Seaman 1A (4669)

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.

UK Able Seafarer Certificate of Competency.

Valid STCW certification.

Valid unlimited ENG1 medical.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Experience and Technical skills.

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.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.