Crew Transfer Vessel Officer in Charge

Job summary

The Border Security Command (BSC) disrupts and dismantles Organised Criminal Gangs to degrade their ability to facilitate organised immigration crime, reduce the flow of illicit commodities and irregular migrants, deliver improved detection and interception capabilities at the border, safeguard victims of trafficking and smuggling, and improve the public reputation of UK border security.

An opportunity exists for Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) Officers in Charge (OICs) within the BSC Maritime CTVs, operating as part of the multi‑agency maritime response to the small boats threat.

The CTV OIC plays a critical role in managing the safety, welfare, and security of migrants rescued at sea. Operating as part of a multi‑agency team aboard a BSC Maritime CTV, you will contribute to rapid response operations in the Dover Strait, supporting Search and Rescue (SAR) missions led by His Majesty’s Coastguard (HMCG). Currently, the CTVs are responsible for responding to over 90% of small boat incidents in the Channel.

You will manage multi‑agency engagement with a wide range of partners, including Criminal and Financial Investigation, Immigration Enforcement, the National Crime Agency, Small Boats Operations, the Police, and chartered recovery vessels. There will be a particular focus on gathering and securing evidential opportunities to support possible prosecutions of immigration offences.

Job description

You will lead maritime deployments to Search and Rescue (SAR) incidents as tasked by HM Coastguard, operating aboard one of five Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs). You will provide operational leadership in a dynamic and challenging environment, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all deployed assets. This includes oversight of commercial crews and partner agencies, as well as leading the training and development of deck crews to maintain operational standards.

In addition to command responsibilities during deployments, candidates will take ownership of planning and coordination activities. This includes preparing forward looks, liaising with charter companies, and working closely with colleagues to ensure seamless operational delivery. You may also represent the Command during multi‑agency meetings, VIP visits, and stakeholder engagements.

As Officer in Charge of the CTV and wider maritime engagement in the South East, you will exercise command and control of BSC Maritime assets during both pre‑planned and emergent events. This is a fast‑paced, high‑pressure role requiring flexibility, resilience, and sound judgement.

Applicants must demonstrate personal accountability and uphold the values and behaviours expected of a Maritime Higher Officer. The position involves working unsupervised for extended periods, requiring confidence, professionalism, and the ability to make critical decisions in complex operational environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and managing the operational deployment of BSC Maritime CTV assets in the Dover Strait, focusing on Search and Rescue (SAR) and Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) events.

• Providing operational leadership to a hybrid crew, making real‑time decisions during SAR and SOLAS events and maintaining crew morale.

• Coordinating with His Majesty’s Coastguard (HMCG) and other agencies during live operations.

• Ensuring vessels are crewed, safe, compliant with maritime regulations, and meet health and safety standards.

• Overseeing accident investigations, maintenance coordination, and administrative tasks including sitreps and debriefs.

• Mentoring and developing crew members, managing Deck Support Officers, and leading welfare and mental health support onboard.

• Collaborating with internal and external partners and representing BSC Maritime in multi‑agency meetings.

• Maintaining responsibility for cost‑effective procurement and logistics, supporting operational readiness and deployment.

Note: You may be required to perform other duties within the scope of your grade and competence.

Working Pattern

This role is available on a full-time basis.

We encourage applications from candidates who wish to work part-time; however, part-time opportunities cannot be guaranteed and are subject to the requirements of the role and business. Candidates wishing to work part-time should notify the vacancy holder as soon as a provisional offer of employment is made, to explore whether this can be accommodated at your selected location. Successful candidates will need to be able to attend for all shifts. You will work a 10-week rolling roster of 12-hour shifts comprising of early, middle and night shifts. These shifts may be outside of public transport operating hours.

Medical

• To carry out this role you will be expected to pass and maintain an unrestricted ENG1 Seafarer medical fitness certificate (must include look out duties) as well as all ancillary STCW courses applicable to your Certificate of Competency (CoC).

• An Unrestricted ENG1 (medical examination certificate issued by an approved Maritime Coastguard Agency Doctor) and ability to maintain this. If you do not already hold this, you will be required to obtain the certificate before taking up post and failure to do so will result in your provisional offer being withdrawn. In some limited circumstances a re-take may be possible, with the agreement of the vacancy holder, should you fail the initial examination but this will be at your own cost.

• If you are an internal Maritime applicant with a restricted ENG1, consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis when applying for vacancies across the Command. Please ensure you contact HORCCampaignTeamIE@homeoffice.gov.uk if you would like to be considered for a specific position and your ENG 1 is restricted.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Required qualification: Seafarer Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) basic safety certificates for deployment to sea.
• Required qualification: Commercially Endorsed RYA Yacht Master Offshore (OYM)(Practical & Theory) Certificate of Competency or higher navigational qualification.
• Ability to be self-organised and being flexible, adapting to changing situations.
• Ability to demonstrate sound interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills and thrive working as part of a team.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively through both written and verbal channels, fostering understanding and collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with confidence and resolve complex challenges, applying strong problem-solving skills to deliver effective outcomes in high-pressure situations.

Desirable Criteria

• Maritime experience, in particular, experience of small boat operations in the English Channel/South-East U.K. area.

Licences

Due to the nature of the work and/or the geographical area, driving is a key requirement for this role. Applicants must have a full valid UK manual/automatic driving licence

Qualifications

- Seafarer Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) basic safety certificates for deployment to sea.
- Commercially Endorsed RYA Yacht Master Offshore (OYM)(Practical & Theory) Certificate of Competency or higher navigational qualification.

You must evidence the above qualifications prior to interview. These qualifications must be valid and current. Failure to provide these by 1st June 2026 will result in the withdrawal of your application and you will not be Interviewed. Please send your documents to HORCCampaignTeamIE@homeoffice.gov.uk with the subject title '458215 - Crew Transfer Vessel Officer in Charge.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Leadership
• Working Together

Benefits

• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• In-year reward scheme for one-off or sustained exceptional personal or team achievements.
• 25 days annual leave on appointment, rising with service to 30 days.
• Eight days of public holidays, plus one additional privilege day.
• This role is currently eligible for Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of 43.11%, which equates to an additional £16,562, plus £1500 maritime skills allowance (level 4, Track B) so total expected remuneration of £56,481, per year subject to maintenance of the mandatory qualifications.
• See more of our benefits on our careers website.

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Things you need to know

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 (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

We will endeavour to conduct the selection process in line with the dates indicated below, but cannot guarantee that these will not, where necessary, be revised.

1. Application – by 11th May 2026

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete:

• A CV detailing job history/qualifications/skills.
• Personal Statement (maximum 1000 words).

Your CV should consist of your career history, qualifications, and skills/experience, including any key achievements in each role. Your CV will be scored against the experience required for the role as noted within the essential criteria.

The Personal Statement should be aligned to and demonstrate how you meet the skills and experience set out in the essential criteria, detailed in the job description.

For guidance and information on how to construct your application (CV and Personal Statement), you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers website.

2. Sift – from 13th May 2026

The sift will be held on the CV and the Personal Statement.

3. Interview – from 11th June 2026.

If you are successful at sift stage, you will be invited to an interview that will be Behaviours (as listed in the job advert) and Strength based questions. All behaviours listed in the selection process will be scored at the interview.

The interview will take place via MS Teams.

The behaviours have been ranked in order of importance to enable us to differentiate between candidates with tied interview scores.

For guidance and information on what to expect and how to prepare for an interview, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers.

Problems during the application process

If you experience problems accessing this advert, or you think you’ve made a mistake on an initial application, please contact hocandidates.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk, including the vacancy reference, at least two working days before the vacancy closes. Further information can be found on our website.

Do not create or attempt to submit another application, online test or use a different Civil Service Jobs account to proceed as this would be in violation of the candidate declaration.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for a period of up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made. There is no guarantee that being held on a reserve list will lead to a job offer. Further information can be found on our website.

Appearance

This is a uniformed post and as such requires the highest standards. Further information on this can be found on our website.

Standards

All Civil Servants are expected to comply with the Civil Service Code, and its core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.

Integrity Check

As well as successfully obtaining UK Security Vetting clearance, you will also be subject to an additional Integrity Check, as part of the pre-employment process, to determine your suitability to work for Border Force, Immigration Enforcement or Border Security Command. For further information on what this involves, please visit our website.

Further Information

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct.

If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Reasonable Adjustments

If a person with disabilities is at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact Government Recruitment Service via HOrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs

• Complete the “Assistance Required” section in the “Additional Requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a language service professional

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.

Feedback

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Home Office Resourcing Centre
• Email : HORCCampaignTeamIE@homeoffice.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : HOrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles. and you wish to make a complaint, then contact the Government Recruitment Service via HOrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission.

Attachments

2025-11-17 Pre-employment Checking - Document Requirements (V17) Opens in new window (pdf, 231kB)Candidate_Information_v17_April_2026 Opens in new window (pdf, 207kB)