The following jobs are available on board NorthLink Ferries vessels:
Contract Type: Permanent Department: Deck Location: Northern Isles Routes
We are seeking an experienced and confident Second Officer to join the Serco NorthLink Ferries fleet, operating lifeline passenger and freight services between Aberdeen, Orkney and Shetland.
This is a senior watchkeeping position, suited to a capable Officer of the Watch who is ready to take greater operational responsibility and play a key role in cargo oversight, navigational decision-making and onboard safety leadership.
Operating in some of the UK’s most demanding coastal waters, you will be trusted to exercise sound judgement, uphold the highest safety standards and contribute meaningfully to the vessel’s overall performance.
The Role
As the successful candidate, you will report to the Chief Officer and Master and act as the Senior Officer of the Watch.
You will:
This role demands professionalism, composure and a visible commitment to safe and efficient ship operations.
What You’ll Bring
Essential
Desirable
What Success Looks Like
In this role, you will demonstrate:
What We Offer
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
How to apply for job vacancies using ‘my ankaa’
Closing Date for Applications: Tuesday 3rd March 2026
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.
As the successful candidate, you will report to the Chief Officer and Master and serve as a navigational watchkeeping officer.
You will be supported by senior officers while being expected to demonstrate sound judgement, professionalism and a proactive approach to safety.
Contract: Seasonal/ Ad-Hoc (April – October) Rate of pay: £ 34,256 (PSA, Pro rata), £ 41,216 (Chef, Pro rata) Shift Pattern: 2 week on / 2 week off
Serco operate three passenger vessels between mainland Scotland and the Orkney & Shetland islands: the MV Hjaltland, MV Hrossey and MV Hamnavoe.
NorthLink Ferries sail daily from Aberdeen to Lerwick and from Scrabster on the north coast of Scotland to Stromness in Orkney. Our ferries operate 363 days per year providing the lifeline service to the Northern Isles, with islanders, visitors, goods and supplies all travelling by NorthLink Ferries.
About you
Ideally living within the local catchment area of our operating ports of Stromness and Scrabster as well as Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Lerwick, you will be friendly, enthusiastic, flexible and a quick learner. You’ll take great pride in what you do and be committed to delivering the very highest level of customer service. Experience in retail, hospitality or other customer services environments would be advantageous, as would cash-handling skills and working to a roster system.
Benefits of a career with NorthLink Ferries
About the role
Opportunities to work in a dynamic, busy environment onboard our ferries. Onboard passenger services staff are responsible for providing the highest levels of customer services to our passengers – whether it be our retail, food or beverage outlets.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
In order to apply you must be able to meet the following requirements:
Training
With the benefit of a comprehensive two-week training programme including STCW training being provided to equip you with the full range of skills you’ll deliver the highest standards around. Our training is focused on providing a service which reflects safety, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
PLEASE NOTE
Successful applicants will need to be available for a two week programme starting 6th of April to complete mandatory training.
Shortlisted applicants for the role of Chef will be required to complete a skill set assessment as part of the selection process.
Closing Date for Applications: Monday 16th February 2026
Description Applications are invited for the position of Able Seafarer Engine within the Serco NorthLink Ferries fleet. Applicants are reminded that you may be appointed to any vessel within the fleet.
Salary: £43,132
Context/Job Purpose The Able Seafarer Engine is responsible to the engineer officer of the watch to assist with the safe and efficient running of the ships machinery. While on board the vessel this person will ensure that all work and emergency duties are carried out in accordance with the guidelines contained in: Company Management Manual, Code of Safe Working Practice, SOLAS and MARPOL Regulations and Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan.
Duties and Responsibilities
Minimum Certification
Essential Certification
Closing Date for Applications: Friday 16th January 2026
Description
Applications are invited for the position of Able Seafarer (Deck) within the Serco NorthLink Ferries fleet.
Benefits
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).
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
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.
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) .
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)
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.
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
