Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) Offshore Operations – 0 hour contract Location: Portsmouth, PO1 3LT Salary: Competitive day rate Schedule: Part-time/ 0 hour contract Ready to impact a better future? Our 0‑Hour Seafarer positions are an excellent opportunity for professional seafarers who currently work on a time‑for‑time rotation and are interested in gaining additional experience during their off‑periods. These roles provide full flexibility, allowing you to choose assignments and dates that best suit your work/life balance, subject to vessel requirements and mutual agreement. By joining us on a 0‑hour basis, you will have the chance to: Gain hands‑on experience across the Serco Fleet within Offshore Operations Build familiarity with our vessels, systems, and operational standards Choose opportunities that align with your availability and career goals Position yourself as an internal candidate for future permanent vacancies The work delivered by Offshore Operations is critical to the Ministry of Defence, and these roles offer valuable exposure to a unique and highly specialised area of the Merchant Navy. For individuals seeking to broaden their professional horizons, understand defence‑support operations, or explore new career pathways, our 0‑hour opportunities provide an ideal platform. What you’ll do as an Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) Offshore Operations You’ll be entrusted to: Act as a key part of the labour force on board, supporting the safe operation of the vessel and the handling of cargo. Assist vessel officers and crew with day‑to‑day deck tasks, including line handling, equipment stowage, and routine seamanship duties. Ensure that all work areas and equipment are maintained to required safety and operational standards. Follow instructions from the Vessel Master, Senior Operations Controller, and other onboard leaders to support smooth offshore operations. Work collaboratively with colleagues, technical teams, and marine superintendents to deliver safe and efficient vessel operations. Does this sound like you? You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have: An Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) certificate and experience working in a maritime environment. A strong understanding of safe working practices at sea, with a commitment to high safety standards. The ability to work effectively within a team, including during physically demanding offshore operations. Good communication skills and a proactive, reliable approach to supporting vessel activities. Must be a British National and British Passport holder. This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively. Discover all you need to keep growing We’re one of the top 1% of international employers, so you can have confidence you’ll be part of a highly supportive culture with leaders you can count on to help you achieve your goals. From mentoring and training to our focus on internal progression, we’re proud to offer clear development opportunities – and the support and tools to help you seize them. What we offer Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (including L3 Team Leader and L5 Operations Manager apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds. Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today. To discover more about our careers in Defence, meet our team, and to find out more about what we offer, please follow this Link. We’re also a signatory of the UK Governments Women in Defence Charter, to find out more please click here. Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens, we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. As a proud Disability Confident Leader and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard, disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. defencejobs