PLA Vacancy

Job title: Harbour Service Deckhand
Department: Harbour Master Department
Grade: 10
Salary: £30,461 per annum (plus a 10% operational allowance and a 15% shift allowance)
Base: Unity House, Woolwich
Closing date: 9th October 2024
Interview date: 18th October 2024

Who we are:
The Port of London Authority (PLA) is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames, overseeing the UK’s largest port—95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Toddington in West London. Our mission is to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment, and promote the use of the river for recreation, trade, and travel.

The role:
The Port of London Authority (PLA) is recruiting a Harbour Service Deckhand for the middle district, operating from our base in Woolwich, near the Thames Barrier. This exciting role puts you at the forefront of our operations on the river. The middle district covers Margaretness to Putney, including the famous and bustling section through central London.

Our Harbour Service Launches ensure the safety of navigation on the Thames through routine patrols, monitoring river works and vessels, responding to incidents, and enforcing regulations. As part of the Chief Harbour Master’s department, you will be a key presence on the river, working on a shift basis closely with Harbour Masters and other departments across the PLA to maintain a safe and efficient waterway.

You will serve aboard the launch alongside a Marine River Inspector (MRI), who will supervise you and command the vessel. For the right candidate, there is potential for career progression to MRI or beyond.

Key Responsibilities
A Harbour Service Deckhand’s duties include:

• Performing maintenance and safety checks on the vessel’s hull, deck, engine room, and life-saving equipment to ensure operational efficiency.
• Maintaining a safe, clean working environment and ensuring the vessel is securely moored.
• Adhering to health and safety policies, including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Operating and controlling small craft (under 24m), plant equipment, and hand tools.
• Participating in pollution control, towing, mooring, and personnel transfers.
• Assisting in bunkering operations, maintaining inventory, and supporting the training of new deckhands.
• Participating in emergency exercises, safety briefings, and performing general duties at locations like Richmond Lock, Barrier Gardens Pier, and others.
• Performing maintenance of PLA craft, buoys, and related equipment, along with loading and unloading cargo.

This role also involves delivering items, supporting various departments, and ensuring KPIs are met. This list is not exhaustive.

The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Boat Masters License (or greater qualification).
• Hold a Thames Local Knowledge Endorsement (LKE) or be willing and able to obtain this.
• Exhibit professional conduct when interacting with colleagues, stakeholders, contractors, third parties, and the public.
• Be flexible, as the role may occasionally require working in other areas of the Thames.
• Be self-motivated, autonomous, and capable of using initiative, while also thriving in a team environment.
• Be motivated to progress within the role, with the potential to become an acting Marine River Inspector.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days of annual leave + Bank Holidays
• Health Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension scheme
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling, and Physiotherapy services
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to MyGymDiscounts
• Salary sacrifice Car Scheme

To discuss this role or if you have any questions, please contact Adam Layer (Harbour Master) at adam.layer@pla.co.uk

Please note:
The PLA is not registered with the UK Home Office and cannot sponsor candidates requiring a visa or work permit to work in the UK. Therefore, an offer of employment can only be made to those with the existing right to live and work in the UK.