Under the provisions of the Naval Forces Act 1903 (3 Edward 7, Ch. 6), men are entered as follows, according to their qualifications :

NOTE.-Special Service Men are eligible for higher ratings on transfer to Continuous Service.

Engagement.- They are required to sign a Special Engagement, Form S. 56a, for a period of 12 years, of which the first five years or such less period as the Admiralty may direct, will be in the Fleet and the residue in the Royal Fleet Reserve.

Pay, &c.- They are to receive the Non-Continuous Service rates of pay of their ratings except as specially provided in the case of Stokers 1st Class. (See Part I., No. 75.) The qualifications for advancement of Special Service Men are the same as those for the corresponding Continuous Service Ratings; and in other respects (such as Hospital treatment, &c.) they are to be dealt with under the regulations for Continuous Service men so far as applicable.

Non-Substantive Ratings.- Men entered as Special Service Seamen who are qualified and recommended for transfer to Continuous Service may qualify for Non-Substantive ratings. The Continuous Service Engagement is to be executed in each case before the man is received for the qualifying course.

Good Conduct Badges will be granted under the usual conditions.

Clothing and Bedding.- They are to be supplied free of charge with the authorised kit and a set of bedding as in the case of corresponding Continuous Service ratings, and with a copy of the Manual of Seamanship.

Discharge by Purchase is governed by the same regulations as for Continuous Service men.

Transfer to C.S.- After two years' " Special Service," men may be transferred to Continuous Service by order of the Commander-in-Chief, provided they have proved themselves to possess superior qualifications, have passed satisfactorily for A.B. or Stoker 1st Class, and are recommended by their Captain as deserving in all respects, and likely to make good Petty Officers or to hold a higher Specialist rating.

The " commencing date " of their 12 years' Continuous Service Engagement should be that of original entry for Special Service the "volunteering date," from which Continuous Service pay will commence, should be that of Commander-in-Chief's approval of the transfer. Clothing and Bedding Gratuities are not allowed on transfer.

Transfers to skilled ratings are governed by Art. 391 (3 and 4), but candidates must have completed two years under Special Service Engagements before transfer.

Nominal returns of transfers are to be transmitted quarterly by all Commanders-in-Chief to the Secretary of the Admiralty, such returns showing the date of Commander-in-Chief's approval in each case.

Pensions and Gratuities.-If invalided from the Service for Wounds or Hurts received on duty or for other causes, they are to receive Gratuities or Pensions (temporary or permanent), according to the circumstances of the case. If killed or drowned on duty, their widows and young children are eligible for Pensions and Allowances.

Royal Fleet Reserve.-Immediately on completion of the period of five years' service in the Fleet, Special Service Men who are considered to be in all respects fit for enrolment are to be transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve, Class B. (2) to complete 12 years' service from date of entry. Actual enrolment in the Royal Fleet Reserve is only to be made at one of the Home Ports (see Art. 604, Clause 2).

Special Service Men entered since the 30th September 1908, to be eligible for enrolment, must fulfil the following conditions :

1. They must either
1. be in possession of one or more Good Conduct Badges; or
2. have borne a satisfactory character generally throughout their active service with " � V.G." for two of the last three years and at least " Good " for the remaining year.

Their Service Certificates must be endorsed �' Recommended for enrolment in the Royal Fleet Reserve " as laid down in Art. 830, Clause 9. (For the conditions of service in the Royal Fleet Reserve, see the Royal Fleet Reserve Regulations.)

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