Job profile

The University of Plymouth are seeking a skilled, safety-conscious, and experienced Technical Specialist (Skipper) to join our team at the Marine Station. You will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of small commercial workboats, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations while providing excellent service to our students and researchers. This is a demanding and varied role that requires strong leadership abilities, navigational skills, and a commitment to safety.

About the role

The primary functions of the role are as Skipper or Second Skipper of the research vessel Falcon Spirit which is a MCA Cat 2 certificated, 14m Alnmaritec Wave Commander catamaran. You will also share responsibility with our existing skippers for developing the safe and flexible delivery of boat operations across a fleet of small craft for the School of Biological and Marine Sciences in support of teaching, research and commercial activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate and navigate the workboat in various marine environments, accounting for tides, weather conditions, and local hazards.
• Ensure the safety, discipline, and welfare of all crew and passengers on board.
• Plan voyages, including route planning, fuel management, and necessary supplies.
• Conduct daily safety checks and routine maintenance of the vessel's machinery, reporting any issues promptly.
• Manage lifting operations, including the use of A frame and the slinging of loads.
• Maintain clear radio communications (VHF) with port authorities and other vessels.
• Respond calmly and effectively to a wide range of emergency situations, executing safety protocols as required.
• Maintain accurate logs, maintenance records, and all necessary vessel documentation.

For more information on School of Biological and Marine Sciences please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

A current full driving licence (manual transmission) is essential as you will be driving University of Plymouth vehicles.This role is also subject to health surveillance with our Occupational Health team.

What we’re looking for:

Requirements

Essential Qualifications and Certificates:

• Valid Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Certificate of Competency (e.g., MCA Master 200 GT or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with commercial endorsement).
• Valid ENG1 Medical Certificate.
• STCW Basic Safety Training (Personal Survival Techniques, Firefighting and Fire Prevention, Emergency First Aid, Small Ships Electronic Charting System and Bridge Watchkeeping, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities).
• VHF Short Range Radio Certificate.

You will have:

• Proven experience as a skipper on commercial workboats.
• Excellent navigation and vessel handling skills, confident in handling vessels in varying conditions.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with effective communication skills.
• A high degree of responsibility and a strong commitment to safety and compliance with maritime laws. The use of risk assessment and safe systems of work in the management of safety, and the coding and legal requirements of the operation of a commercial research vessel.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick, sound decisions under pressure.
• A positive attitude, flexibility, and a strong work ethic.

Desirable:

• Local area knowledge (e.g. Plymouth Sound).
• Marine Hydraulic Loader Crane Operators certificate.
• Experience with specific operations like personnel transfers, anchor handling, or survey activities.
• A minibus driver's license would be desirable

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

The post will require some unsociable hours working, including occasional weekends and short stays away from the home port.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a permanent basis.

For more information please contact Adam James Marine Station Technical Manager, adam.james@plymouth.ac.uk or telephone number 01752 584744

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Anticipated Interview Date: Week commencing Monday 26 January 2026

Our Offer

When joining us, you will receive:

• Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On-site nursery

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.