Bosun

Bosun

Location: Kyle of Lochalsh, Ross-Shire, IV40 8AJ
Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Perm/FT/48 hours - rostered 4 weeks on, 4 weeks off

For applicants who live further than 80 miles away from Kyle of Lochalsh, Serco will pay a maximum of 0.55p per mile for travel to and from base. 

Ready to impact a better future?

As a Bosun within our Defence Marine team, you’ll play a key role in supporting the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. As the senior deck rating, you’ll provide day-to-day leadership to deck crew, ensure the readiness of personnel and equipment, and help deliver safe, effective marine operations. Your contribution will directly support operational excellence and service delivery.

Every day, you’ll help maintain safe working practices, support vessel operations and maintenance activities, and contribute to a culture of teamwork, professionalism and continuous improvement. Working closely with the Vessel Master and wider operational teams, you’ll help ensure the vessel remains ready to meet operational requirements.

What you’ll do as a Bosun

• Lead and supervise deck ratings in the safe completion of operational tasks, maintenance activities and vessel routines.
• Ensure deck operations are carried out in accordance with vessel procedures, risk assessments, safe systems of work and company policies.
• Take responsibility for the safe loading and unloading of cargo in line with approved cargo plans and operational requirements.
• Support the Vessel Master in maintaining safe, professional and efficient deck operations while complying with relevant maritime regulations and standards.
• Monitor and maintain deck equipment, lifting gear, consumable stores and vessel cleanliness, reporting defects where appropriate
• Deliver toolbox talks, promote safe working practices, and actively contribute to safety committees and vessel management activities.

Does this sound like you?

• MCA Able Seafarer Deck Certificate of Proficiency.
• Valid ENG1 Medical Certificate. 
• Current STCW certification, including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Elementary First Aid, Survival Craft and Designated Security Duties.
• Experience carrying out vessel-specific deck operations and supporting safe marine activities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills with a methodical and organised approach to work.
• IT literacy and familiarity with marine safety management systems are advantageous.

What we offer

• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme

• Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (we currently offer over 60 different apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
• Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel.
• Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity.
• Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including veterans, LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

Vetting and checks:

This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.

A little bit about us:
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
• Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).

For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.

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