Able Seafarer Deck x 5

National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10% employer pension contribution

Death in Service (3x salary)

Relocation assistance

Electric/Hybrid vehicle salary sacrif.

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle2Work scheme

Living Wage Employer

Job summary

The National Oceanography Centre in Southampton seeks a qualified Seafarer to operate and assist with scientific research missions aboard the Royal Research Ship DISCOVERY or JAMES COOK. You will join a small SG1A team, report to senior deck officers, and contribute to expedition operations and ship routine tasks.

Eligible candidates must hold MCA-accredited certificates, STCW 95 training, and a valid ENG1 medical certificate, with right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Must hold an Able Seafarer Grade 1A Certificate of Proficiency (UK MCA or recognised equivalent).
• Must hold Navigational Watch Rating and ENG1 medical certificate without restrictions.
• STCW95 training including Survival Craft/Rescue Boats and Security duties is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with delivery of scientific research operations onboard and routine vessel functions.
• Report to Chief Officer and Chief Petty Officer (Deck) and support ship operations.

Skills

Seafaring operations

Safety compliance

Vessel handling

Crew coordination

Education

Able Seafarer Grade 1A Certificate of Proficiency

Navigational Watch Rating Certificate

MCA Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1)

STCW 95 basic training

STCW95 Survival Craft & Rescue Boats

Designated Security Duties proficiency

Job description

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton / Royal Research Ship

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£38,008

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's centre of excellence for oceanographic sciences. We are a national research organisation, delivering integrated marine science and technology from the coast to the deep ocean.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community whose focus is on improving the world in which we live. Our work is balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one NOC’ approach.

We have a rich history dating back to 1949, and our future has never looked more exciting as we aim to be the world’s most innovative oceanographic institution.

About the role

The UK's Fleet of Scientific Research Vessels provide the ocean-going scientific platforms to support the UK’s worldwide oceanographic research programme. Research Infrastructure (RI) is part of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Southampton, a collaborative centre shared by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI), NOC and the University of Southampton.

NMF is responsible for the operation and management of two UKRI owned research vessels as well as providing wider support in the co-ordination and management of the UKRI / Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Marine Facility Programme.

The successful candidate will be one of 3 SG1As working on either the Royal Research Ship (RRS) DISCOVERY or RRS JAMES COOK. They will report to the Chief Officer and Chief Petty Officer (Deck) and their primary function will be to assist with the delivery of scientific research operations onboard and the routine operation and functioning of the ship.

About you

For this position, it is essential that you hold the following:

• Able Seafarer Grade 1A (SG1A) Certificate of Proficiency issued by UK MCA or UK MCA recognised equivalent (proof required on application);
• Navigational Watch Rating Certificate issued in compliance with STCW 2010.
• MCA Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1) without restrictions or a MCA recognized equivalent (proof required on application).
• Five elements of basic training to STCW 95.
• STCW95 Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats.
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties.
• Valid UK passport or valid passport and a demonstratable right to work in the UK. Please note, NOC is not in position to sponsor an individual's right to work in the UK;
• A valid Seaman's Discharge Book;
• Be in possession of a US C1/D Visa (or be able to obtain one) and have the ability to undertake unrestricted worldwide travel.

It is highly desirable that you should be able to demonstrate relevant experience of working onboard a scientific research vessel or work in a similar marine sector (i.e. OSV, PSV, ERRV, DSV, etc), backed by evidence of appropriate specialist knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of complex overboard handling and lifting equipment.

Hours of Work:

Seagoing tours of duty will normally encompass at least two full scientific expeditions, or a minimum of two months although these tour periods may vary depending on the ship's operational programme. Leave is earnt at the rate of 27 days for each calendar month of service onboard.

Why the NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
• access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
• a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
• we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

Date advert posted: 30 October 2026.

Closing date: 19 November 2027.

This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.