Serco Plc
Seafarer Deck Rating (Offshore) Apprentice
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Seafarer Deck Rating (Offshore) Apprentice
Able Seafarer Deck Apprentice (Offshore Operations)
Location: England – Offshore Operations
Salary: £25,729.45 plus excellent benefits
Apprenticeship Qualification: Level 2 Certificate Able Seafarer (Deck)
About the Role
Train and work toward a rewarding career at sea in Maritime Operations. Join an Offshore Operations team where you’ll support critical military training exercises while earning from day one. This apprenticeship combines real-world experience with formal training, offering you a pathway toward becoming an Able Seafarer—a role at the frontline of defence support.
Our offshore vessels operate globally, serving as dynamic support platforms for military training exercises in the UK and abroad. This apprenticeship is ideal for * proactive individuals who thrive in fast-paced, team-based environments* and are inspired by the opportunity to contribute to national security while developing practical maritime skills.
What You’ll Do
You’ll follow a structured 24-month full-time apprenticeship, balancing hands-on training at sea with college-based learning. Your responsibilities include:
- Working under supervision as part of the deck/navigation department, gaining experience in watchkeeping and safe vessel operation.
- Performing essential seamanship tasks, such as ropework, splicing, anchoring, mooring, and towing activities.
- Maintaining vessel cleanliness, ensuring decks, equipment, and superstructure are operational and safe.
- Assisting with deck machinery operations, including winches, windlasses, and lifting gear.
- Supporting the safety and security of personnel, vessels, and cargo through training and adherence to protocols.
- Participating in emergency drills for firefighting, medical responses, and sea survival scenarios.
- Completing routine inspections and maintenance to keep the vessel ready for operations.
- Meeting targets set during training, including variables such as mandated sea service hours and college attendance.
- Working toward achieving the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) AB Able Seafarer Deck Certification and associated mandatory training.
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You’ll be mentored by experienced crew members who will help you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for success throughout—and beyond—the apprenticeship. All necessary training, travel, and accommodation costs will be covered.
Key Accountabilities
- To supervise:
- Safe navigation duties, including lookout rotations in all operational conditions.
- Adherence to mooring, anchoring, and towing procedures.
- Maintenance of vessel readiness across decks, equipment, and general preservation tasks.
- To comply with:
- UK Merchant Navy Code of Conduct.
- UKVISA and security protocols, including requests for disclosure and checks.
- Additional duties as discreetly assigned under the guidance of experienced staff during maritime operations.
Requirements
Entry Criteria
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Citizenship & Security:
- British National with a valid UK passport.
- Must meet criteria for a UK Security Vetting clearance.
- Matriculation Standards:
- Four GCSEs (or equivalent) in:
- Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
- English at Grade C/4 or above (or Functional Skills Level 2).
- Four GCSEs (or equivalent) in:
- Medical:
- Must be deemed medically suitable to serve on marine vessels by obtaining an ENG1 (Seafarers Medical Certificate).
- Educational Progression:
- Willingness to adapt to college-based learning phases (schedule confirmed upon acceptance).
- Personal Attributes:
- Be able to freely relocate between onshore and offshore components of the training schedule.
- Commit to disciplined teamwork with reliability and adaptability.
- Demonstrate a proactive attitude and willingness to build on transferable skills learned through the apprenticeship.
Why You’ll Thrive Here
This role demands participants who are:
- Committed to sustained professional development in a rigorous industry.
- Motivated by the satisfaction of earning qualifications while contributing to maritime defence operations.
- Engaged in grammar, reading, writing comprehension, and mathematical skills relevant to seafaring roles.
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Benefits
Join a team that embraces a culture of innovation and service while championing diversity, inclusion, and personal development. Key benefits include:
- Earning while learning: Competitive salary with a structured pay progression aligned to workplace experience and career trajectory within the defence sector.
- Full support and funding for all necessary training, college attendance, sea service, and certification.
- Apprenticeship framework towards a validated qualification and career progressions in maritime operations.
- Opportunities to work on Seafront-based vessels while connecting with global defence training efforts across the Royal and firefighting spectrum.
- Access to on-the-job skill development, mentorship, and continuous professional growth in a dynamic industry.
- Commitment to creating a future-focused workforce by fostering adaptability and resilience in maritime trade education.
- Opportunity to contribute to a broader defence strategy, ensuring safety, security, and cohesion in both UK and international operations.
Employment Fine Print
- Employment status: Formal Apprenticeship with structured phased development leading to contract-level work.
- Terms of employment: Full-time schedule adhering to 48-hour weeks (offshore operations allow for cyclic shifts).
- Start date: 14th September 2026.
Ready to Impact a Better Future?
Apply today and take the first step toward a career at sea, where you will play an active role in supporting essential defence operations. Serco is proud to nurture early talent through initiatives like this Able Seafarer Deck Apprentice programme—asking for applications from motivated individuals eager to grow.
Join us at defenceentryjobs and see how your skills can continue advancing society’s security and safety goals.
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