The main assets of the Chilean Navy are the 21,773 men and women, of which 91,3% are professionals working throughout the maritime territory. All of them have strong vocation and solid principles and values, demonstrated not only in their everyday activities, but also within their families. Their strong service vocation is a heritage developed from a long list of naval heroes, of which the most prominent Chilean national hero is Commander Arturo Prat. Commander Arturo Prat died in the Iquique Naval Combat on May 21st, 1879, during the Pacific War (1879 - 1884) against Peru and Bolivia

In accordance with the continuing process of integration of women into the Navy, the Institution plans to incorporate female line personnel, initially in the areas of Coastguard and Supplies.

Being a Navy serviceman is fundamentally a vocational profession that demands a high level of responsibility and presents challenges from an early stage. It requires skills and knowledge acquired through instruction and training, both of which are constantly being updated.

Due to their knowledge and experience of civilian life, the officers of the Naval Reserve “Yates” (meaning yacht) make a valuable contribution to promoting awareness of the Institution within the community.