2nd Officer (Offshore) in Portsmouth

Location: Shipboard

Salary: Competitive salary plus benefits

Schedule: Permanent, rotational 6 weeks on / 6 weeks off

Ready to impact a better future? We are seeking an experienced 2nd Officer (Unlimited) to join our dynamic team onboard one of our worldwide support vessels. The successful candidate will play a key role in safe navigation, voyage planning, compliance documentation management, inspections of Life‑Saving Appliances (LSA) and Fire‑Fighting Appliances (FFA), planned maintenance, and supervising deck operations, ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations, company procedures, and a high level of engagement with the Safety Management System (SMS) and SEAMS. You will act as a bridge watchkeeper, maintain navigational systems, and support operational excellence across our offshore fleet.

What you’ll do as a 2nd Officer (Offshore Operations):

• Carry out duties assigned by the Chief Officer as reasonably required to support safe and efficient vessel operations.
• Maintain navigational watch and ensure compliance with COLREGS and company procedures, ensuring adherence to the Master’s Standing Orders at all times.
• Prepare voyage plans and operational documentation in consultation with the Master/Chief Officer.
• Monitor and maintain navigational equipment, charts, and publications to ensure accuracy and readiness.
• Assist the Chief Officer in managing deck operations and cargo handling, including supervising and participating in cargo and deck operations, ensuring toolbox talks and safety protocols are followed.
• Operate the Permit to Work (PTW) and Risk Assessment (RA) as described in company procedures.
• Manage medical equipment and facilities on board, ensuring the medical locker is well‑maintained and stocked.
• Requisition, issue, and periodically examine Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all crew members.
• Conduct regular inspections of all lifesaving and firefighting equipment, maintaining accurate records and ensuring proper maintenance and replacement.
• Fulfil the duties of the Safety Officer as defined in the Code of Safe Working Practices (COSWP).
• Support the Chief Officer with documentation updates, procedural changes, and compliance records to ensure accuracy and readiness for audits.
• Maintain accurate records for safety, performance and operational reporting.
• Support crew training and adherence to SMS, SEAMS, and company procedures.
• Promote a safe working environment and uphold all company, legislative, and flag requirements.
• Support emergency preparedness and contingency planning for all vessel operations.

Does this sound like you? You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:

• Valid STCW II/1 Officer of the Watch (OOW) Certificate.
• Minimum 12 months sea time as OOW on deep sea vessels.
• Updated and valid STCW qualifications.
• Unrestricted ENG1.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills for supervising deck crew and coordinating with senior officers.
• IT Skills: Competent in using electronic chart systems and vessel management software.

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

• US Visa
• Ship’s Safety Officer Certificate
• Ship’s Security Officer Certificate
• DP Officer Qualification/Experience
• Explosives Responsible Officer Course
• International Safety Management (ISM)
• International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS)
• Experience working on UK Flagged Vessels

This role requires formal Security Clearance which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, 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 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.

Discover all you need to keep growing. We’re one of the top 1% of international employers, so you can have confidence you’ll be part of a highly supportive culture with leaders you can count on to help you achieve your goals. From mentoring and training to our focus on internal progression, we’re proud to offer clear development opportunities – and the support and tools to help you seize them.

What We Offer:

• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays (and the option to buy up to five additional leave days each year)
• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (including L3 Team Leader and L5 Operations Manager apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
• Health and wellbeing: 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: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.

To discover more about our careers in Defence, meet our team, and to find out more about what we offer, please follow this Link. We’re also a signatory of the UK Governments Women in Defence Charter, to find out more please click here.

Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens, we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.