Ship Security Officer

Posted 6d Leaves the board tomorrow
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Protect. Lead. Investigate. Make a Difference at Sea.

At P&O Cruises and Cunard, safety and security are at the heart of everything we do. We're looking for experienced and motivated Security Officers to join our onboard teams and help create a safe, secure and welcoming environment for thousands of guests and crew from around the world.

This is far more than a security role. It's an opportunity to apply your investigative expertise, leadership skills and operational experience in a unique maritime environment. Working as part of a diverse onboard team, you will play a vital role in protecting our guests, crew and operations while helping to maintain the highest standards of safety and security.

Join us as a Security Officer and take on a rewarding role where your professionalism, judgement and leadership can make a real impact every day.

Why Join Us?

As part of Carnival UK, home to the iconic P&O Cruises and Cunard brands, you'll work aboard some of the world's most recognised cruise ships, operating within a complex and dynamic environment where safety, security and guest experience are paramount.

Every day brings something different. One moment you could be leading a security investigation, the next supporting safeguarding initiatives, conducting security drills or collaborating with shipboard leaders to maintain the highest standards of safety and security.

This is a role where your expertise makes a real difference and where you'll be trusted to take ownership, influence others and lead from the front.

About The Role

As Security Officer, you will lead and manage the onboard Security Team, ensuring the effective delivery of all security operations and procedures across the vessel.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leading the ship's security operations and Security Team.
  • Managing investigations, evidence collection and incident reporting.
  • Conducting interviews and overseeing investigative processes.
  • Maintaining ship security measures and prevention plans.
  • Providing guidance and support on security-related matters across the vessel.
  • Acting as the Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) for child safeguarding matters onboard.
  • Supporting emergency preparedness, drills and operational exercises.
  • Working closely with senior shipboard leadership as a key member of the Ship's Operations Team.

You'll have the opportunity to shape security operations, influence decision-making and contribute directly to our ambition of operating the safest ships at sea.

What We Are Looking For

We are keen to hear from professionals with backgrounds in:

  • Police Services
  • Military Policing
  • Armed Forces
  • Civilian Security
  • Investigations and Enforcement

To succeed in this role, you'll need:

  • Proven investigative experience.
  • Knowledge of evidence gathering and preservation.
  • Experience in crime scene management.
  • Understanding of forensic awareness and investigative procedures.
  • Strong interviewing and report-writing skills.
  • Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
  • The confidence to make decisions in challenging situations.
  • A professional, resilient and guest-focused approach.


Above all, we're looking for individuals who can build trust, lead teams and remain calm and effective under pressure.

Ready to Take Your Security Career Further?

Join P&O Cruises and Cunard as a Security Officer and use your leadership, investigative and operational expertise to help keep our guests, crew and vessels safe and secure every day.

If you are successful through the initial stages of the recruitment process, you will be invited to attend an in-person Assessment Day on 5th February at our Head Office in Southampton. Please ensure you are able to attend this date before submitting your application, as attendance in person will be required to progress in the recruitment process


Training and Support

If you are offered a position, you'll be required to complete STCW Basic Safety Training, the internationally recognised training required for those working at sea.

Don't worry if you haven't completed this already. Our team will guide you through the process, explain what's required and support you in arranging your training before joining the ship.

Carnival UK are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, creating a setting in which everyone feels welcome and safe. All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes scrutiny of employment or training history, robust referencing, and could include a check on your criminal record history for roles working with children, young people or adults at risk, and other vetting checks. Our safeguarding system is underpinned by policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across our fleet. We make sure that all our staff are trained and supervised to a high standard so they can provide safe environments for all our guests.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments for the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

During the recruitment and on boarding process we may not be able to offer an exact start date, but as soon as we can, we will let you know and make sure you have plenty of notice and support to get ready for your adventure with us.

We are working hard to build a flexible and inclusive culture. As part of our culture difference is valued and our people can be themselves. We welcome applications from everyone because inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage & civil partnership and pregnancy & maternity.

At Carnival UK, we collaborate with a variety of reputable agencies who will never ask you to pay a hiring fee or any other associated monies in order to submit an application to us. All applications are reviewed against the same criteria and using an agency will not increase your chances of being successful.

Before starting an assignment with Carnival UK (P&O Cruises & Cunard), it may be necessary for you to obtain essential compliance documents or undertake training, initially at your cost. A number of these costs are refundable after your first assignment has begun; for further information, please speak to your recruitment contact.