DE&S Master Mariner

We are Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S). We manage a vast range of projects to supply and maintain vital equipment and services for the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Together, we deliver essential defence programmes – and strive for what’s next. Because it helps keep our military at the top of their game and our nation safe, now and in the future. 

Across our 12,500-strong organisation, we support all our people to be at their very best, fostering a family-friendly approach to flexible and hybrid working. After all, support is in our name.

If you are an experienced Master Mariner with a passion for the intriguing world of salvage, then this could be the ideal opportunity for you.

Our Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) team is the lead across the MoD for the provision of marine salvage and emergency response. Our specialists including Master Mariners, Marine Engineers, Naval Architects, Environmental Scientists, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) Pilots and Divers provide a centre of expertise for subsea activities and marine operations. Our operations are varied and include salvage assistance to damaged surface vessels, location of aircraft on the sea-bottom, survey of WWII wrecks, towage of warships and submarines, emergency response preparedness exercises and underwater engineering support to resolve defects on Navy platforms at home and overseas.

We are a flexible, highly trained and multi-skilled team who are ready to respond at short notice worldwide. We provide very exciting opportunities for global travel, recently sending our experienced team on deployments including Singapore, Japan and Bahrain.

Applicants will need to have a proven maritime background and be qualified to Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) II/2 (Master) Unlimited. We will provide you with additional training to support you towards becoming an experienced Salvage Officer. 

This role is operationally important and as such attracts allowances (SALMO Terms and Conditions) depending on the working situation the employee is undertaking at that time.

Due to security, this role is reserved for sole UK nationals only and the successful applicant will be required to undertake Developed Vetting clearance once in the post.

Please note attendance to one of the stated sites will be required for this position.

We strongly recommend tailoring your CV in line with our CV guidance before applying, with specific sections to highlight Key Achievements, Relevant Experience, and Applied Skills & Knowledge.

Responsibilities

As our Master Mariner, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of a team of 12, undertaking routine & operational activities. You will use your exceptional leadership skills for operational planning and documentation, implementing and reviewing safe systems of work, diving, and operation of small boats and plant.

You can expect to be deployed regularly within the UK, abroad and afloat, including leading an integrated team of SALMO experts drawn from across the team.

This is a Safety Delegated post and includes the ongoing development and maintenance of the safety case, standard operating procedures and safety management systems. You may on occasion, be called upon to engage in other diverse activity to support both SALMO and wider Defence outputs.

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Leading a team of multi-disciplinary Engineers and Operators including staff management activities in line with DE&S policy and process
• Overseeing and ensuring engineering capability is maintained and supported in a manner commensurate with safe to operate obligations
• Guaranteeing the ROV capability of the unit is maintained and supported
• Managing the unit’s diving capability
• Maintaining the unit’s operational response capability
• Deploying as Operational Lead for underwater engineering and salvage operations
• Provide technical support to other SALMO teams and emergent SALMO tasks as required

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• STCW 11/2 (Master) Unlimited
• Be fit to pass and maintain an annual HSE Dive Medical (Unrestricted) and biannual ENG1 Medical
• Demonstrate experience of leading teams
• Evidence of operational planning and execution to deliver project, services or activities
• An understanding of safety management, including requirements for safe systems of work and risk 

This role is subject to Retained Grade Terms and Conditions and differ from the DE&S standard Terms and Conditions. 

For SALMO Retained Grade seeking promotion, please refer to Part 2, Section 10.2 of the SALMO Retained Grade Handbook. 

Due to the nature of this role, you are:

• Required to be fit to pass and maintain a two-yearly ENG1 seafarers medical (no geographical limitations) and an annual diving medical
• Required to enlist as a Royal Navy Sponsored Reserve
• Expected to work extended hours as and when required in support of operational commitments
• Required to live within 60 minutes travelling time of the base to which you are appointed
• Required to hold an in-date UK driving licence 

If you have no prior commercial diving experience, you will also be required to undertake a dive aptitude test which will be funded by SALMO.

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Technical Decision Making – Expert
• Technical Risk Management – Expert
• Leadership
• Communicating and influencing

• Full time staff employed for less than 5 years are entitled to 26.5 days’ annual leave per year, rising to 31.5 days per year after 5 years of service
• Flexible and hybrid working wherever possible, to support your work-life balance (though some attendance to the stated site is required)
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 27%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

We believe in creating an inclusive environment where our people can grow, thrive, and be their authentic selves. We value diversity of thought and the ways in which it enriches our culture and our work. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of. And if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

More information can be found below:

• DE&S Little Book of Big Benefits: https://bit.ly/3FEb54v
• Further Information: https://bit.ly/3K26Xhl
• SALMO Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/3VSZ3ei

#LI-Hybrid

Job contact :

• Name : Christos Nakoutsis- DE&S Talent Acquisition Specialist
• Email : christos.nakoutsis100@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : christos.nakoutsis100@mod.gov.uk