Bosun

Serco; Kyle of Lochalsh; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Internal courses and qualifications

Employee Assistance Programme

Retail discounts

Volunteer day

Inclusive recruitment commitments

Job summary

Serco is seeking a Bosun in Kyle of Lochalsh to lead deck ratings and oversee vessel routines, ensuring safe cargo handling and compliance with procedures. You will support the Vessel Master in delivering professional deck operations across maintenance tasks and daily activities.

The role requires MCA Able Seafarer Deck, ENG1, and STCW certifications, with strong communication and teamwork skills, plus IT literacy advantageous.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and teamwork are essential.
• Safety-focused and organised approach required.
• IT literacy and familiarity with marine safety management systems are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise deck ratings in the safe completion of operational tasks, maintenance activities and vessel routines.
• Ensure deck operations are carried out in accordance with vessel procedures, risk assessments, safe systems of work and company policies.
• Take responsibility for the safe loading and unloading of cargo in line with approved cargo plans and operational requirements.
• Support the Vessel Master in maintaining safe, professional and efficient deck operations while complying with relevant maritime regulations and standards.
• Monitor and maintain deck equipment, lifting gear, consumable stores and vessel cleanliness, reporting defects where appropriate
• Deliver toolbox talks, promote safe working practices, and actively contribute to safety committees and vessel management activities.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Safety-focused

Organised

Education

MCA Able Seafarer Deck Certificate of Proficiency

Valid ENG1 Medical Certificate

STCW Certification (incl. PSS, FPF, First Aid, Survival Craft)

Job description

Location: Kyle of Lochalsh, Ross-Shire, IV40 8AJ
Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Perm/FT/48 hours - rostered 4 weeks on, 4 weeks off
For applicants who live further than 80 miles away from Kyle of Lochalsh, Serco will pay a maximum of 0.55p per mile for travel to and from base.

What You’ll Do As a Bosun

• Lead and supervise deck ratings in the safe completion of operational tasks, maintenance activities and vessel routines.
• Ensure deck operations are carried out in accordance with vessel procedures, risk assessments, safe systems of work and company policies.
• Take responsibility for the safe loading and unloading of cargo in line with approved cargo plans and operational requirements.
• Support the Vessel Master in maintaining safe, professional and efficient deck operations while complying with relevant maritime regulations and standards.
• Monitor and maintain deck equipment, lifting gear, consumable stores and vessel cleanliness, reporting defects where appropriate
• Deliver toolbox talks, promote safe working practices, and actively contribute to safety committees and vessel management activities.

Does this sound like you?

• MCA Able Seafarer Deck Certificate of Proficiency.
• Valid ENG1 Medical Certificate.
• Current STCW certification, including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Elementary First Aid, Survival Craft and Designated Security Duties.
• Experience carrying out vessel-specific deck operations and supporting safe marine activities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills with a methodical and organised approach to work.
• IT literacy and familiarity with marine safety management systems are advantageous.

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

• 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).