Commanding Officer in Gosport

Commanding Officer in Gosport

Gosport Full-Time 40000 - 50000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Marine Society & Sea Cadets

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a crew and ensure the safe operation of TS John Jerwood while providing adventure for young cadets.
  • Company: Join a passionate charity dedicated to empowering young people through maritime activities.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 104 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on personal growth and community impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying a fulfilling maritime career.
  • Qualifications: Yachtmaster Offshore (Power) or equivalent with strong leadership and ship-handling skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.

Thousands of young people take part in Sea Cadets activity every week. We want to reach thousands more. We have a strong vision and are on the cusp of rolling out a new multi-year growth strategy to meet the growing demand for what we provide for young people. We aim to equip them to achieve their potential and thrive in a rapidly changing world. We are immensely proud of the breadth, quality and safety of activities we offer to young people.

We are currently looking for a Yachtmaster Offshore (Power) (or equivalent) to join our team as the Master of TS John Jerwood.

About the role

The Commanding Officer, TS John Jerwood is the Master of the vessel and is accountable to the Head of Offshore (DPA) for every aspect of the safe operation of the ship. This seafarer’s position requires prolonged periods of duty and flexible working hours. The role, vessel and Offshore organisation are compliant with the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, including provisions for crew rest and generous leave. Due to the nature of the work, this post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the post holder will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Responsibilities

  • The Commanding Officer is to use their knowledge, skills and experience to lead a crew of three other seafarers and two volunteers in the safe operation of the ship.
  • They are the line manager of all other crew onboard, monitoring suitability, qualifications and experience of all seafarers and managing continuous professional development of the permanent crew.
  • They manage a programme of voyages in the UK and near‑abroad, creating opportunities for personal growth and adventure for cadets, practical application of maritime knowledge and skills, and training and certification under the RYA Motor Cruising scheme.
  • They are accountable to the Head of Offshore for the material state and safety of the vessel.
  • They act as the senior advisor to the Head of Offshore with respect to that class of vessel.
  • They act in the best interests of the charity, as ambassadors for the sea cadets, and promote those interests with local and regional partners.

Qualifications

  • Yachtmaster Offshore (Power) or equivalent.
  • Yachtmaster Offshore (Motor Cruising) with commercial endorsement (or Merchant Navy equivalent CofC).
  • Ship-handling experience to command a 24m twin screw motor vessel.
  • Strong management and leadership skills with the ability to direct ship staff with clarity and positively.
  • Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of personnel from young cadets to visiting VIPs.
  • Proven instructional ability.

Desirable

  • Previous experience in operation and management of motor training vessels.
  • RYA Cruising Instructor or Yachtmaster Instructor.
  • Experience or knowledge of uniformed youth organisations.
  • Experience working within the charitable, voluntary or not-for-profit sector.

Equal opportunities and safeguarding

MSSC is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the values, and the ethos of inclusivity. Employment is subject to detailed pre‑employment checks, including references, criminal disclosure checks and a disclosure questionnaire. All successful applicants must attend safeguarding training and undergo a criminal record check.

Benefits

  • 104 days annual leave per annum
  • Life assurance (4x salary) for those that join the pension
  • Private medical insurance
  • Volunteering Leave
  • Generous pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Access to the Marine Society Digital Library
  • Wellbeing portal and employee assistance programme with 121 counselling
  • Employee development: Annual calendar of learning and development opportunities to support staff growth.

Commanding Officer in Gosport employer: Marine Society & Sea Cadets

As a Commanding Officer with Sea Cadets, you will be part of a dynamic organisation dedicated to empowering young people through maritime experiences. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous benefits package, including 104 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and a robust pension scheme. We foster a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, ensuring you have ample opportunities to grow while making a meaningful impact in the lives of cadets.

Marine Society & Sea Cadets

Contact Detail:

Marine Society & Sea Cadets Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commanding Officer in Gosport

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the maritime and youth organisation sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Commanding Officer role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your ship-handling experience and leadership abilities. When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, let them see what you can bring to the table beyond just your CV.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t wait for job postings to come to you. Reach out directly to organisations like Sea Cadets through our website. Express your interest in the Commanding Officer position and share how your experience aligns with their mission.

Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and safety management. Think about scenarios you’ve faced in previous roles and how you handled them. This will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role of Master of TS John Jerwood.

We think you need these skills to ace Commanding Officer in Gosport

Yachtmaster Offshore (Power) or equivalent
Ship-handling experience
Management Skills
Leadership Skills
Instructional Ability
Effective Communication
Crew Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people and the sea shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our mission to help cadets thrive!

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant qualifications and experiences that match the role of Commanding Officer. We’re looking for specific examples of your leadership and ship-handling skills, so don’t hold back!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills are easy to spot. Remember, we’re busy too!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at Marine Society & Sea Cadets

Know Your Vessel Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of TS John Jerwood and its operations. Familiarise yourself with the vessel's safety protocols, equipment, and the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. This knowledge will show your commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your management and leadership experience. Think about times when you successfully directed a team or handled challenging situations on board. This role requires strong leadership, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and manage a crew is crucial.

Connect with the Mission

Understand the vision and values of the Sea Cadets. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with their mission to empower young people. Showing genuine enthusiasm for their goals will set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about the organisation’s impact.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in maritime scenarios. Think through potential challenges you might face as Commanding Officer and how you would address them. This preparation will help you demonstrate your critical thinking and decision-making abilities during the interview.