Seafarer Deck Rating Apprentice

Seafarer Deck Rating Apprentice

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

Ready to impact a better future?

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. Every day brings new challenges, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a positive impact while working as part of a trusted team. We’re committed to helping you develop the knowledge, confidence, and experience needed to create impactful solutions and build your future at sea.

What you’ll do as an Able Seafarer Deck Apprentice

You’ll be entrusted to:

• 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 always.

Does this sound like you?

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

• 18 + years

•  Have 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths at grade C or above


• The ability to obtain Security Clearance and meet UK citizenship requirements


• Eligibility to gain an ENG1 Unrestricted Medical Certificate, including eyesight standards

• A genuine interest in developing a maritime career and a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.


• Strong teamwork, communication skills, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to new challenges and environments.

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

• 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.

A little bit about us:
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

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

For support with your application, please contact [email protected].

defencejobs defenceentryjobs