Vessel Based Jobs

Job Reference: JOB-00072
Job Type: Fixed Term
Rank: Deck Rating Apprentice
Vessel Type: Roro – Ro Pax
Trading Area: Scottish Coast
Joining Date: 01 Feb 2026
Joining Port: Various
Experience Required: NA
Office: Aberdeen

Summary

Launch Your Career at Sea with NorthLink Ferries

Deck Rating Apprenticeships

Serco NorthLink Ferries is proud to operate lifeline passenger and freight services between the Northern Isles and mainland Scotland.

We’re offering three fully funded maritime apprenticeship opportunities starting in January 2026—a chance to build a rewarding career at sea to motivated individuals living within the local catchment areas of our operating ports of Aberdeen, Scrabster, Shetland, and Orkney

As a Deck Rating Apprentice, you’ll undertake a 2-year training programme combining academic study at UHI Shetland and gain practical experience aboard NorthLink vessels.

You’ll work towards the following industry-recognised certifications:

• STCW Basic Training
• Level 2 Award in Maritime Studies (Watch Rating – Deck)
• Watch Rating Certificate (STCW Reg II/4)
• Level 2 Certificate in Maritime Studies (Able Seafarer – Deck)
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSC&RB)
• Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)
• Able Seafarer Certificate (STCW Reg II/5)

What You Can Expect

You’ll be part of a close-knit crew, performing a variety of physical tasks under the guidance of experienced officers and crew. During your sea time, you’ll be supported through your Merchant Navy training record book, helping you build the skills and confidence needed for a long-term career at sea.

We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable, and hardworking individuals who are:

• Team players with a proactive attitude
• Good problem solvers
• Willing and able to work a 2 weeks on / 1 week off shift pattern
• Able to pass a seafarer’s medical examination

Eligibility Criteria

To comply with UK maritime safety regulations and the nature of onboard duties—including night shifts and physically demanding tasks—applicants must be aged 18 or over by the start of onboard training in mid-February 2026.

Applicants should also hold National 4 qualifications (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.

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’

Job Reference: JOB-00073
Job Type: Fixed Term
Rank: Engine Rating apprentice
Vessel Type: Roro – Ro Pax
Trading Area: North Sea
Joining Date: 01 Feb 2026
Joining Port: Various
Experience Required: NA
Office: Aberdeen

Summary

Launch Your Career at Sea with NorthLink Ferries

Engine Room Rating Apprenticeships

Serco NorthLink Ferries is proud to operate lifeline passenger and freight services between the Northern Isles and mainland Scotland.

We’re offering three fully funded maritime apprenticeship opportunities starting in January 2026—a chance to build a rewarding career at sea to motivated individuals living within the local catchment areas of our operating ports of Aberdeen, Scrabster, Shetland, and Orkney

This 18-month programme also includes study at UHI Shetland and hands-on experience in the engine room aboard our vessels.

You’ll work towards the following industry-recognised certifications:

• STCW Basic Training
• Watch Rating Certificate (STCW Reg III/4)
• Diploma in Maritime Studies: Able Seafarer (Engine Room)
• Able Seafarer Certificate (STCW Reg III/5)

What You Can Expect

You’ll be part of a close-knit crew, performing a variety of physical tasks under the guidance of experienced officers and crew. During your sea time, you’ll be supported through your Merchant Navy training record book, helping you build the skills and confidence needed for a long-term career at sea.

We are looking for enthusiastic, reliable, and hardworking individuals who are:

• Team players with a proactive attitude
• Good problem solvers
• Willing and able to work a 2 weeks on / 1 week off shift pattern
• Able to pass a seafarer’s medical examination

Eligibility Criteria

To comply with UK maritime safety regulations and the nature of onboard duties—including night shifts and physically demanding tasks—applicants must be aged 18 or over by the start of onboard training in mid-February 2026.

Applicants should also hold National 4 qualifications (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.

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’

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’

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’