At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Skipper in vessel operations and deliver top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join CalMac, a vital ferry service connecting Scotland's beautiful islands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and shifts that let you enjoy life at sea.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied tasks and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in island communities while working in stunning coastal locations.
- Qualifications: Must hold relevant maritime certifications and have strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 46771 - 46771 £ per year.
Salary: £46,771 *Higher rate of pay when covering skipper duties
Contract: Permanent
Working Hours: shifts are 1 week on a vessel /1 week off or 2 weeks on a vessel/2 weeks off – depending on the vessel you are allocated to will depend on the shift pattern - 42 hours per week
Love life at sea and delivering a great customer experience? Join CalMac as a Seaman Purser (Assistant to Skipper / Second Driver) and play a key role in keeping Scotland's island communities connected. This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same.
What you'll be doing:
- Supporting the safe day-to-day operation of the vessel and acting as relief Skipper when required
- Carrying out navigation, mooring and deck operations
- Assisting with machinery operation and routine maintenance
- Ensuring lifesaving and firefighting equipment is maintained and ready for use
- Delivering excellent customer service and assisting passengers
- Managing ticket sales, fare collection and cash handling
- Supporting safety drills, emergency procedures and regulatory compliance
- Helping ensure every sailing is safe, reliable and welcoming
What certifications we are looking for:
- You must hold the following to be considered Tier 1 Level 2 Boatmaster Licence with Passenger Vessel Endorsement; or Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) STCW II/1
- Tier 2 Level 2 endorsement for service vessels and operating area
- Pilot Exemption Certificate for relevant Clyde routes
We're looking for individuals with the right qualifications, strong communication skills and customer focus with the ability to work closely with Skippers and crew and we would love to hear from experienced, safety-focused professionals. You’ll have experience in fast-paced operational environments, and a solid understanding of CoSWP, Permit to Work and Risk Assessment processes.
Why join CalMac? At CalMac, you'll help deliver essential lifeline ferry services, support island communities, and work in some of Scotland's most stunning coastal locations. If you're customer-focused, safety-driven, and ready for your next challenge, what are you waiting for? Apply today!
Please note, we may close this vacancy early for external applicants if we receive the required quality or quantity of applications. All offers are subject to references and right to work in the UK checks. No agencies please.
Seaman Purser (Assistant to Skipper / Second Driver) in Gourock employer: Caledonian MacBrayne
At CalMac, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With our hybrid working model based in Gourock, employees enjoy the flexibility of remote work while also having the opportunity to engage directly with our vibrant teams across ports and vessels. We are committed to employee growth, providing comprehensive training and mentorship to ensure that every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our transformative journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seaman Purser (Assistant to Skipper / Second Driver) in Gourock
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Caledonian MacBrayne.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Caledonian MacBrayne. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Seaman Purser (Assistant to Skipper / Second Driver) in Gourock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Caledonian MacBrayne, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Caledonian MacBrayne and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Caledonian MacBrayne. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caledonian MacBrayne
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Caledonian MacBrayne.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Caledonian MacBrayne.