General Purpose Deckhand

Job Description

Department: Marine Services
Reporting to: Marine Manager Afloat
Grade: 10
Salary: £33,507 per annum (Inclusive of Allowances)
Base: Denton Wharf, Gravesend
Closing date: 17th September 2024
Interview date: W/C 30th September 2024

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Who we are:

The Port of London Authority has a wide range of responsibilities along the tidal Thames. Actively promoting safe use of the river, we strive to safeguard its valuable environment, balancing these requirements with our desire to encourage more commercial activity. From Teddington, past the Thames Barrier and out to sea, we work closely with commercial recreational and amenity groups to maximise the potential of the Thames as a safe and enjoyable waterway for trade, tourism and leisure.

The Role:

The Marine Services department is seeking positive and flexible individuals to work on a range of vessels to support operations. Duties that are carried out by the department include overhauling moorings, oil spill response, salvage, working alongside divers, debris and obstruction removal, general deckhand tasks, craft maintenance and cleaning as well as working ashore at our main operational base at Denton, Gravesend.

What we are looking for:

Relevant marine and/or river experience is desirable and ideally candidates will already possess or be working towards an RYA Day Skipper, RYA Yacht Master or MCA Boatmaster Licence.

Training appropriate to the deckhand role will be provided.

Successful applicants will have excellent communication skills as you will be required to deal with members of the public. You will hold a current full driving licence and be physically fit.

Role Responsibilities:

• Undertake regular maintenance and safety checks on hull, deck, engine room and life saving appliances to ensure that the safety and operational efficiency of the vessel is of a high standard
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment onboard the craft
• Ensure that when alongside river berths and pontoons, the vessel is safely and securely moored in order to safeguard the vessel and the safe transfer of crew / passengers to and from the craft
• Comply with PLA Health & Safety Policy and job specific health & safety requirements, particularly with regard to the wearing of protective clothing and other safety personal protective equipment, including lifejackets by crew and passengers
• Within a limited area of operation, take control of a variety of small craft less than 24m (launch, dory, cutter RIB etc.)
• Operate a diverse range of plant and equipment to support operational needs (including, lifting equipment, winches, pressure washers etc.)
• Understand the requirements for the safe operation of various hand tools
• Safely sling various loads, for example skips, driftwood baskets, foreshore and floating debris and all types of equipment (pumps, anchors etc.)
• Be aware of health and safety issues when taking part in foreshore cleans and all other occasions where members of the public are involved
• Rig and deploy a wide range of pollution control equipment including pumps, booms, and skimmers held in readiness by the PLA. Take part as required in pollution exercises
• Assist in towing and mooring craft including barges, pontoons and privately owned motor boats and yachts that may be derelict or in distress
• Undertake mid stream & ship to shore personnel transfers (including pilot boarding and landing) as and when required
• Take part in bunkering duties and take all necessary precautions to prevent oil pollution
• Maintain the appropriate level of stores inventory in order to ensure the craft is kept fully operational
• Crew safety boats for various occasions: – film crews, contractors etc. and operate dories and cutters in support of clean-up operations/surveys with Thames21
• Assist in rigging wires in support of heavy lifting and salvage operations
• To assist in the training and development of new deckhands aboard the craft. Any such training will be conducted under instruction from the master
• To conduct safety briefings to passengers coming aboard the craft
• Participate in regular emergency exercises and other training events to ensure good individual levels of knowledge, experience and training
• Assist with general duties at the Denton shoreside facility including maintenance of PLA craft & buoys,
• Delivery driving and general maintenance duties
• Operating forklift trucks, quay crane and other plant and machinery
• Loading and unloading various craft cargo and stores (both PLA and 3rd party)
• Assisting various departments in day to day activities including all support services, harbour services and corporate affairs

In return, we offer:

• 28 days annual leave
• Medical cash plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension scheme
• Onsite parking with electric charging points (payable)
• Access to MyGymDiscounts
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

For further information, or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Michael Russell, Marine Manager Afloat, on 07711640082 during working hours Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.