Able Seafarer (Crane Operations Lead)

Location: Shipboard, open to applications from around the UK

Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits

Schedule: 2-year fixed term contract, 5 weeks on, 5 weeks off, Monday - Sunday

Ready to impact a better future?

As an Able Seafarer (Crane Operations Lead), you will play a key role in delivering safe, efficient and professional seamanship and crane operations on board Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) vessels. Working closely with the Bosun, Executive Officer and wider deck team, you will lead crane operations, support cargo movements and ensure all seamanship activities are conducted to the highest safety and operational standards. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate crane operations, conducting pre-operation safety briefings that clearly communicate operating constraints, lifting plans and deck team responsibilities. 
• Take responsibility for the safety of personnel involved in crane operations, ensuring the correct use of PPE and adherence to safe systems of work at all times. 
• Operate shipboard lifting appliances safely and effectively, applying sound knowledge of load forces, lifting practices and stress factors. 
• Support cargo handling activities, stores transfers and logistical operations, ensuring compliance with environmental and pollution prevention procedures. 
• Assist with berthing, un-berthing, and the provision of safe access to the vessel. 
• Maintain seamanship equipment, cranes and associated machinery, carrying out routine inspections, operator checks and reporting defects as required. 
• Contribute to vessel readiness by preparing, securing and preserving deck equipment, stores and seamanship spaces for sea.
• Support the operation and maintenance of ship's boats and other deck equipment under the Seamanship Branch's responsibility.
• Uphold high standards of housekeeping, equipment preservation and operational discipline across all assigned areas. 
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations, Royal Fleet Auxiliary standards and vessel operating procedures throughout all seamanship and crane-related activities.

Success in this Role

You will be a safety-focused maritime professional with strong crane operations experience, excellent seamanship skills and the confidence to lead deck teams during lifting and cargo operations. You will demonstrate sound judgement, clear communication and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational safety and efficiency.

What you’ll do as an Able Seafarer (Crane Operations Lead)

• Manage loading and unloading activities in accordance with cargo plans and operational requirements.
• Ensure deck tasks are completed in line with vessel operating procedures, risk assessments, safety requirements and relevant regulations.
• Support bridge watchkeeping, in-port operations, and ensuring appropriate coverage is maintained
• Monitor the cleanliness, upkeep and readiness of vessel working areas, accommodation spaces and deck equipment.
• Complete security watch duties, including up to five consecutive night shifts while alongside, as part of a 1-in-6 rota.
• Undertake 12-hour duty periods as part of the Harbour Emergency Organisation, serving as a Breathing Apparatus (BA) wearer on a 1-in-6 rota.
• Work alongside the Engineering Department to fault-find, maintain, and repair all cranes on board.
• Carry out the daily maintenance, inspection, and operational upkeep of all cranes on board.

Does this sound like you?

• Hold an Able Seafarer (AB) Certificate of Competence.
• Hold a recognised Crane Operator Stage qualification and be demonstrably competent in offshore and subsea lifting operations, including deployment and recovery of subsea equipment. Having Knuckle Boom experience with AHC would be an advantage.
• Fast Rescue Boat Certificate
• Hold relevant Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certifications, including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Survival Craft, Designated Security Duties and Elementary First Aid.
• Hold a valid ENG1 medical certificate and passport.
• Experience supporting ROV operations, subsea surveys or offshore mission systems.
• Knowledge of LOLER, PUWER and lifting equipment inspection requirements.
• Experience conducting lift planning, toolbox talks and dynamic risk assessments.
• Preferably, previous experience operating cranes aboard RFA, MOD or offshore support vessels.
• Have experience carrying out vessel-specific operational tasks within a maritime environment.
• Be confident communicating with colleagues and stakeholders and influencing safe working practices.
• Be IT literate and comfortable using Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Outlook.

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.

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