The Royal Navy's manpower position differs from the RFA shortage often merged with it in reporting. The auxiliary's civilian status offers operational access to some ports even in wartime, but it also means its sailors can move directly to cruise lines and other merchant employers. When government pay and advancement cease to compete, appeals to non-pay benefits cannot keep the support fleet crewed.
Notable Point · 2:53:28-2:54:43
RFA manpower competes directly with commercial shipping
Royal Fleet Auxiliary crewing is a distinct civilian labor-market problem, because trained mariners can leave for better-paid commercial employers.