Fishing Master

Overview:
Marine Scotland is the lead marine management organisation in Scotland. It was established in April 2009 as a Directorate of the Scottish Government (SG), to integrate core marine functions involving scientific research, compliance monitoring, policy and management of Scotland's seas.

We are seeking experienced Fishing Masters who can assist the Commanding Officer to ensure the safe and efficient operation of our research vessels, and can be in charge of fishing and other underwater operations requiring fishing skills and expertise to meet scientific programme requirements; paying due regard to the Commanding Officer who maintains overall responsibility for the safety of the vessel and crew.

The Marine Research Vessels’ main function is to ensure efficient and effective provision at sea to support the work of the scientific programme within Marine Scotland. Information gathered on research cruises is essential to the success of the scientific programme. To ensure this success both Marine Research Vessels are fitted with a wide range of deployment and recovery facilities for fishing gear and equipment, scientific and environmental sensors, and data gathering systems.

The marine research vessels are - MRV Alba Na Mara and MRV Scotia and are 27 metres and 69 metres in length respectively. Research cruises vary in length, but generally are no more than 22 days.

All vessels work double crewing allowing for trip on/trip off rostering.

**Responsibilities**:

- Assist Commanding Officer to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.
- In charge of fishing and other underwater operations requiring fishing skills and expertise to meet scientific programme requirements; paying due regard to the Commanding Officer who maintains overall responsibility for the safety of the vessel and crew.
- Advise Scientific staff on fishing gear, fishing grounds and fishing operations.
- Navigational watch-keeper as required for navigation and science programme.
- Ensuring that all relevant deck machinery and equipment required for fishing and scientific research/survey work is maintained, rigged and stowed as required for safe operation and deployment.
- In co-operation with the Commanding Officer and First Officer (Executive), ensuring that all science and fishing gear is properly loaded, stowed and discharged.
- Line management responsibility for the Fishing Mates, delegating responsibility as required for fishing and science operations.
- Designated GMDSS operator responsible for radio communications during distress incidents, carrying out radio stations tests, and maintaining radio logbook.

**Competencies**:
People Management

Self-Awareness

Analysis and use of evidence

Application of technical knowledge

Essential Criteria & Qualifications:

- Deck Officer Certificate of Competency (fishing vessel) Class 1 or a Skipper (full) certificate*.

Valid ENG1

Valid STCW qualifications

Valid Security duties certificate
- This certificate must have STCW (as amended) capacity either as a Master, Chief Mate or Officer of the Watch entered therein. The certificate may be endorsed with the following limitation; ‘Standby, seismic survey and oceanographic research vessel only.’

**Essential Criteria**:
2. Successful applicants must be self-motivated and have excellent communication skills, with an up-to-date knowledge of the marine fishing industry.

**Interview and Assessment**:Dates to be confirmed

**Minimum time in post**:
You will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.

**HOW TO APPLY & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**:
**How to apply**:
**Additional information**:
For further information, please download and review the “Person Specification” which you will find below.

**Person_Specification_Band_B Updated Oct23 (V3)**

The post is a full-time role, but staff with different working patterns are invited to apply, and we will assess proposed working patterns against the business requirements for this post.

For information regarding this post please contact

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