Job title: General Purpose Deckhand                                             

Department: Marine Services

Reporting to: Marine Manager Afloat          

Grade: 10

Salary: £32,443 per annum (plus 10% operational allowance)

Base: Denton Wharf, Gravesend      

Closing date: 29th March 2026

Interview date: 13th & 14th April 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 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 and diving, 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.

• 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. 

• Training appropriate to the deckhand role will be provided.

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 Michael Russell, Marine Manager Afloat, on 07711640082.

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.