Technical Specialist (Skipper)

University of Plymouth; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK educational institution is seeking a skilled Technical Specialist (Skipper) to safely operate and manage small commercial workboats at their Marine Station. The role requires strong navigational skills, safety compliance, and leadership experience. Candidates must hold relevant maritime certifications and have proven experience in vessel handling. This role offers a salary range of £39,906 to £46,049 with responsibilities including the safe operation of workboats, planning voyages, and maintaining safety standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a skipper on commercial workboats.
• Excellent navigation and vessel handling skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and navigate workboat in marine environments.
• Conduct daily safety checks and routine maintenance.
• Plan voyages, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Skills

Skipper experience

Navigation skills

Leadership abilities

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

MCA Master 200 GT or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore

ENG1 Medical Certificate

STCW Basic Safety Training

VHF Short Range Radio Certificate

Job description

The University of Plymouth are seeking a skilled, safety-conscious, and experienced Technical Specialist (Skipper) to join our team at the Marine Station. You will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of small commercial workboats, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations while providing excellent service to our students and researchers. This is a demanding and varied role that requires strong leadership abilities, navigational skills, and a commitment to safety.

About the role

The primary functions of the role are as Skipper or Second Skipper of the research vessel Falcon Spirit which is a MCA Cat 2 certificated, 14m Alnmaritec Wave Commander catamaran. You will also share responsibility with our existing skippers for developing the safe and flexible delivery of boat operations across a fleet of small craft for the School of Biological and Marine Sciences in support of teaching, research and commercial activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate and navigate the workboat in various marine environments, accounting for tides, weather conditions, and local hazards.
• Ensure the safety, discipline, and welfare of all crew and passengers on board.
• Plan voyages, including route planning, fuel management, and necessary supplies.
• Conduct daily safety checks and routine maintenance of the vessel's machinery, reporting any issues promptly.
• Manage lifting operations, including the use of A frame and the slinging of loads.
• Maintain clear radio communications (VHF) with port authorities and other vessels.
• Respond calmly and effectively to a wide range of emergency situations, executing safety protocols as required.
• Maintain accurate logs, maintenance records, and all necessary vessel documentation.

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

A current full driving licence (manual transmission) is essential as you will be driving University of Plymouth vehicles. This role is also subject to health surveillance with our Occupational Health team.

What we’re looking for:

Requirements

Essential Qualifications and Certificates:

• Valid Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Certificate of Competency (e.g., MCA Master 200 GT or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with commercial endorsement).
• Valid ENG1 Medical Certificate.
• STCW Basic Safety Training (Personal Survival Techniques, Firefighting and Fire Prevention, Emergency First Aid, Small Ships Electronic Charting System and Bridge Watchkeeping, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities).
• VHF Short Range Radio Certificate.

You will have:

• Proven experience as a skipper on commercial workboats.
• Excellent navigation and vessel handling skills, confident in handling vessels in varying conditions.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with effective communication skills.
• A high degree of responsibility and a strong commitment to safety and compliance with maritime laws. The use of risk assessment and safe systems of work in the management of safety, and the coding and legal requirements of the operation of a commercial research vessel.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick, sound decisions under pressure.
• A positive attitude, flexibility, and a strong work ethic.

Desirable:

• Local area knowledge (e.g. Plymouth Sound).
• Marine Hydraulic Loader Crane Operators certificate.
• Experience with specific operations like personnel transfers, anchor handling, or survey activities.
• A minibus driver's license would be desirable

For more information please contact Adam James Marine Station Technical Manager, [e-mail] or telephone number 01752 584744

Closing date: 12 midnight, Sunday 11 January 2026

£39,906 to £46,049. Grade 7