Having an accurate picture of all the environmental factors at sea - weather, ocean currents and the characteristics of seabed and coast - gives the Royal Navy a real tactical advantage when dealing with potentially hostile forces. As a Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanographic Specialist - HM - you will be observing the weather and surveying the world's oceans and coasts to support a wide range of Royal Navy operations.

We offer most people the security of a Full Career, which is 18 years or to age 40, whichever is later. Some people may have the opportunity to serve for longer, depending on their wishes and the needs of the Service. However, if you want to leave the Royal Navy, you can submit 12 months' notice two and a half years after the end end of your initial professional training. The exact length of this training period depends on the particular job you do and the level of training it requires. All new recruits have a right of discharge at 14 days notice after 4 weeks, within the first 6 months of service, regardless of career terms.

Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanographic Specialist information pack
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On board

Name: Richard Faulkner
Age: 26

Why did you choose this particular job?
I'd always been interested in geography and the idea of making surveys and charts, and finding out much more about the weather appealed to me. The training has been terrific and I really enjoyed it.

What does the job involve?
Everything from checking the weather, measuring the pressure, to seeing what type of clouds you have and looking at the sea swell - the way the waves are coming in. You also check sea and air temperatures and the winds - and you observe any animal life too. All your observations are then logged.