Vessel Based Jobs

The following jobs are available on board NorthLink Ferries vessels:

Ferry
Able Seafarer (Deck)
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Description

Applications are invited for the position of Able Seafarer (Deck) within the Serco NorthLink Ferries fleet.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • The candidate will work under the instruction of the Bosun, as directed by the Chief Officer (Head of the Deck Department).
  • Contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of the vessel to the highest possible standards.
  • Ability to demonstrate excellent safety awareness and full understanding of vessel and company operating procedures and risk assessments.
  • Full familiarity with all safety equipment and procedures to be adopted in the event of an emergency.
  • To support and partake in safety drills and training in line with assigned muster duties.
  • Watchkeeping and lookout duties.
  • Contributing to safe and efficient mooring operations.
  • Any other duties as instructed by the Bosun or Chief Officer.

Minimum Certification

Essential

  • Valid ENG1 Medical
  • Able Seafarer (Deck) Certificate
  • Efficient Deck Hand
  • STCW ’95 Basic Safety Training / Manilla Amendments
    • Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques
    • Proficiency in Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
    • Proficiency in Elementary First Aid
    • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (not including fast rescue boat)
    • Proficiency in Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
    • Proficiency in Security Awareness
    • Crowd Management Training

Desirable

  • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour
  • Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
  • Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
  • Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boat
  • Forklift Training
  • MEWP Training

Benefits

  • Competitive rates of pay
  • 28 days (pro rata) annual leave
  • Pension scheme, life assurance, wellbeing support, staff discounts
  • Varied and interesting work – no day is the same at NorthLink Ferries
  • Having the chance to work with and around friendly people – we have a great culture with high employee satisfaction
  • The opportunity to work for a well-respected brand where people development is at the heart of our culture

Place of Work

The successful candidate may be required to work on any vessel owned, managed, or chartered by the ship owner out of locations that the operator has vessels operating. The normal work pattern is two weeks on/off with annual leave.

It is preferred that Candidates live within the local vicinity of our Ports (Aberdeen, Orkney & Shetland).

To Apply:
To apply for this role, please register and apply via our recruitment portal
https://northlinkferries.ankaarecruiter.com/Jobseeker

How to apply for job vacancies using ‘my ankaa’

Closing Date for Applications: Tuesday 16th December 2025

Ferry
Ad hoc Able Seafarer
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Job Reference: JOB-00068
Job Type: Temporary
Rank: AB
Vessel Type: Roro – Ro Pax
Trading Area: North Sea
Joining Date: 14 Aug 2025
Joining Port: Various
Experience Required: NA
Office: Aberdeen
Desirable Documentation:

STCW – A-V 2-1 Crowd Management Training.
STCW – A-VI 2-2 Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (PFRB) .
STCW – A-VI 3 Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF).

Summary

Duties and Responsibilities

  • The candidate will work under the instruction of the Bosun, as directed by the Chief Officer (Head of the Deck Department).
  • Contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of the vessel to the highest possible standards.
  • Ability to demonstrate excellent safety awareness and full understanding of vessel and company operating procedures and risk assessments.
  • Full familiarity with all safety equipment and procedures to be adopted in the event of an emergency.
  • To support and partake in safety drills and training in line with assigned muster duties.
  • Watchkeeping and lookout duties.
  • Contributing to safe and efficient mooring operations.
  • Any other duties as instructed by the Bosun or Chief Officer.

Minimum Certification

Essential

  • Valid ENG1 Medical
  • Able Seafarer (Deck) Certificate
  • Efficient Deck Hand
  • STCW ’95 Basic Safety Training / Manilla Amendments
    • Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques
    • Proficiency in Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
    • Proficiency in Elementary First Aid
    • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (not including fast rescue boat)
    • Proficiency in Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
    • Proficiency in Security Awareness
    • Crowd Management Training

Desirable

  • Crisis Management & Human Behaviour
  • Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
  • Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
  • Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boat
  • Forklift Training
  • MEWP Training

Place of Work

The successful candidate may be required to work on any vessel owned, managed, or chartered by the ship owner out of locations that the operator has vessels operating.

It is preferred that Candidates live within the local vicinity of our Ports (Aberdeen, Orkney & Shetland).

To Apply:
To apply for this role, please register and apply via our recruitment portal
https://northlinkferries.ankaarecruiter.com/Jobseeker

How to apply for job vacancies using ‘my ankaa’

Ferry
3rd Officer
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Job Reference: JOB-00064
Job Type: Temporary
Rank: Third Officer
Vessel Type: Passenger – Cruise Sail
Trading Area: North Sea
Joining Date: 28 Jul 2025
Joining Port: Aberdeen
Experience Required: NA
Office: Aberdeen
Desirable Documentation:

Skills & Training Certificates – ECDIS course – Type specific.
STCW – A-V 2-1 Crowd Management Training.
STCW – A-V 2-3 Crisis Management and Human Behaviour Training.
STCW – A-VI 2-2 Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (PFRB) .

Summary

Description

Applications are invited for the position of Ad hoc 3rd Officer within the Serco NorthLink Ferries fleet.

Context/Job Purpose

The OOW is responsible to the Master during bridge watch keeping, ensuring that statutory, company and where appropriate, local regulations are complied with at all

times. During periods as Loading Officer the OOW is responsible to the Chief Officer for the safe conduct of cargo operations, ensuring that statutory, company and where appropriate local regulations are observed. During Bridge Watchkeeping and Loading Officer duties the OOW has functional authority over the Deck crew assigned to the watch.

Duties and Responsibilities (but not limited to)

  1. In charge of Navigational watch.
  2. In charge of the vehicle deck whilst loading and discharging cargo.
  3. Assist in the maintenance and upkeep of charts, including electronic charts where fitted, and all nautical publications, including in electronic format, if required by 2/O.
  4. Boat and fire drills as per muster list.
  5. Ensuring that all L.S.A. & F.F.A. are in good working order and up to date as per the planned maintenance system.
  6. Meteorological Observation reports.
  7. Assist Chief Officer with planned maintenance requirements as required.
  8. Any other duties the Master deems relevant or necessary.

Place of Work

The Third Officer may be required to work on any vessel owned, managed or chartered by the ship owner out of the Northern Isles locations that the operator has vessels operating.  The normal work pattern is two weeks on/off with annual leave.

It is preferred that Candidates live within the local vicinity of our Ports (Aberdeen, Orkney & Shetland).

To Apply:
To apply for this role, please register and apply via our recruitment portal
https://northlinkferries.ankaarecruiter.com/Jobseeker

How to apply for job vacancies using ‘my ankaa’

Serco NorthLink Ferries and Serco Ferries (Guernsey) Crewing Ltd is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Header image: In the galley of MV Hjaltland photo © Copyright Stephen Mercer Productions