Coxswain - Peterhead

Rnli; Peterhead; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Competitive pension

Life Insurance

Job summary

RNLI in Peterhead is seeking an experienced Coxswain to lead the lifeboat station, command the Tamar Class all-weather lifeboat, and ensure crew readiness. The role is based at Peterhead Lifeboat Station with on-call pager duties and a permanent full-time contract.

You will develop volunteers, supervise maintenance, meet safety and regulatory standards, and contribute to station training and operations. Essential qualifications include RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (Power) or equivalent, boat

Qualifications

• Experience fulfilling RNLI Coxswain duties or ability to develop to required level.
• Maritime qualifications to complement marine experience (e.g., Yachtmaster Offshore).
• Demonstrable boat handling experience and navigation knowledge.
• Knowledge of operation, maintenance and repair of marine diesel engines desirable.
• Ability to work under challenging conditions and lead volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Lead Coxswain duties at Peterhead lifeboat station to maintain operational availability.
• Head station training and crew progression to ensure resilience and compliance.
• Command lifeboats on passage and trials as required; ensure equipment readiness.
• Develop and support volunteers; ensure safety and regulatory standards are met.
• Provide assurance to RNLI management and liaise with Area Operations Manager.

Skills

Leadership

Team motivation

Interpersonal skills

Boat handling

Navigation principles

IRPCS knowledge

Diesel engines knowledge

Driving licence

Education

RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (Power)

RNLI OCF for ALB afloat mechanic (Desirable)

OCF/Pass out for machinery (Desirable)

IOSH/NEBOSH

RYA Instructor/IMO Train the Instructor

Driving licence

Job description

Coxswain - Peterhead

Salary £35,853 to £42,181 (dependent on experience) Contract type Permanent Hours Full Time Location Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland Location description This role is based at Peterhead Lifeboat Station. Ideally you would live within 10 minutes travel of the lifeboat station Interview date Week of 9th Nov (TBC) Closing Date 02-11-2026 Reference 22066 Documents (please view all documents)

• 
  (PDF, 171.89kb)
• 
  (PDF, 1219.65kb)

About us

Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. There is an opportunity for a Coxswain to join our team at Peterhead Lifeboat Station. To be part of this team you’ll be someone whose resilience and leadership skills are as well-developed as your ability to handle a boat in adverse sea conditions.

The benefits

• Salary £35,853 to £42,181 (dependent on experience)
• 26 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holiday days)
• Competitive pension scheme
• Life Insurance

Your role

This is a seagoing command role and will require the ability to respond to a pager when on call. The primary function is to carry out Coxswain duties at Peterhead lifeboat station in order to maintain operational availability and compliance with internal and external regulations.

In addition to leading a team, in often challenging conditions afloat and developing others in training as well as other lifeboat duties, a Coxswain is expected to support the station to meet the required station management standards.

They are also responsible for providing the required assurance to RNLI management, ensuring the crew, lifeboat and equipment are always available. The Coxswain will head up station training and crew progression to ensure resilience is in place. They will be responsible for compliance with internal and external regulations and responsible to the Area Operations Manager.

You will be expected to command lifeboats on passage and trials as and when required. In time the hope would be for the Coxswain to train to and maintain required level of competence and currency to operate as an afloat mechanic also.

The Coxswain supports the full range of volunteer roles at the station both seagoing volunteers and others. This role contributes to the operational assurance of the lifeboat station by providing feedback and support to the local and regional operations teams. Much of your time will be divided between ensuring the Station, the Tamar Class All Weather lifeboat and associated equipment are maintained ready for service, as well as training and assessing volunteer crew members to the RNLI’s competence standards.

You will need to have experience in the following areas:

• Experience of fulfilling all elements of an RNLI Coxswain role previously (or demonstrate the ability to develop your skills to the required level in the near future)
• Relevant maritime qualifications to complement your verifiable marine experience (e.g. RYA Yachtmaster)
• Demonstrable boat handling experience
• Sound working knowledge of navigation principles and IRPCS
• Knowledge and experience of the operation, maintenance and repair of marine diesel engines would be desirable, as would the ability and capacity to develop skills in this aspect of the role

About you

You’ll have the ability to build effective relationships with volunteers at the lifeboat station, the supporters locally and RNLI staff beyond while acting as an ambassador for the station and the RNLI within the community.

• Excellent leadership qualities
• Ability to motivate and maximise people’s potential
• Sound interpersonal skills

Qualifications required

Essential: RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (Power) or equivalent (Commercially endorsed).

Computer literate - a basic understanding and knowledge of Microsoft systems and associated software.

Desirable: RNLI OCF for ALB coxswain (or ability to work towards)

RNLI OCF for ALB afloat mechanic and Command of machinery operational pass out (or ability to work towards)

IOSH /NEBOSH

RYA Instructor/ IMO Train the Instructor or relevant training experience.

Accommodation can be discussed for a candidate currently living in or outside of the area.

This post requires a valid driving licence.