Vessel Master Apprentice

Thales Group; Down Thomas; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in the UK is looking for a Vessel Master Apprentice to support high-tech marine operations. This role offers a unique chance to gain hands-on skills and knowledge in maritime autonomous systems while working alongside expert teams. Responsibilities include supporting vessel testing, assisting with maintenance tasks, and managing emergency situations. Qualifications include GCSEs in Maths and English or equivalent, strong problem-solving and communication skills are a must.

Benefits

201 hours annual leave

Company Pension

Health Care Cash Plan

Life Insurance

Discount Portal

80 Hours Volunteering

Qualifications

• GCSEs in Maths and English or equivalent required.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Ability to work effectively in teams and show initiative.

Responsibilities

• Support harbour and sea integration testing on vessels.
• Assist with basic vessel maintenance tasks.
• Prepare the vessel prior to going to sea.
• Manage emergency situations on board.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Team working

Initiative

Education

GCSEs including Maths and English (grades 9–4 / A–C) or equivalent

Job description

As a Vessel Master Apprentice you will support our high-tech marine operations at Turnchapel. This is a unique opportunity to develop hands-on skill and gain specialist knowledge while working alongside expert engineering and vessel operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Support harbour and sea integration testing on Thales UK vessels, assisting with setup, monitoring, and test activities.
• Assist the engineering team with basic vessel maintenance tasks such as equipment checks, repairs, and routine upkeep.
• Provide support during ad-hoc water-based trials conducted out of Turnchapel, including vessel preparation and data collection.
• Gain a working knowledge of maritime autonomous systems used at Turnchapel through hands-on experience and training.
• Prepare the vessel prior to going to sea, including safe access/egress, and checks of lifesaving and firefighting equipment.
• Respond to and manage emergency situations on board, including operation of emergency equipment, coordination with the coastguard and other vessels (SARCo), and liaison with DP and third-party organisations.
• Operate and manoeuvre vessels in a high-traffic density environment in tidal or non-tidal conditions, including in locks and near fixed infrastructure.
• Maneuver vessels safely with propulsion systems (single screw, twin screw, variable pitch, Schottel, and other configurations).
• Ensure vessels are seaworthy and compliant with regulations; maintain main engines, deck equipment, and lifesaving and firefighting equipment in full operational condition.
• Comply with GDPR and Cyber Security regulations and policies; use information and digital technology within the organisation.
• Apply team working principles and develop communication skills suitable for sea and onshore environments.
• Lead procedures and planning in emergency situations.
• Able to manoeuvre a vessel in all conditions to respond to emergencies (e.g., man overboard).
• Use appropriate mooring configurations and equipment according to tides, weather, and vessel design characteristics.
• Select suitable anchorage and execute procedures; use anchors to aid manoeuvring.
• Prepare for meteorological impacts affecting safe management and passage of a commercial vessel.
• Navigate shallow and height-restricted navigations using knowledge of depths, air drafts, vessel dimensions and tide predictions in tidal waters.
• Offer emergency assistance to help another vessel in danger, including arranging emergency tow or powered assistance to reach safety.
• Adjust the passage plan taking safety, time and business objectives into account.
• Take charge of navigational watch, assess collision risk, and take action to avoid collisions.
• Monitor business objective considerations and commercial issues, adjusting actions accordingly.
• Lead a team onboard and develop work relationships and performance management skills.

Qualifications and Skills

• GCSEs including Maths and English (grades 9–4 / A–C) or equivalent; other relevant qualifications and industry experience considered.
• Communication skills, attention to detail, problem solving, analytical skills, team working, and initiative.

Training and Apprenticeship Details

You will be working towards the Boatmaster Level 3 Apprenticeship over a 2-year period with our training partner SeaRegs. The training covers a wide range of commercial activity on inland tidal and non-tidal waterways in the UK. Training blocks are typically one to two weeks, with the remaining time spent applying learning in the business.

Benefits

• 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Company Pension
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Life Insurance
• Discount Portal
• 80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)