Head of Domestic Survey Operations

Head of Domestic Survey Operations

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 16th August 2026

Location: Aberdeen, Belfast, Cardiff, Colchester, Hull, Liverpool, Plymouth, Southampton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

Out of Hours Contactability and Tasking (A) £3000 (must have or held port State eligibility), Location and Deployment Flexibility £1,250 and Operating in Hazardous Environments £1,250. Max £5,500

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) delivers the UK Government’s maritime safety policy, helping to protect lives at sea and prevent pollution around the UK coastline. Through inspection, survey and certification activities, the MCA ensures ships comply with UK and international safety, security and environmental standards.

The Head of Domestic Survey Operations leads a team of policy specialists responsible for survey operations across domestic and non-SOLAS vessels. The post holder will shape and implement operational policy, provide expert technical advice, oversee survey and certification systems, and work closely with industry, operational teams and policymakers. Acting as a key link between innovation, regulation and operations, they will help deliver the MCA’s response to emerging technologies while promoting the highest standards of maritime safety and supporting strategic business objectives.

Top Responsibilities

• Managing the Domestic Survey Operations Branch, working closely with the Head of International Survey Operations and Head of Technical Performance and acting as focal point and point of contact for internal and external customers by giving advice and decisions on survey policy related to the domestic and non-SOLAS fleet - dealing with various stakeholders such as marine surveyors, industry, public, classification societies, certifying authorities and other flag and port state administrations; and actively participate in the Flag in panel for domestic vessels.
• Maintaining operational liaison with Marine Offices, other HQ Branches and Technical Support Team (TST) within UK Maritime Services (UKMS) to provide policy support for Marine Office Surveyors as and when required.
• Managing the oversight of UK vessels operating under the Codes of Practice, taking the responsibility of the MCA as a Certifying Authority, overseeing the procedures for surveys of UK registered coded vessels.
• Promoting and maintaining Instructions for Guidance to Surveyors in connection with Survey and Certification of non-SOLAS domestic vessels as appropriate
• Managing the maintenance, development and use of the Pelorus system within the Directorate.

For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About You

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Significant experience in a managerial role on board ship or in a technical position of responsibility within the maritime industry.
• Experience engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and communicating complex technical information clearly and effectively.
• Experience managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality outcomes in a demanding environment.
• The ability to make quick, effective decisions and manage a varied workload with competing priorities
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders

Additional Information

Successful candidates will be expected to undertake a physical medical for this role.

Licences

Full UK Driving License, Full Valid Passport

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 16th August 2026

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