Master

Serco; Kyle of Lochalsh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Training and development support

Employee assistance programme

Discounts across various retailers

Paid volunteering days

Job summary

Serco is seeking a Master for its Maritime North – OOP Operations team in Scotland. This role involves leading vessel operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and maintaining crew readiness.

The ideal candidate will have significant maritime experience and the relevant certifications to operate vessels effectively. Benefits include a contributory pension, training opportunities, and health support services.

Qualifications

• MCA Certificate of Competence Master 500GT (Near Coastal) required.
• Current STCW certification, including safety and survival training.
• Unrestricted ENG1 medical certificate necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead the vessel’s overall command and ensure compliance.
• Maintain responsibility for all shipboard operations.
• Prepare the vessel for voyage and oversee safety meetings.

Skills

MCA Certificate of Competence Master 500GT (Near Coastal)

Current STCW certification

Unrestricted ENG1 medical certificate

Safety mindset

Ability to obtain BPSS

Job description

Location: Ross-Shire, IV40 8AJ

Salary: Competitive salary plus excellent benefits

Schedule: Permanent, full time, rostered 6 weeks on, 3 weeks off

Travel allowance: For applicants who live further than 80 miles away from Kyle of Lochalsh, Serco will pay a maximum of 0.45p per mile for travel to and from base.

As a Master in our Maritime North – OOP Operations team, you’ll lead the safe and efficient operation of our vessel, guiding colleagues and clients with confidence and care. Your work will directly contribute to delivering safe, reliable marine operations that support communities and create a positive impact across the region.

Every day, you’ll help ensure our vessel, colleagues, and clients are protected, prepared, and ready for their mission. You’ll champion safety, uphold standards, and bring clarity to complex operations – all while helping shape a safer future for those who depend on vital marine capability.

What You’ll Do As a Master

• Lead the vessel’s overall command, ensuring compliance with Flag and Class legislation, Serco Marine Integrated Management System, and company policies
• Maintain responsibility for all shipboard operations, including vessel and crew certification
• Prepare the vessel for voyage and tasking, and oversee shipboard management and safety committee meetings
• Liaise with operational authorities on vessel tasking and operational matters
• Create and maintain operational, technical, and client documentation
• Promote operational efficiency, morale, welfare, and safety for all colleagues on board
• Ensure full familiarity with the vessel’s construction, navigation, manoeuvrability, and equipment
• Establish and review risk assessments and operational procedures
• Conduct daily inspections to maintain high standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and preservation
• Personally supervise navigation during critical operations such as port entry, confined waters, or adverse conditions

Does this sound like you?

• MCA Certificate of Competence Master 500GT (Near Coastal) as a minimum
• Current STCW certification, including essential safety and survival training
• An unrestricted ENG1 medical certificate
• A strong safety mindset and methodical approach to operations
• The ability to obtain BPSS and, where required, further security clearance

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.

What We Offer

• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
• Health and wellbeing: 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: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, and support through the Serco People Fund
• Employee networks: Inclusive spaces that support connection, collaboration, and belonging for all colleagues

Equal Opportunities

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. As a proud Disability Confident Leader and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard, disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.