Department:  Hydrographic Services, Department of Marine Operations

Reporting to: Hydrographic Operations Manager

Grade: 9

Salary: £36,721 per annum (plus 10% operational allowance)

Working pattern: this role is shift based, typically 4 days per week, working an average of 35 hours per week – rosters will be available to the successful candidate

Base: Gravesend

Closing date: 17th February 2026 

Who we are:

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port. 

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95-mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.  

The role:

The Hydrographic leading Hand works aboard the PLA’s hydrographic survey vessels, providing professional seamanship and operational support to the Master to ensure the safe, efficient operation of the vessels and the successful delivery of hydrographic activities.  They will ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and the highest safety standards for the vessel, crew, surveyors, and contractors, and represent the Hydrographic Service for commercial contract work, potentially up to 60 miles offshore.

The role also contributes to a broad range of hydrographic survey operations, including supporting surveyors undertaking foreshore laser scanning, aerial drone and uncrewed surface vessel operations.

 Key responsibilities:

• Duties involve boat handling and navigation in tidal and close-quarter areas for surveying. This includes manual operations, using vessel equipment, and the rigging, deployment, and towing of surface and sub-surface survey sensors.

• Undertaking routine maintenance and safety inspections of the hull, deck, engine room and lifesaving appliances, ensuring that the vessel is maintained to a high standard of safety and operational readiness.

• The role requires working from PLA shore facilities and undertaking commercial contract work across the UK. Periodic travel and working away from home is a core feature of this job.

• A good standard of computer literacy for administration is required, including proficiency with onboard control systems, PLA applications, charting systems, and Microsoft Office. You must complete all mandatory documentation and post-incident reporting.

• General Maintenance of the craft and active and regular interface with support services form part of the job.

• You must actively complete all provided training, development, and mandatory non-PLA workplace inductions via courses, drills, or supervised on-the-job learning.

• You are required to be a positive role model regarding safe practices and equipment use.

What we are looking for:

An experienced and enthusiastic individual with proven ability to take command of a commercial power-driven vessel up to 24m in length.

 In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)

• Generous pension

• Onsite parking with electric charging

• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)

• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Jim Powell, Hydrographic Services at jim.powell@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.