Third Officer

National Oceanography Centre

National Oceanography Centre

Southampton, UK
GBP 45,612-48,192 / year
Posted on Mar 11, 2026

Third Officer

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton / Royal Research Ship

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£45,612 - £48,192 (Depending on CoC)

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About the role

The UK's Fleet of Scientific Research Vessels provide the ocean-going scientific platforms to support the UK’s worldwide oceanographic research programme. Research Infrastructure (RI) is part of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Southampton, a collaborative centre shared by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI), NOC and the University of Southampton.

RI is responsible for the operation and management of two UKRI owned research vessels as well as providing wider support in the co-ordination and management of the UKRI / Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Marine Facility Programme.

The successful candidate will be one of 3 Bridge Watchkeeping Officers working on either the Royal Research Ship (RRS) DISCOVERY or RRS JAMES COOK. They will report to the Captain and Chief Officer and their primary function will be in ensuring the safe navigation of the ship and oversight of all shipboard operations when in charge of the ship, including the delivery of scientific research operations and the routine operation and functioning of the ship. In addition, they will have responsibility for Deck Department planned maintenance of life saving and firefighting equipment in addition to other ancillary duties.

About you

For this position, it is essential that you hold the following:

  • OOW (Deck) STCW II/1 Certificate of Competence issued by UK MCA or UK MCA recognised equivalent i.e. CEC (proof required on application).
  • MCA Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1) without restrictions or an MCA recognized equivalent (proof required on application).
  • Five elements of basic training to STCW 95.
  • STCW95 Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats.
  • Proficiency in Designated Security Duties.
  • Valid UK passport or valid passport and a demonstratable right to work in the UK. Please note, NOC is not in a position to sponsor an individual's right to work in the UK.
  • A valid Discharge Book.
  • Be in possession of a US C1/D Visa (or be able to obtain one) and have the ability to undertake unrestricted worldwide travel.

It is desirable (but not essential) that you should be able to demonstrate relevant experience of working onboard a scientific research vessel or work in a similar marine sector (i.e. OSV, PSV, ERRV, DSV, etc) during a cadetship or since award of you Certificate of Competence, backed by evidence of appropriate specialist knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of overboard handling and lifting equipment.

Hours of Work:

Seagoing tours of duty will normally encompass at least two full scientific expeditions, or a minimum of two months although these tour periods may vary depending on the ship's operational programme. Leave is earnt at the annual rate of 324 days for each year served onboard and accrues at the rate of 27 days for each calendar month of service onboard.

Why the NOC?

We promote an inclusive and supportive environment where our people can meet their full potential. The NOC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

How to apply:

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

Date advert posted: 05/03/2026

Closing date: 02/04/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants. Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.

Assessing applications

All applications to the NOC are reviewed by a real-life person, not a computer programme. Attached to our adverts you will find a ‘Job Description and Person Specification’ document which clearly sets out the criteria against which applications are assessed. Once assessed the most suitable candidates will be invited to interview.

If you have been selected for interview we will be in touch to arrange a time and date. If you haven’t been selected for interview we will let you know, although we may not be able to give detailed feedback to every applicant.