Vessel Based Jobs

We are seeking a motivated and safety focused Third Officer to join the Serco NorthLink Ferries fleet, operating vital passenger and freight services between Aberdeen, Orkney and Shetland.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Officer of the Watch looking to build experience within a professional Ro-Ro passenger operation. Working alongside experienced senior officers, you will develop your watchkeeping, cargo operations and safety management skills while contributing to the safe and efficient running of the vessel.

Operating in dynamic coastal waters, this role offers strong exposure to bridge operations, passenger vessel procedures and deck team leadership.

The Role
As the successful candidate, you will report to the Chief Officer and Master and serve as a navigational watchkeeping officer.

You will:

• Take charge of a navigational watch in accordance with company procedures and the Master’s standing orders.
• Support safe and efficient vehicle and freight operations during designated loading and discharge periods.
• Maintain charts (paper and electronic) and nautical publications.
• Hold designated responsibility for allocated lifesaving and firefighting equipment, ensuring compliance with the Planned Maintenance System.
• Participate fully in emergency drills and fulfil assigned duties as per the Muster List.
• Maintain accurate maintenance and operational records for your areas of responsibility.
• Exercise functional authority over deck ratings assigned to your watch.
• Undertake additional duties as directed by the Chief Officer or Master.
  You will be supported by senior officers while being expected to demonstrate sound judgement, professionalism and a proactive approach to safety.

What You’ll Bring
Essential

• STCW II/1 Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency
• Valid Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1)
• GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate
• All required STCW basic and advanced safety certification
• ECDIS Generic / NAEST (O)
• Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats
• Fast Rescue Boat
• Strong understanding of COLREGS and bridge watchkeeping principles
• A positive, team-focused approach

Desirable

• Chief Mate (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency
• Experience on Ro-Ro or passenger vessels
• Familiarity with UK port operations
• Confidence using ECDIS, radar and modern bridge systems
• An interest in progressing toward senior deck officer roles

What Success Looks Like
In this role, you will demonstrate:

• Safe, accurate and professional watchkeeping
• Effective supervision during cargo operations
• Well-maintained safety equipment within your assigned areas
• Positive teamwork and constructive communication onboard
• A visible commitment to continuous professional development

What We Offer

• Two weeks on / two weeks off rotation
• Competitive salary
• Contribution towards travel expenses
• 28 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Contributory Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Wellbeing support
• Staff discounts scheme

Place of Work
You may be required to work on any vessel owned, managed or chartered within the Serco NorthLink Ferries fleet operating from Aberdeen, Orkney and Shetland.
While not essential, preference may be given to candidates living within the local catchment area our operating ports.

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

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Closing Date for Applications: Monday 30th March 2026

Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Permanent
Department: Deck
Location: Onboard vessels operating from Aberdeen

We are now seeking a Security Operative to join our onboard crewing team, employed by Serco Ferries (Guernsey) Crewing Limited and working onboard vessels primarily based in Aberdeen.

The Role
Reporting to the Chief Officer, you will play a vital role in maintaining the safety, security and overall experience of passengers onboard. Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining a visible, proactive presence in passenger areas
• Conducting regular security rounds
• Monitoring and reporting on passenger behaviour
• Assisting passengers as required
• Manning the gangway and controlling access to the vessel
• Completing all relevant security records
• Assisting with vehicle loading and collecting boarding cards
• Supporting passenger operations as directed by the Officer of the Watch or Chief Officer
• Undertaking any additional duties assigned by the Chief Officer, Officer of the Watch or Master

What You’ll Bring

We are looking for someone who is approachable, professional, and confident when engaging with passengers and colleagues. You will bring strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm, composed, and reassuring in a busy and dynamic passenger environment. With good situational awareness and a proactive attitude, you will help maintain a safe, secure and positive experience for all travellers. Reliability, teamwork, and the ability to follow procedures accurately are essential, along with a customer‑focused approach and a willingness to assist passengers whenever required.

Essential (Certification Requirements)

• UK seafarer medical fitness certificate (ENG 1)
• STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST)

The company will fund the ENG 1 medical and PST training for the successful applicant if these are not currently held.

Desirable

• STCW Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)

What We Offer

• Two weeks on / two weeks off working rotation
• Competitive salary
• 24 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Wellbeing support
• Staff discount scheme

Place of Work
This role is based onboard vessels operating from Aberdeen, and you may be required to work on any vessel owned, managed or chartered as part of the Serco NorthLink Ferries fleet serving the Northern Isles.

Preference may be given to applicants living within the catchment area of our operating ports, although this is not essential.

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

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Closing Date for Applications: Friday 20th March 2026

Job Reference: JOB-00068
Job Type: Temporary
Rank: AB
Vessel Type: Roro – Ro Pax
Trading Area: North Sea
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

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Job Reference: JOB-00064
Job Type: Temporary
Rank: Third Officer
Vessel Type: Passenger – Cruise Sail
Trading Area: North Sea
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’