At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead deck operations, ensuring safety and efficiency in vessel management and cargo handling.
- Company: Join Serco, a global leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and discounts across 1,000 retailers.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in maritime operations while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must hold an AB Certificate and relevant STCW certifications.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8AJ
Salary: Competitive salary plus excellent benefits
Schedule: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off rotation
Ready to impact a better future? As an AB Bosun in our Defence Maritime team, you’ll play a key role in supporting safe vessel operations, maintenance activities, and cargo handling. As the senior deck rating on board, you’ll help ensure deck personnel, equipment, and operations are ready to deliver essential maritime services safely and efficiently. In this role, you'll help create a positive impact by maintaining high safety standards, supporting operational readiness, and ensuring vessels remain prepared to meet customer and mission requirements. Your expertise, professionalism, and commitment to teamwork will help impact a better future while creating trusted and effective solutions for our customers and communities.
What you’ll do as an AB Bosun:
- Lead and supervise deck ratings, ensuring tasks are carried out safely, professionally, and in line with operating procedures and risk assessments.
- Support the Master in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, maintaining compliance with company, Flag State, Classification Society, International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS), and International Safety Management (ISM) requirements.
- Manage cargo loading and unloading activities in accordance with approved cargo plans and operational requirements.
- Maintain the cleanliness, upkeep, and readiness of vessel accommodation, deck areas, bridge spaces, and working environments.
- Monitor lifting equipment, maintain accurate records, and ensure equipment is available for testing and certification as required.
- Conduct toolbox talks, promote a strong safety culture, and support the vessel’s safety committees and daily operational planning activities.
Does this sound like you?
- Hold an Able Seafarer (AB) Certificate of Competence and relevant Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certifications, including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Survival Craft proficiency.
- Hold a valid ENG1 medical certificate.
- Have experience working in maritime deck operations, including cargo handling, vessel maintenance, and deck watchkeeping duties.
- Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders to achieve safe and successful outcomes.
- Take pride in delivering high standards, demonstrate personal drive, and adapt positively to changing operational requirements.
What we offer:
- 25 days’ holiday
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
- Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
- Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel.
- Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity.
- Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging.
Vetting and checks: This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, you will need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
A little bit about us: At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment: We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).
For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.
AB Bosun employer: Serco
Serco is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. As a Ward Host Assistant at University Hospital Southampton, you will enjoy flexible shift options and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient care, all while being part of a team that values hospitality and customer service excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AB Bosun
✨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 Serco.
✨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 Serco. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace AB Bosun
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Serco, 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 Serco 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 Serco. 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 Serco
✨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 Serco.
✨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 Serco.