2nd Officer

Serco; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 6% contributory pension

Extensive training & qualifications

Employee health & wellbeing benefits

Discounts and lifestyle perks

Volunteer days

Employee networks

Job summary

Serco is seeking a 2nd Officer in Defence Maritime to ensure safe navigation, deck operations, and onboard safety aboard vessels. You’ll support navigation, chart maintenance, passage planning, and safety procedures in a high-standard, compliant environment.

You will hold an Unlimited Officer of the Watch certificate, STCW validations, and ENG1 health clearance. The role offers a competitive package with extensive training, pension and excellent employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Certificate of Competence as Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) is required.
• Current STCW certification including survival and safety modules.
• Unrestricted ENG1 medical certificate and valid passport.

Responsibilities

• Undertake bridge watches ensuring safe navigation per regulations.
• Maintain navigational systems, charts and voyage records.
• Prepare passage and voyage plans with Master and Chief Officer.
• Supervise deck operations and maintenance with safe work practices.
• Support vessel safety and crew proficiency in emergencies.

Skills

Bridge navigation

Safety procedures

Team communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Officer of the Watch (Unlimited)

STCW certifications

ENG1 medical clearance

Job description

Location: Shipboard

Salary: competitive plus excellent benefits

Schedule: Perm/FT/48 hours per week-6 weeks on and 6 weeks off

Ready to impact a better future?

As a 2nd Officer in our Defence Maritime team, you’ll play a key role in the safe and efficient operation of vessels, supporting navigation, deck operations, and onboard safety. Your work will help ensure the delivery of essential maritime services while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and compliance.

Working as part of a professional marine team, you'll help create a positive impact by supporting critical operations that contribute to defence capability and wider community outcomes. Every voyage, safety check, and operational decision helps build trust and supports our commitment to impact a better future through safe, reliable maritime services.

What You’ll Do As a 2nd Officer

• Undertake bridge watches as directed by the Master or Chief Officer, ensuring safe navigation in accordance with company procedures and international regulations.
• Ensure navigational systems, charts, publications, and associated records are maintained and kept up to date.
• Prepare passage and voyage plans in consultation with the Master and Chief Officer.
• Supervise deck operations and maintenance activities, ensuring safe systems of work and toolbox talks are completed and recorded.
• Support vessel safety by maintaining emergency preparedness, safety equipment, and crew proficiency in emergency procedures.
• Monitor vessel cleanliness, stores, and spare parts while maintaining effective communication with crew, clients, and stakeholders.

Does this sound like you?

• Certificate of Competence as Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) as a minimum.
• Current Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certification, including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, and Proficiency in Survival Craft.
• Unrestricted ENG1 Medical Certificate and a valid passport.
• Methodical approach with strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement in a maritime environment.

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.

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).