Boatmaster

Serco Limited; Kyle of Lochalsh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Serco Limited in the Defence Marine team seeks a Boatmaster to take overall command of a vessel, ensuring safe, compliant operations and leading the crew. You will support critical marine services and contribute to operational delivery and safety standards.

Responsibilities include maintaining seaworthiness, liaising with stakeholders, and supervising navigation during challenging conditions while upholding high professional standards.

Qualifications

• MCA Boatmaster or RYA Coastal Skipper is the minimum requirement.
• Valid ENG1 Medical Certificate is required.
• STCW Basic Safety Training, including refresher training where required.
• Strong leadership, decision-making and communication skills to build trust and teamwork.
• Able to stay calm and effective in challenging situations while maintaining safety.

Responsibilities

• Take overall command of the vessel and ensure compliance with maritime laws and company procedures.
• Ensure seaworthiness and safety of the vessel, crew and clients, including pollution prevention.
• Prepare the vessel for voyages and coordinate with operational teams and stakeholders.
• Lead shipboard safety and management activities, maintaining efficiency and crew welfare.
• Review risk assessments and technical docs in line with the IMS.
• Supervise navigation during critical operations, including port approaches and adverse weather.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

Communication

Maritime operations

Crew supervision

Education

MCA Boatmaster or RYA Coastal Skipper

ENG1 Medical Certificate

STCW Basic Safety Training

Job description

Ready to impact a better future?

As a Boatmaster in our Defence Marine team, you'll take overall command of a vessel, ensuring safe, efficient and compliant operations while leading your crew and supporting critical marine services. Your work will have a direct impact on operational delivery, safety and service excellence.

Every day, you'll help create a positive impact by ensuring the safe movement of people and operations at sea. From maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental protection to supporting crews and stakeholders, your work has purpose and helps deliver trusted services that touch lives and support communities now and into the future.

What you'll do as a Boatmaster

• Take overall command of the vessel, ensuring compliance with maritime legislation, class requirements, company policies and operational procedures.
• Ensure the seaworthiness and safety of the vessel, crew and embarked clients, while supporting pollution prevention measures.
• Prepare the vessel for voyages and operational tasking, liaising with operational teams and stakeholders as required.
• Lead shipboard safety and management activities, maintaining operational efficiency, crew welfare and high professional standards.
• Review and maintain risk assessments, operational procedures and technical documentation in line with the Integrated Management System.
• Actively supervise navigation during critical operations, including port approaches, confined waters and adverse weather conditions.

Does this sound like you?

• MCA Boatmaster or RYA Coastal Skipper as minimum requirement
• Valid ENG1 Medical Certificate.
• STCW Basic Safety Training, including refresher training where required.
• Strong leadership, decision-making and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborative relationships.
• Able to remain calm and effective in challenging situations while maintaining high standards of safety and operational performance.