Chief Officer Offshore Operations -Maritime North - OOP Operations
| Posting date: | 27 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £50000-64000 per annum |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 29 March 2026 |
| Location: | Portsmouth, PO1 3LT |
| Company: | Serco Limited |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 307832-44003372 |
Summary
Serco Limited
Ready to impact a better future?
Offshore Operations are seeking a highly capable and confident Chief Officer to serve as the vessel’s Second‑in‑Command and the Master’s principal deputy. This role carries substantial management responsibility, overseeing the deck department, ensuring safe and compliant vessel operations, and maintaining high standards of leadership, organisation, and professionalism.
As Chief Officer, you will play a central role in operational decision‑making, personnel management, and the safe execution of all shipboard activities.
What you’ll do as a Chief Officer
You’ll be entrusted to manage:
Leadership & Management
- Act as Second‑in‑Command, fully capable of assuming temporary command of the vessel in the Master’s absence.
- Lead, organise, and supervise the deck department, ensuring discipline, performance, and adherence to company standards.
- Mentor and develop Junior Deck Officers, ensuring they follow all procedures and are prepared for progression.
- Manage and record deck staff working hours and maintain an efficient, well‑coordinated team.
- Provide thorough written handovers when joining or leaving the vessel.
Deck Operations & Safety Oversight
- Plan, manage, and supervise maintenance of all deck areas, hatches, holds, and superstructure.
- Inspect deck machinery, equipment, and inventories on joining the ship, ensuring readiness and compliance.
- Maintain responsibility for deck stores, stowage, stock levels, and ordering.
- Ensure safe and efficient operation of all deck equipment and liaise with the Chief Engineer regarding defects.
Cargo, Stability & Ballasting
- In consultation with the Master, take charge of loading, discharge, and ballasting operations, ensuring correct stability, stress, and securing of cargo.
- Verify cargo properties and ensure safe stowage and correct marking, including hazardous cargo.
- Conduct all required stability calculations before departure.
- Maintain accurate tank soundings and records.
Navigation & Watchkeeping
- Serve as a Watchkeeping Officer (typically 4–8), taking full operational control of the vessel when on watch.
- Follow all navigation procedures and international regulations.
- Take assigned station during berthing and unberthing and maintain communication with the Master and Pilot.
Safety, Environmental Protection & Compliance
- Lead shipboard drills and verify records.
- Maintain and issue all safety equipment and PPE, ensuring correct use by personnel.
- Prevent pollution and work with the Chief Engineer during bunkering and bilge operations to avoid spills.
- Maintain vessel security and follow all contingency plans and emergency procedures.
- Report any cargo‑related or operational equipment damage and ensure Engineering is informed.
Safety Management System
Be fully conversant with:
- Permit to Work / Tag Out systems
- Waste disposal procedures
- Shipboard Management Team processes
- Shipboard Safety Committee responsibilities
Does this sound like you?
You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:
· British nationality, including a valid British passport to obtain SC clearance
- A Certificate of Competence as Chief Officer (Unlimited) as a minimum
- Valid STCW certification, including Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Designated Security Duties and Survival Craft, Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boat (FRB)
- An unrestricted ENG1 and
- A methodical approach and strong organisational capability.
- Experienced with safety routines, vessel contingency plans and company safety management systems (SMS, IMS, ISM, ISPS).
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: Competitive holiday package
- 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.
Ready to impact a better future?
Offshore Operations are seeking a highly capable and confident Chief Officer to serve as the vessel’s Second‑in‑Command and the Master’s principal deputy. This role carries substantial management responsibility, overseeing the deck department, ensuring safe and compliant vessel operations, and maintaining high standards of leadership, organisation, and professionalism.
As Chief Officer, you will play a central role in operational decision‑making, personnel management, and the safe execution of all shipboard activities.
What you’ll do as a Chief Officer
You’ll be entrusted to manage:
Leadership & Management
- Act as Second‑in‑Command, fully capable of assuming temporary command of the vessel in the Master’s absence.
- Lead, organise, and supervise the deck department, ensuring discipline, performance, and adherence to company standards.
- Mentor and develop Junior Deck Officers, ensuring they follow all procedures and are prepared for progression.
- Manage and record deck staff working hours and maintain an efficient, well‑coordinated team.
- Provide thorough written handovers when joining or leaving the vessel.
Deck Operations & Safety Oversight
- Plan, manage, and supervise maintenance of all deck areas, hatches, holds, and superstructure.
- Inspect deck machinery, equipment, and inventories on joining the ship, ensuring readiness and compliance.
- Maintain responsibility for deck stores, stowage, stock levels, and ordering.
- Ensure safe and efficient operation of all deck equipment and liaise with the Chief Engineer regarding defects.
Cargo, Stability & Ballasting
- In consultation with the Master, take charge of loading, discharge, and ballasting operations, ensuring correct stability, stress, and securing of cargo.
- Verify cargo properties and ensure safe stowage and correct marking, including hazardous cargo.
- Conduct all required stability calculations before departure.
- Maintain accurate tank soundings and records.
Navigation & Watchkeeping
- Serve as a Watchkeeping Officer (typically 4–8), taking full operational control of the vessel when on watch.
- Follow all navigation procedures and international regulations.
- Take assigned station during berthing and unberthing and maintain communication with the Master and Pilot.
Safety, Environmental Protection & Compliance
- Lead shipboard drills and verify records.
- Maintain and issue all safety equipment and PPE, ensuring correct use by personnel.
- Prevent pollution and work with the Chief Engineer during bunkering and bilge operations to avoid spills.
- Maintain vessel security and follow all contingency plans and emergency procedures.
- Report any cargo‑related or operational equipment damage and ensure Engineering is informed.
Safety Management System
Be fully conversant with:
- Permit to Work / Tag Out systems
- Waste disposal procedures
- Shipboard Management Team processes
- Shipboard Safety Committee responsibilities
Does this sound like you?
You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:
· British nationality, including a valid British passport to obtain SC clearance
- A Certificate of Competence as Chief Officer (Unlimited) as a minimum
- Valid STCW certification, including Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Designated Security Duties and Survival Craft, Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boat (FRB)
- An unrestricted ENG1 and
- A methodical approach and strong organisational capability.
- Experienced with safety routines, vessel contingency plans and company safety management systems (SMS, IMS, ISM, ISPS).
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: Competitive holiday package
- 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.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.