Overview
Location: Operating from Gosport, but sailing around the UK and near-continent
Contract: Full time, fixed term contract until 7 August 2026
Salary: £28,600 gross per annum
Closing Date: 15 October 2026
Are you someone with cooking or catering experience who is looking for a unique offshore experience?
The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is a vibrant and growing charity delivering life-changing nautical adventure for young people, and providing personal and professional development opportunities for seafarers. We work with staff, cadets and volunteers to support our mission and long-term strategy.
We are currently looking for a Cook-Coxswain to join our team.
About the Role
We are seeking to appoint a Cook-Coxswain to one of our 24 metre power training vessels which operates out from Gosport, Hampshire. The vessel undertakes 6-day voyages around the coastal waters of the UK and near continent for up to 12 Cadets (aged 12-18 years). Applicants should have the requisite experience and ability to chef for up to 18 embarked crew, together with the ordering and management of food stores. In the Coxswain part of the role, you will also be responsible, in conjunction with the First Lieutenant, for management of the ship's routine with key responsibility for Cadet administration, morale, safeguarding, welfare and discipline.
Catering experience and knowledge of working with young people are essential requirements for the role, as well as qualifications in food hygiene, first aid and a RYA Level 2 powerboat would be highly desirable. Good communication skills and a high level of emotional intelligence will also be required.
Applicants should either hold a current Seafarer Medical Certificate or be willing to obtain one. The ability to work effectively with young people as well as the permanent and relief crew members is essential. Ship system familiarisation, child safeguarding and any necessary sea safety course refresher training will be provided to the successful applicant.
The role requires flexibility, with duty hours that may be prolonged and varied. Overtime is not recognised, and working/rest hours conform to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. Holiday arrangements acknowledge the uncertain nature of hours.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact MSSC's Offshore Office on 07798675147.
Applications should consist of a completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form, both available from the website. You may submit your CV in support of your application, but the appropriate application form must be completed to be considered.
Responsibilities
* Plan menus and order victualing supplies to provide cadets and staff with well-balanced, nutritious meals, considering specialist diets and allergies.
* Prepare and cook food; manage onboard stocks of food and medical supplies.
* Organise and run catering arrangements, supervise cadets in dining duties, and maintain galley/pantry areas.
* Oversee deep cleaning of galley, pantry, stores and related spaces; assist with cleaning stations below decks with the First Lieutenant.
* Act as ship's helm as required and lead welfare, safeguarding and pastoral support for cadets.
* Lead joining/leaving paperwork for visiting personnel and maintain cadet discipline.
* Assist with husbandry and general maintenance tasks.
Other Duties
To deliver services effectively, a degree of flexibility is required and the post holder may be asked to perform duties not specifically listed. Such duties should not normally exceed those expected for the role.
Benefits
* 104 days annual leave per year (84 sailing season days + 20 winter refit days)
* Life assurance (4x salary) for those in the charity's pension scheme
* Private medical insurance
* Pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
* Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
* Ongoing staff development opportunities
* Annual national staff conference
Equal Opportunity and Safeguarding
MSSC positively encourages applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Employment is subject to pre-employment checks including references and criminal disclosure checks, and safeguarding training is required for all successful applicants.
All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo a criminal record check.
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