Master

Master Offshore Operations

Location: Portsmouth, PO1 3LT
Salary: competitive plus benefits
Schedule: Perm/FT/ 48 hours - 6 weeks on, 6 weeks off

Ready to impact a better future?

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Master (Unlimited) to take command of a purpose-built Offshore Support Vessel delivering vital support to UK Defence operations.

Operating from the UK, the vessel undertakes worldwide deployments in support of military training, exercises and defence maritime operations, working closely with Defence stakeholders to deliver safe, professional and reliable support at sea.

This is an opportunity for a Master who enjoys active vessel operations, leading a highly capable crew, and maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism and operational readiness.

You will be entrusted with the command of an Offshore Support Vessel crewed by 18 British seafarers, operating in a unique environment where strong leadership, sound judgement and effective decision-making are essential.

What you’ll do as a Master

As Master, you will hold overall command and responsibility for the vessel, her crew and all operations conducted on board.

You will be responsible for:

• Safe navigation, manoeuvring and operation of the vessel in coastal, offshore and international waters.
• The safety, welfare and professional development of all onboard personnel, with direct leadership of the vessel's Heads of Department.
• Maintaining vessel readiness to meet operational tasking requirements.
• Ensuring full compliance with maritime legislation, Company procedures and Safety Management Systems.
• Leading emergency preparedness, response and crisis management activities.
• Working closely with operational authorities, Defence stakeholders and shore management teams.
• Promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring all risks are effectively managed.
• Maintaining the vessel's seaworthiness, certification and operational capability.
• Approving voyage plans and ensuring safe execution of all operations.
• Delivering high standards of environmental protection and pollution prevention.
• Providing leadership, direction and mentoring to officers and crew.
• Ensuring all reporting, audits, inspections and assurance activities are completed to a high standard.

Does this sound like you?

You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:

• Master Unlimited Certificate of Competency.
• Valid ENG1 Medical Certificate.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC).
• Previous command experience as Master, or significant experience as Chief Officer on commercial, offshore, government or defence vessels.
• Experience operating vessels in offshore, defence, government or specialist maritime environments.
• Strong understanding of maritime legislation, the ISM Code and safe working practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams in demanding operational environments.

Desirable

• Experience on Offshore Support Vessels, specialist support vessels, government vessels or defence contracts.
• Experience supporting military training, exercises or operational activities.
• Dynamic Positioning (DP) experience.
• Experience managing British crews or multi-disciplinary crews.
• Experience operating under ISM, ISO and customer assurance frameworks.
• Experience managing vessel operations during overseas deployments.
• Previous involvement in audits, inspections and safety assurance activities.

Why Join Us?

This role offers much more than traditional command.

You will:

• Command a professionally operated Offshore Support Vessel with a clear operational purpose.
• Support UK Defence through the delivery of critical maritime training and exercise activities.
• Play a direct role in supporting UK Defence capability through worldwide operations and training activities.
• Lead a dedicated and experienced 18-person British crew.
• Work a favourable 6 weeks on / 6 weeks off rotation.
• Join a stable long-term contract offering variety, challenge and genuine operational responsibility.
• Operate within a safety-focused organisation that values professionalism, teamwork and operational excellence.
• Have the autonomy and authority expected of a Master while being supported by experienced shore-based operational and technical teams.

Discover all you need to keep growing

We’re one of the top 1% of international employers, so you can have confidence you’ll be part of a highly supportive culture with leaders you can count on to help you achieve your goals. From mentoring and training to our focus on internal progression, we’re proud to offer clear development opportunities – and the support and tools to help you seize them.

What we offer

• Holidays: Competitive Holiday package
• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (including L3 Team Leader and L5 Operations Manager apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
• Health and wellbeing: 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: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

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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