Fourth Engineer
British Antarctic Survey
BAS 26/59
Contract type: OEA
Location: RRS Sir David Attenborough
Salary: £45,000 - £47,250 per annum (pro rata) Salary depending on certificate of competency.
Closing date: 12 July 2026
Interview date: TBC
Background/Overview:
Responsible to: Polar Chief Engineer
Reporting officer: Second Engineer Officer
Works closely with: Polar Chief Engineer, Engineering department, Chief Officer
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for an exceptional Fourth Engineer to join the crew of the RRS Sir David Attenborough . BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe!
As a valued member of our team, you’ll be eligible for the following benefits:
- Generous benefit pension scheme
- Comprehensive sick pay coverage
- During Antarctic deployment all food, accommodation and polar clothing are provided
- Employer discount scheme on a range of travel gifts and leisure
- Support for further tickets/training courses
Purpose:
- To be responsible for the management of an engine room watch or UMS duty watch and the maintenance of plant and machinery as instructed.
- To plan and execute carefully all duties and tasks assigned to them.
Duties:
- To carry out maintenance, managing their specified tasks in accordance with the PMS and assist with other maintenance tasks under the direction of the Second Engineer Officer.
- To fully utilise the PMS ensuring that all routine and non-routine tasks are correctly recorded, to provide future benefit.
- To assume special responsibility for the fuel oil and lube oil purifiers, fuel oil bunkering and internal fuel oil transfer, and to assist Polar C/E with Ship’s Bunkering Operations.
- To maintain the Oil Record Book under the supervision of the Second Engineer.
- To observe and report defects (in PMS) of any machinery and advise possible requirements for spares/stores.
- To take charge of and manage an engine room watch/duty watch at sea and in port under the direction of the Second Engineer.
- To assist the Second Engineer with the implementation and operation of Ship’s Winterisation procedures.
- To have an understanding of the BAS Permit to Work systems and assist and comply with its use.
- To undertake any other duties consistent with the key responsibilities and duties of the post, as directed by the Master.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1) without restrictions
- UK Engineer Officer of the Watch (Motor) CoC or CeC
- Four Elements of STCW basic training to STCW 2010, as amended (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR)
- STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
- STCW Proficiency in Medical First Aid
- Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
- Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats
- Strong awareness of health, safety, security and environmental policies.
- Demonstrate success in a relevant work environment, backed by evidence of significant appropriate specialist knowledge
- A comprehensive and up to date knowledge of maritime legislation that relates to the role.
- Experience of PC based PMS, including Condition Based Maintenance, developing and carrying out maintenance tasks.
- Ability to work alone or within a team.
- Knowledge of emergency scenarios, responses and everyday operations.
- Strong and independent problem solving abilities and task prioritisation.
- Ability to operate computer based ships control and monitoring systems.
- Engine Room watch keeping skills that encompass traditional techniques as well as modern electronic surveillance systems.
- Ability to establish professional working relationships with Ship’s staff, scientists and shoreside personnel.
- Excellent time management skills and prioritisation in situations of conflicting demands.
- Confident and articulate written and oral English communication at all levels.
- Broad IT skills
Desirable:
- UK Class II Engineer Unlimited (Motor) CoC or CeC
- Dangerous Cargo Endorsement (Oil Tanker) – Basic level
- C&G 2079 (Level 2 Award in F-Gas and ODS Regulations)
- Helideck Emergency Response Team Member
- High Risk Enclosed Spaces training
- Evidence of continual professional development
- Experience of Vessel operations in Polar Regions
- Experience of working on Scientific Research Vessel.
- Awareness of Diesel Electric and CPP propulsion systems
- To have experience in small boat maintenance and operation.
Other requirements: To obtain medical clearance for Polar service from BAS Medical Unit (BASMU).
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
