll be key to ensuring the boat remains undetected, wherever you are in the world, and whatever the operation.
- A starting salary of over £33,138
- Potential earning as a Head of Department on a Submarine is £90,268.48 per year and will increase with rank progression beyond Lt Cdr
- An excellent pension scheme
- Six weeks of paid holiday every year
- Free medical and dental care
- Extra Submariner benefits can be found here
Qualifications you'll gain
- We’ll make a significant contribution towards GCSEs, Masters degrees, and everything in between
- Gain internationally recognised professional qualifications as your career progresses
Skills you'll develop
- Gain the unique naval leadership and management skills that are highly valued by civilian employers
- Develop an in-depth knowledge of life as a professional seaman, from navigating and manoeuvring, to more advanced war-fighting skills
- You’ll need to be aged 18 to 39
- You’ll need a minimum of 72 UCAS points. These can be accrued from either GCE A/AS levels (or equivalent) or National Diplomas (e.g., BTEC)
- You’ll need at least 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (9-4) (or Scottish equivalent), which must include English and Mathematics
- You must be a United Kingdom citizen or British Dual National. Dual Nationality restrictions do apply
- You must have lived in the UK for 5 years continuously prior to application
- A minimum height of 157cm
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 28 (between 17 and 27 if under 18)
- An ability to thrive on responsibility and lead from the front
- Confidence making key decisions
- Calmness under pressure and a love of teamwork
- A real sense of adventure
My job involves navigating or controlling the submarine, getting involved in the war fighting aspect, planning operations and tasking. It’s demanding but I really love the challenge of being a Submariner.
Career Progression
Day One
Complete your militarisation and marinisation training within 10 weeks at HMS Raliegh. This initial stage of development for young officers, designed to build the leadership, discipline, and core military skills required for naval service, before then moving onto Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth for another 30 weeks to further develop these skills.
Professional Training
Develop your chosen profession skills at your respective training establishment dependant on your profession.
First Year
Learn management theory, develop your own style of leadership and experience your first time at sea practicing your role.
First Promotion
Become a Sub – Lieutenant, advance you skills with further training, have an increased responsibility.
Second Promotion
Become a Lieutenant, lead a department and report directly into command.
Joining Process
From picking your role to the first day of training; everything you need to know as an officer
- Register your interest
- Complete your application
- Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
- Interview
- Medical and fitness assessments
- Admiralty Interview Board (AIB)
- Start training

Got a question? Ask Atlas
Chat to our virtual submariner Atlas to understand what it's really like in the Submarine Service.
Start your application
Find your place in the Royal Navy. Make friends for life, learn new skills and experience the world.
