Seafarer Deck Rating (Tug) Apprentice

Seafarer Deck Rating (Tug) Apprentice

Location: HMNB Devonport, Plymouth, PL2 2BG
Salary: £25,729.45 plus excellent benefits

Apprenticeship Qualification: Seafarer (Deck Rating) Level 2

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 Tug Deck Apprentice in our Marine Services team, you’ll build practical seamanship skills while contributing to safe, professional vessel operations in a safety-critical maritime environment. You’ll learn on the job, supported by experienced crew, while working towards a recognised maritime qualification.

This role offers a unique opportunity to start your maritime career while making a positive impact. You’ll play a hands-on role in supporting operations that keep vital services running, developing skills that contribute to safety, efficiency, and operational excellence across the fleet. Your work will have purpose, helping deliver trusted services that support communities and national infrastructure.

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

You’ll be entrusted to:

• Learn and develop core seamanship skills as part of a professional deck team, supporting safe vessel operations


• Assist with lookout and basic watchkeeping duties under supervision in both routine and high-priority environments


• Support mooring, towing, and deck operations while building confidence in key maritime activities


• Carry out routine maintenance and housekeeping tasks to maintain vessel readiness and high standards


• Learn to safely operate deck equipment, including winches and lifting gear, in line with procedures


• Apply safety, security, and environmental practices within a highly regulated maritime environment

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


• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a close-knit team


• Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to developing new skills

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


• 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.

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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].

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