Structure of the Royal Navy

An organizational chart depicting the "First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff" as the head position of the Royal Navy, directly over four sub-commands
The main hierarchy of the Royal Navy in 2016, as depicted in an organizational chart.

The structure of the Royal Navy is multi-faceted, and has evolved significantly over time. Administratively, the Royal Navy includes the General Service and Submarine Service, the Fleet Air Arm, the Royal Marines, the Maritime Reserves, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and the Naval Careers Service. The Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service (QARNNS) officers and ratings also form part of the Royal Navy. The Royal Navy is governed by the Admiralty Board of the Defence Council.

The Maritime Reserves consisted of the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marines Reserve, the Recall Reserve, and Sponsored Reserves, in addition. Previously seagoing reservists also included the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR). An intermediate form of reserve, between the professional RNR and the civilian RNVR, was created as war threatened in 1936. This was the Royal Naval Volunteer (Supplementary) Reserve.

The First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff is the Royal Navy's professional head and chairman of the Navy Board. He is responsible to the secretary of state for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale of the Naval Service, and supports the Secretary of State for Defence in the management and direction of the Armed Forces.

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