Deck Rating

Deck Rating

Location: Inverness-Shire, IV40 8AJ

Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Perm/FT/48 hours

Ready to impact a better future?

As a Deck Rating in our Defence Maritime team, you’ll play a hands‑on role in keeping our vessels operating safely and efficiently. Your work will help ensure essential maritime services run smoothly – creating a positive impact on the defence community and supporting safe operations at sea and in port.

You’ll be part of a team that keeps vessels prepared, maintained, and ready to serve. From supporting ship handling to ensuring safe working practices, your contribution will help deliver reliable operations that touch lives and support the future of maritime capability.

What you’ll do as a Deck Rating

You’ll be entrusted to:

• Support berthing and slipping of vessels, ensuring safe and smooth operations


• Carry out ship husbandry tasks, including general cleaning and maintenance as directed


• Assist with mooring and anchoring duties, including rope handling and deck operations


• Operate deck machinery, such as cranes, in line with safety procedures and training


• Support emergency preparedness through awareness of equipment, procedures, and safe working practices


• Contribute to environmental protection by following pollution‑prevention measures

Does this sound like you?

You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:

• SC Cleared or have no issues obtaining it

• Good communication skills and a collaborative approach to teamwork


• Strong awareness of health, safety, and environmental standards


• Hold an AB (Able Seafarer) ticket


• Hold a valid Eng 1 medical certificate


• Hold relevant in date STCW qualifications

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, depending on the nature of the role, you may 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.

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.

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, depending on the nature of the role, you may 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.

What we offer

• Holidays: Competitive Holiday package


• 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.

Serco/Serco Leisure Operating Limited are appointed as the Trust’s Managing Agents. We manage the recruitment process and the Trust’s employees in the delivery of the service on their behalf. The Trust is committed to equal opportunities and requests any potential applicant to contact the Recruitment Team on 0345 010 4000 as soon as possible if an applicant has any additional queries, requirements or will need additional time in submitting an application. Applicants should be aware that in line with the company’s policy, employees will have a DBS check where appropriate.

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