Petty Officer - Scientific

The National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Relocation support

Death in Service

Living Wage Employer

Job summary

The National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, invites applications for a full-time permanent role aboard the UK fleet of scientific research vessels. The successful candidate will support coordination of science activities and assist deck operations under the Captain, Chief Officer, and Chief Petty Officer (Science).

Required certificates include AB SG1A, Navigation Watch, MCA ENG1, and STCW Survival Craft; UK passport or right to work in the UK is essential.

Qualifications

• Holds AB SG1A and related maritime certificates.
• Certified for STCW Survival Craft and Rescue Boats.
• Must hold valid ENG1 medical and security duties proficiency.
• Able to travel worldwide and obtain necessary visas.
• Experience aboard scientific research vessels is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate science activities and assist deck operations onboard.
• Support maintenance and operation of shipborne science systems and winches.

Education

AB SG1A Certificate

Navigation Watch Rating

MCA ENG1 Medical

STCW Survival Craft

Security Duties Proficiency

UK Passport / Right to Work

Discharge Book

US C1/D / B1/B2 Visa

Experience on research vessels

Job description

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time

£41,021

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About the role

The UK's Fleet of Scientific Research Vessels provide the ocean-going scientific platforms to support the UK’s worldwide oceanographic research programme. The Research Infrastructure function at NOC is a constituent part of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) Southampton , a collaborative centre shared by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI), NOC and the University of Southampton.

NOC is responsible for the operation and management of two UKRI owned research vessels as well as providing wider support in the co-ordination and management of the UKRI / Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Marine Facility Programme.

• The successful candidate will work under the Captain, Chief Officer and Chief Petty Officer (Science) on either Royal Research Ship RRS DISCOVERY or RRS JAMES COOK. They will report to the CPO (Science) as their direct Line Manager onboard. Their primary function onboard will be to support the coordination of the science activities as well as general deck activities, under the overall authority of the Chief Officer and Chief Petty Officer (Science). In addition, they will understudy the Chief Petty Officer (Science) and develop subject matter expertise across all aspect of the delivery of oceanographic science at sea, including over the side equipment deployments and the maintenance and operation of ship’s fitted and user supplied science systems and winches.

About you

• AB (SG1A) Certificate issued by UK MCA (proof required on application)
• Navigation Watch Rating Certificate issued in compliance with STCW 2010;
• MCA Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1) without restrictions or an MCA recognized equivalent (proof required on application);
• Four elements of basic training to STCW 95 (First Aid, Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Techniques and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities).
• STCW95 Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats;
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties;
• Valid UK passport or valid passport and a demonstratable right to work in the UK. Please note, NOC is not in position to sponsor an individual's right to work in the UK;
• A valid Discharge Book;
• Be in possession of a US C1/D and / or B1/B2 visa (or be able to obtain one) and have the ability to undertake unrestricted worldwide travel.
• It is highly desirable that you should be able to demonstrate relevant experience of working onboard a scientific research vessel or work in a similar marine sector (i.e. OSV, PSV, ERRV, DSV, etc) backed by evidence of appropriate specialist knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of overboard handling and lifting equipment and their maintenance.

Hours of Work:

Seagoing tours of duty will normally encompass at least two full scientific expeditions, or a minimum of six to eight weeks although these tour periods may vary depending on the ship's operational programme. Leave is earnt at the annual rate of 324 days for each year served onboard and accrues at the rate of 27 days for each calendar month of service onboard.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
• access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
• a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
• we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

Location

This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.

Date advert posted: 19/08/2026

Closing date:06/09/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.