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Able Seafarer Deck Apprentice (Offshore Operations)
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Are you looking to start a rewarding career at Sea in Maritime Operations?
Do you want to play a hands-on role in supporting critical military training exercises, while contributing to a safer, more secure, and sustainable future?
We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic Apprentices to join our Offshore Operations team.
What you'll do at work
- Develop and demonstrate competence as a member of the deck/navigation department under supervision
- Assist with safe navigation and watchkeeping duties, including lookout responsibilities at sea and in port
- Support mooring, anchoring, and towing operations, following instructions and established procedures
- Carry out essential seamanship tasks, including ropework, splicing, and general deck operations
- Maintain the cleanliness, condition, and readiness of the vessel, including decks, equipment, and superstructure
- Assist with the operation and maintenance of deck machinery, such as winches, windlasses, and lifting gear
- Contribute to the safety and security of the vessel, its cargo, and personnel onboard
- Participate in emergency drills and training, developing competence in firefighting, sea survival, and safety procedures
- Support routine inspection, maintenance, and preservation tasks to ensure operational readiness
- Complete all elements of the apprenticeship programme, including sea service, college phases, and training record book
- Work towards achieving the Able Seafarer (Deck) certification and associated mandatory qualifications
- Demonstrate a positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn while working as part of a disciplined team
- Undertake mandatory training and demonstrate competence in emergency response, including fire-fighting and sea survival
- Achieve the required sea service within the timeframe set by the Maritime Training Officer
- Consistently demonstrate Serco values and behaviours throughout the apprenticeship
- Comply with the UK Merchant Navy Code of Conduct at all times
- Undertake additional duties and training appropriate to the role as required
Where you'll work
You will need the ability to be flexible between college phases and sea phases, including periods away from home.
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Training provider
NORTH KENT COLLEGE
Training course
Seafarer (deck rating) (level 2)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Create/adapt access to/egress from the vessel that is needed for the situation, and within the limits of own responsibilities. For example, access to vehicle decks or walkways.
- Respond to all emergency and security situations on board in line with assigned duties.
- Assist with deployment and operations of emergency equipment applicable to the situation.
- Operate firefighting equipment appropriate to the situation and in accordance with procedures.
- Administer the right emergency first aid that is applicable to the situation.
- Assist with the safe handling of a vessel in a high traffic density environment in tidal and non-tidal conditions including in ports, locks and in the vicinity of obstructions and other fixed infrastructure.
- Assist with bridge look-out duties in line with organisational procedures whilst complying with industry regulations.
- Determine which deck operations to prioritise, to meet operational objectives, while maintaining safe practice.
- Maintain vessels in a safe and seaworthy condition in accordance with regulations and procedures. Assist with maintaining vessel machinery (including deck equipment) in full operational condition.
- Work as part of a team in order to achieve operational goals.
- Identify and follow organisational/industry procedures and working practices.
- Identify and report risks in accordance with own organisation’s procedures.
- Select the appropriate communication method needed for the situation and the audience.
- Use appropriate mooring configurations and equipment in relation to the prevailing tidal, weather conditions and vessel design characteristics.
- Execute anchoring procedure as instructed.
- Minimise risks to marine pollution within limits of own operational responsibilities.
Training schedule
The programme combines practical, hands-on experience at sea with structured academic learning. You will gain on-the-job experience by serving on board Serco-operated vessels, alongside periods of study at College.
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Throughout the apprenticeship, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to successfully complete ongoing assessments, culminating in an End Point Assessment (EPA) with IAMI. On successful completion, you will achieve an MCA AB Able Seafarer Certificate.
Essential qualifications
- GCSE in:
- English (grade Level 4-9)
- Maths (grade Level 4-9)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Other requirements
Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age, due to the nature of the role.
At Serco
Not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions. You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Level 2 Certificate Able Seafarer (Deck).
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
NORTH KENT COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000040557.
Closes in 17 days (Friday 24 July 2026)
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