PLA Vacancy

Job title: Thames Patrol Deckhand
Department: Harbour Master Department
Grade: 10
Salary: £30,461 per annum (plus a 10% operational allowance and a 15% shift allowance)
Base: London River House, Gravesend

Closing date: 31st January 2025
Interview date: 11th February 2025

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 Teddington 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 Thames Patrol Deckhand for the lower district, operating from our base in Gravesend. This exciting role puts you at the forefront of our operations on the river.

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

You will serve aboard the CHM vessels alongside a Master, who will supervise you and command the vessel. For the right candidate, there is potential for career progression to Master or beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Assisting with de-icing in freezing conditions and ensuring safe access.
• 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 Royal Terrace Pier, Denton, Barrier Gardens Pier, and others.

This role also involves delivering items, supporting various departments, and ensuring KPIs are met.

The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:

• Hold a RYA Power Boat Level 2 or have undertaken a recognised marine apprenticeship
  
• 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 Master.

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

Please note that this role will work across our Harbour Service Launch and our Pilot Cutter operations.

Please contact Lyn Kindlen-Funnell, Harbour Master for further information about the vacancy - lyn.kindlen-funnell@pla.co.uk

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.