At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure top-notch safety standards and lead a team in fisheries operations.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government, dedicated to improving lives across Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy 175 days of annual leave and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and compliance while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Must hold Chief Mate (Unlimited) Certificate and relevant STCW qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Join our team as a First Officer (Safety) and play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of operational safety, compliance, and risk management. In this pivotal position, you will support the Captain and Safety Management team by monitoring safety procedures, identifying potential hazards, and promoting a proactive safety culture across all operations. When assigned to the Inshore Protection Programme (IPP), you may act as Senior Boarding Officer, co-ordinating fisheries operations with the local Business Manager and leading a small team (coxswain and boarding assistant) to deliver inshore patrols and risk-based enforcement. This is a leadership role requiring strong safety management, sound judgement, and the ability to balance operational, safety and fisheries responsibilities effectively.
Responsibilities:
- Act as Officer of the Watch and support the Commanding Officer in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.
- Lead all onboard safety management, including drills, statutory compliance and risk assessments.
- Maintain safety records, product data sheets and files on all relevant fisheries legislation.
- Carry out British Sea Fishery Officer duties and support offshore fisheries enforcement operations.
- Ensure crew follow safe working practices in line with Directorate procedures.
- Programme and record all safety and anti-pollution exercises as required by regulations.
- Deliver vessel familiarisation and safety induction for new crew members.
- Investigate safety non-conformities and support corrective actions.
- When deployed to IPP, act as Senior Boarding Officer, coordinating inshore fisheries operations with the local Business Manager.
- Lead a small IPP team (coxswain and boarding assistant) to conduct compliant, risk-based inshore patrols and boardings.
Qualifications:
- Chief Mate (Unlimited) Certificate of competency.
- Valid ENG1 Certificate – Must declare limitations prior to taking on role.
- All relevant STCW qualifications. Please confirm you hold these qualifications. If you do not hold all of these qualifications, your application will not be considered.
Experience:
You must have demonstrable experience of working as a First Officer Safety on a MPV.
How to apply:
Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 750 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.
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 presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 17 August 2026 however this may be subject to change. Apply before 23:59 on 4 August 2026.
This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only (external candidates and staff from UK Other 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.
About us:
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.
Working pattern:
Your annual leave allowance is 175 days. Leave is calculated pro-rata based on the period of time employed. Typical trip lengths are 22 days on, 22 days off or 28 days on 26 days off.
Security checks:
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). Internal candidates may need to gain higher security clearance than they currently hold if successful in their application.
Equality statement:
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Further information:
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
First Officer Safety 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Officer Safety
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We think you need these skills to ace First Officer Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Scottish Government, 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 Scottish Government 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 Scottish Government. 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 Scottish Government
✨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 Scottish Government.
✨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 Scottish Government.
