What is the medium-term outlook for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary?
Short answerRecovery depends on raising pay enough to compete with other merchant-maritime employers.
NotesRoyal Fleet Auxiliary personnel are merchant sailors who can take their skills to other maritime employers. Pay therefore has to compete with the commercial market. The estimated difference for an officer of similar rank and experience is at least £5,000 to £10,000 a year in favor of a cruise line. RFA-trained sailors also appeal to those employers because they are well trained, articulate, and able to deal with international customers. Raising pay is the proposed starting point for addressing the manning crisis.