Vice admiral is a flag officer rank of the British Royal Navy and equates to the NATO rank code OF-8.
Naval personnel could be advanced to the rank of vice-admiral, normally from rear-admiral, whilst on active service, on the Reserved List (liable to be recalled to duty at short notice) or on the Retired List.
The Royal Navy has had vice admirals since at least the 16th century.
When the fleet was deployed, the vice admiral would be in the leading portion or van, acting as the deputy to the admiral.
See also List of serving senior officers of the Royal Navy.