| Controller of the Navy (CofN) | |
|---|---|
&sq=Google&lang=en&file=File:Naval_Ensign_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg) Ensign of the Royal Navy | |
&sq=Google&lang=en&file=File:Commodore_James_Parkin_(cropped).jpg) Incumbent since September 2021Rear Admiral James Parkin | |
| Department of the Admiralty, Ministry of Defence | |
| Member of | Board of Admiralty, Admiralty Board, Navy Board |
| Reports to | First Sea Lord |
| Nominator | First Lord of the Admiralty, Secretary of State for Defence |
| Appointer | Prime Minister Subject to formal approval by the King-in-Council |
| Term length | Not fixed (typically 1–3 years) |
| Inaugural holder | Rear Admiral Sir Samuel Pechell |
| Formation | 1832-current |
The post of Controller of the Navy (abbreviated as CofN) was originally created in 1859 when the Surveyor of the Navy's title changed to Controller of the Navy. In 1869 the controller's office was abolished and its duties were assumed by that of the Third Naval Lord whose title then changed to Third Naval Lord and Controller of the Navy. In 1904 the title was changed again to Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy. In 1965 the office of the Third Sea Lord was abolished. The post-holder is responsible for procurement and matériel in the British Royal Navy.
Originally the post-holder was a member of the Board of Admiralty and later a member of the Admiralty Board.