Master

Serco; Kyle of Lochalsh; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme (6%)

Internal courses & apprenticeships

Wellbeing & health services

Retail discounts

Job summary

Serco is seeking a Master to take command of the vessel from Kyle of Lochalsh, ensuring safety, seaworthiness and strict compliance with regulations. You will lead and develop onboard crews, coordinate with clients and stakeholders, and maintain high standards of welfare and performance across all operations.

You will establish risk assessments, supervise navigation in critical situations, and uphold safety and environmental standards while working within a structured roster and security

Qualifications

• Hold MCA Master 500GT (Near Coastal) as a minimum.
• Hold current STCW certificates and a valid ENG1 medical certificate.
• Demonstrate strong leadership, risk awareness and decision‑making capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Take overall command of the vessel in compliance with Flag and Class requirements, company policies, and operational procedures.
• Ensure seaworthiness and safety of the vessel, crew, embarked personnel, and prevent pollution.
• Lead onboard crews, promote welfare, morale and operational performance.
• Liaise with operational teams, clients and stakeholders regarding vessel tasking and operations.
• Establish and review risk assessments and safe systems of work for vessel operations.
• Supervise navigation during critical operations including port entry, restricted waters, adverse weather and low visibility.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

Navigation supervision

Vessel operations

Risk assessment

Education

MCA Master 500GT (Near Coastal)

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 Master

• Take overall command of the vessel in compliance with Flag and Class requirements, company policies, and operational procedures.
• Ensure the seaworthiness and safety of the vessel, crew, embarked personnel, and the prevention of pollution.
• Lead, support, and develop onboard crews, promoting high standards of welfare, morale, and operational performance.
• Liaise with operational teams, clients, and stakeholders regarding vessel tasking and operational matters.
• Establish, maintain, and review risk assessments and safe systems of work for vessel operations.
• Personally supervise navigation during critical operations, including port entry and departure, restricted waters, adverse weather, and reduced visibility conditions.

Does this sound like you?

• Hold an MCA Certificate of Competence Master 500GT (Near Coastal) as a minimum.
• Hold current STCW certificates and a valid unrestricted ENG1 medical certificate.
• Have a methodical approach with strong decision-making and leadership skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to build collaborative relationships and maintain trust with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.
• Remain calm and composed in challenging situations while maintaining a strong focus on safety and operational excellence.

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

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).