How to Apply:
Apply by clicking 'Apply Now' and enter the requested information from your CV including job history and full qualifications and upload evidence of the qualification being considered at pre-sift. You will also be asked to enter a Statement of Suitability of up to 1000 words which will be scored against the "Experience" criteria listed below.
Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Timeline:
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Advert Closes for applications: 22/06/2026
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Shortlisting date: Week commencing 29/06/2026
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Tests will be conducted: 01/07/2026 (this date may be subject to change)
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Interviews will take place: Week commencing 06/07/2026
We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates.
PRE-SIFT:
Only applications from candidates who have the qualification of Officer of the Watch CoC (Unlimited) or Navy Equivalent (Minimum) will be considered at sift. You will need to upload copies of your certificates to evidence this and include your qualification details in your CV. If your application does not this pre-sift criteria, it will not be taken through to the Sift/Shortlist as noted below.
SIFT/SHORTLIST CRITERIA:
All applications are processed anonymously. Please note the information required from your CV, as above, will not be scored. Your Statement of Suitability will be short-listed against the following criteria:
Experience:
Your sea-going experience. Please include:
Chronological details of the names, types and sizes of vessels you have sailed on, time onboard, rank sailed as, geographical areas operated in and whether you were a sole/senior watchkeeper on that vessel.
Passage Planning. Please describe your experience of passage planning, and your specific responsibility for preparing/executing the plan.
Practical Navigation. Please describe your experience of practical navigation, in particular coastal navigation and port approach, as a senior/sole watchkeeper.
If you have any other experience within the maritime sector that you feel is relevant to the role, please detail this in your statement.
NB. Attention to detail and standard of written English within your application will be considered and scored in the sift.
Test Criteria
Candidates who meet the requirements at sift will be invited to undertake a 60 minute virtual technical test and an untimed follow up recruitment question form. Only those who pass the test will be invited to an interview.
The test will be scored against the below criteria:
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Making Effective Decisions (Civil Service Behaviour EO Level). There will also be an interview question.
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Technical knowledge in relation to the role
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Attention to detail.
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Clear written English
Interview Criteria:
You will be interviewed against the following essential criteria:
Civil Service Behaviours (EO Level):
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Communicating and Influencing (Lead criteria - used if there is a tie at interview)
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Delivering at Pace
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Making Effective Decisions
Experience:
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Strong understanding of passage planning techniques including the use of nautical publications and charts.
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Relevant experience in practical navigation, as a senior/sole watchkeeper.
See here for further information: Success Profiles - Civil Service Behaviours (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Process:
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Single Stage Interview via TEAMS. You will be contacted to book a suitable slot if you are shortlisted
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Interview will be with a panel of no more than 4 people and will last approx. 45 mins
Onboarding Checks:
BPSS non reserved
This is a Ministry of Defence non-reserved post and is open to UK, British Commonwealth, and European Economic Area nationals. Successful applicants will be required to pass the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and will therefore need to provide evidence if they have resided outside of the UK for a period of 6 months or longer within the last 3 years. This is not a bar to employment, but a successful applicant will be required to provide sufficient evidence to allow the UKHO to conduct meaningful background checks. Please contact the recruitment team on the email address below if you have any concerns regarding this.
Please note, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.
Eligibility
Due to the secure nature of our work, there may be eligibility restrictions if you hold dual nationality or are not a British Citizen. We will consider each application on a case-by-case basis. We will ask you in our application form to confirm your place of birth and details of any dual or previous nationalities.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
