Commanding Officer, TS John Jerwood in Gosport

Location: Gosport, PO12 2AB

Contract: Full time, Permanent

Salary: £39,000 - £41,000, dependent on experience

Closing Date: 31 May 2026

Are you a Yachtmaster Offshore (Power) or equivalent looking for a new opportunity? The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is the leading maritime charity for youth development and lifelong learning. We are a vibrant and growing charity inspiring young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure, while also enabling seafarers and maritime professionals to realise their potential through learning and career development.

About The Role

The Commanding Officer of 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 is a seafarer's position requiring prolonged periods of duty and flexible working hours. The vessel and Offshore organisation are subject to and compliant with the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, including provisions for crew rest and a generous leave allowance. 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 the suitability, qualifications and experience of all seafarers, and managing the continuous professional development of the permanent crew.
• They are to manage a programme of voyages in the UK and near‑abroad, creating opportunities for personal growth and adventure for the 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 are to act as the senior advisor to the Head of Offshore with respect to that class of vessel.
• They are to act in the best interests of the charity, acting as ambassadors for the sea cadets, and promoting those interests with local and regional partners.

Requirements

• Yachtmaster Offshore (Motor Cruising) with commercial endorsement (or Merchant Navy equivalent CoC).
• Ship‑handing experience to command a 24 m twin‑screw motor vessel.
• Strong management and leadership skills and ability to direct ship staff with clarity and in a positive manner.
• 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 of working within the charitable, voluntary or not‑for‑profit sector.

Benefits

• 104 days annual leave per annum.
• Life assurance (4 × 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 EAP with 121 counselling.
• Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.

Additional Information

MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. 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 MSSC's values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre‑employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire. All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo a criminal record check.