Job detail for Seaman 1A

Join our vessel crew and help support the important work that protects Scotland's seas and advances marine science.

The Marine Directorate is the Scottish Government's lead marine management organisation, bringing together scientific research, compliance, policy and management to support the sustainable use and protection of Scotland's marine environment. We are recruiting Seaman 1A positions to join our Marine Research Vessel fleet, working at sea as part of a professional onboard team that enables the successful delivery of scientific research programmes across Scottish waters.

As a Seaman 1A, you will play a key role in supporting deck, fishing and scientific operations aboard our research vessels, working closely with vessel officers, crew and scientific staff. Your contribution will help ensure the safe and effective operation of the vessel and the successful collection of the scientific data and evidence that underpins marine science, policy development and decision-making in Scotland.

This role will be based on-board MRV Scotia or MRV Alba na Mara, operating primarily in Scottish waters as part of a marine working pattern aligned to vessel operations.

:

• Assist with the loading, stowing, deploying, recovery, discharging and the maintenance of fishing and science equipment.
• Undertake all aspects of deck maintenance, including cleaning, painting, greasing, storing, ropework, etc as required by Commanding Officer or First Officer (Executive) and directed by CPO (Deck).
• Operate deck machinery safely and equipment for mooring/lifting and fishing operations on the science vessel.
• Watchkeeping duties as part of the bridge Watchkeeping team.
• In port, quartermaster/nightwatchman duties, including security patrols.

Qualifications:

• UK Able Seafarer Certificate of Competency.
• Valid STCW certification.
• Valid unlimited ENG1 medical.

Please confirm that you hold these qualifications. If you do not hold all of the above qualifications, your application will not be considered.

Success profile:

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on. The Success Profile will include the Professional / Technical skills and Experience.

Technical / Professional Skills:

• Adaptability to change – Awareness level
• Delivery and decision making at speed – Awareness level

You can find out more about the skills required here: ODP Competency framework

Experience:

• Relevant experience working at sea onboard fishing vessels undertaking a wide range of seamanship duties, including deck maintenance, watchkeeping and helmsmanship.
• Knowledge and application of safe working practices within a marine environment, ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety procedures.
• Demonstrable experience of operating and handling Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) and/or Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs).
• Recent experience of operating deck equipment such as davits, winches and cranes in support of marine operations.

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.  Please see our  candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

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 job simulation.

Assessments are scheduled for w/c 30 November 2026 however this may be subject to change.

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, 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. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

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 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).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.

Equality statement:

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

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.