Seafarer Deck Rating Apprentice in Portsmouth

Location: HMNB Portsmouth, PO1 3LT

Salary: £25,729.45 plus excellent benefits

Apprenticeship Qualification: Level 2 Certificate Able Seafarer (Deck)

Training: Attend North Kent College - Schedule to be confirmed

Expected Duration: 24 Months

Schedule: Full-Time/48 hours - including Sea phases and college-based learning

Start Date: 14th September 2026

As an Able Seafarer Deck Apprentice in our Defence Marine Services team, you’ll undertake structured training and gain valuable sea service experience to achieve your Able Seafarer (Deck) qualification while supporting vessel operations. Your role will help ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of maritime services. This is an opportunity to build a rewarding maritime career where your work has purpose from day one. You’ll learn from experienced crews, develop specialist skills, and contribute to operations that support important defence activities.

What you’ll do as an Able Seafarer Deck Apprentice:

• Work as a member of the deck department onboard assigned vessels.
• Learn and perform bridge watchkeeping duties, including maintaining a lookout during day and night operations.
• Support routine vessel maintenance and assist with the operation of deck equipment, mooring systems, and safety equipment.
• Carry out housekeeping duties and help maintain high standards across vessel accommodation and shared areas.
• Complete all apprenticeship training requirements and tasks within the Able Seafarer (Deck) Training Record Book.
• Maintain the safety, security, and wellbeing of colleagues, the vessel, cargo, and the marine environment at all times.

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

• 18+ years old
• Have 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths at grade C or above
• Have the ability to obtain Security Clearance and meet UK citizenship requirements
• Eligible to gain an ENG1 Unrestricted Medical Certificate, including eyesight standards
• Have a genuine interest in developing a maritime career and a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.
• Show strong teamwork, communication skills, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to new challenges and environments.

What We Offer:

• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays
• 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.

Our Inclusive Recruitment Commitment:

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Applicants may 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).