We are seeking an experienced Commanding Officer to lead MPV Minna, providing direction, leadership and support to the vessel's crew while contributing to the delivery of Marine Directorate operational priorities. Working closely with Compliance colleagues and external partners, you will play a key role in delivering fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance activity at sea.
As Commanding Officer, you will hold overall responsibility for the safe, legal and efficient operation of the vessel, its crew and embarked personnel. Your primary objective will be to maintain operational readiness and provide effective leadership that enables the successful delivery of fisheries protection activities while upholding the highest standards of maritime safety, environmental protection and professional practice.
This role will initially be based on board MPV Minna; however, you may be required to take command of any of the other MPVs or MRVs in the fleet.
Responsibilities
Full authority and responsibility for taking all necessary actions to ensure the safety of the vessel and crew, prevent pollution, and support the efficient operation of the vessel.
Ensure the vessel complies with UK and international maritime regulations.
Oversee fisheries inspections at sea, ensuring vessels comply with fishing legislation and quotas, and/or coordinate and support scientific research activities, including the collection of data on fish stocks and marine ecosystems.
Motivate and lead the crew to achieve operational and annual objectives.
Maintain the vessel's operational readiness and ensure safe navigation at sea.
- Demonstrate practical ship-handling skills, with particular emphasis on the safe manoeuvring of the vessel in harbours and confined waters.
Qualifications
- Master Mariner (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency.
- A British Sea Fisheries Officer Warrant.
- A valid ENG1 Certificate without limitations.
- All relevant STCW qualifications required to serve as Master on a UK merchant vessel
- Connections and communication with stakeholders – Practitioner level
- Operational leadership and management – Practitioner level
- Delivery and decision making at speed – Practitioner level
You can find out more about the skills required here: ODP Competency Framework
- Significant experience of commanding a vessel, or serving in a senior deck officer role, with responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, crew and onboard activities within a regulated maritime environment.
- Experience of ensuring compliance with UK and international maritime legislation, fisheries regulations, safety management systems and environmental requirements, while maintaining operational readiness and delivering operational objectives at sea.
Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and a presentation/job simulation.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 7 September 2026; however, this may be subject to change.
Apply before 23:59 on 23 August 2026. This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only. External candidates and staff from other UK Government Departments are not eligible to apply for this vacancy.
Recruitment Principles:
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
Commanding Officer employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
