Deck Rating

Serco; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive holiday package

Pension scheme up to 6%

Internal courses and apprenticeships

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts across retailers

Volunteer day

Employee networks

Job summary

Serco in the United Kingdom is seeking an In-Port AB/Deckhand to support safe vessel operations, berthing, maintenance and environmental standards. You will contribute to deck work, equipment handling and crane tasks while ensuring compliance with BPSS and security requirements.

The role offers extensive training, competitive benefits and a clear career path within our Defence Maritime team, helping you support operational readiness and a positive impact on communities.

Qualifications

• Hold STCW qualifications including PSSR, PST, FPFF and PSCRB.
• Hold a valid ENG1 medical certificate.
• Hold an Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) qualification, with Able Seafarer preferred.
• Commitment to health, safety and environmental standards and security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support berthing, slipping, anchoring and mooring operations.
• Carry out ship husbandry, cleaning and general maintenance tasks.
• Operate deck machinery and cranes according to procedures and safety rules.
• Assist with repair and maintenance of shipboard equipment.
• Follow emergency procedures and maintain firefighting equipment awareness.
• Help prevent environmental pollution and uphold high environmental standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Health, safety, environment

Teamwork

Education

STCW qualifications

ENG1 medical certificate

EDH qualification

Able Seafarer certification

Tools

Deck machinery operation

Crane operations

Job description

Location: Devonport, PL2 2BG

Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits

Schedule: Perm/FT/48 hours pe week

Ready to impact a better future?

As an In-Port AB/Deckhand in our Defence Maritime team, you'll play a vital role in the safe operation and maintenance of vessels supporting important maritime activities. Your work has purpose, helping to ensure vessels, equipment, and operations are carried out safely, efficiently, and with care for the environment.

Working as part of a trusted team, you'll support a wide range of deck operations, maintenance activities, and vessel movements. From mooring and rope handling to equipment maintenance and crane operations, your contribution helps create impactful solutions that support operational readiness and deliver a positive impact on communities and the future.

What You'll Do As An In-Port AB/Deckhand

• Support berthing, slipping, anchoring, and mooring operations
• Carry out ship husbandry, cleaning, and general maintenance tasks.
• Operate deck machinery and cranes in accordance with procedures and safety requirements.
• Assist with the repair and maintenance of shipboard equipment.
• Follow emergency procedures and maintain awareness of firefighting equipment and safety systems.
• Help prevent environmental pollution and maintain high environmental standards across operations.

Does this sound like you?

• Hold STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) qualifications including PSSR, PST, FPFF, and PSCRB.
• Hold a valid ENG1 medical certificate.
• Hold an Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) qualification, with Able Seafarer certification preferred.
• Have strong communication skills and a commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Be able to meet Security Clearance requirements.

What We Offer

• Competitive holiday package.
• 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, you 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).

For support with your application, please contact [e-mail].