A JOB advert for a mate on a small passenger ferry has asked for applicants "who cannot get out of bed in the morning" and "who are easily bored" not to apply.

Jeremy Clarke, general manager of the Gosport Ferry in Hampshire, posted the advert for a "yard mate or pontoon boy" which states that the role would also not suit: "Those of a delicate position. Those who enjoy idling.

"Those who are not willing to learn. Those who simply cannot take instruction.

"Those who enjoy non-prescription drugs. Those who drink excessively.

"Those who cannot get out of bed in the morning. Those who do not enjoy the idea of being a sailor.

"Those who are easily bored."

Mr Clarke said that he posted the advert because he was fed up with time-wasters unwilling to carry out the work required.

He said: "It was an effort to reduce the wasted time spent interviewing people who weren't suited to the job.

"I am sure they are out there but I haven't been able to get the right people."

Mr Clarke explained that although the job had unattractive elements such as cleaning up vomit on a Saturday night, the company provided good prospects and a clear career structure up to the position of ferry captain within 10 years.

He added that the advert had asked for candidates aged between 16 and 22 to enable them time to work their way up the career ladder.

He said: "To become a good captain takes a lot of time but I need them to know that it's not particularly agreeable work but we all have to start somewhere and for the right boy or girl it's a great opportunity."

Mr Clarke added that he currently had about 20 applications for the position including from applicants aged in their 40s.

The Gosport Ferry was started in 1875 and carries more than 3 million passengers each year across Portsmouth Harbour, enabling them to avoid the 14-mile round trip by road.