Deckhand

**Date**:28 Jul 2025

**Location**: Lowestoft, Short Sea Ports, GB

**Company**:ABP

We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

ABP are seeking a motivated and experienced deckhand to join our team in providing pilotage services in the port of Lowestoft. As a deckhand, you will work closely with the Pilot and Coxswains to meet the provision of the Lowestoft Pilotage service and ensure compliance with ABP Lowestoft Pilot Launch crew instructions and the Code of Practice for “The Embarkation and Disembarkation of Pilots”.

**Accountabilities**

**General**
- Compliance with Safety Management Systems and company Health and Safety requirements/directives.
- Report unsafe practices, damages, or potentially dangerous situations to Duty HM or other Port Management initiate appropriate response.
- Participate in Port Emergency Drills and Exercises as directed.
- Assist with training and familiarisation of new staff.

**Pilot Boat**
- Deck Hand of the Lowestoft Pilot Boats or other Port marine craft.
- Safe boarding and landing of pilots.
- Understudying Coxswain to develop knowledge for boat handling and maintenance
- Provide linesmen services for vessels.
- Maintenance and upkeep of pilot vessels, including daily and weekly safety and equipment checks.
- Assist with general maintenance and cleaning duties.
- Oil pollution control team member.
- Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required

**Skills, Experiences, Qualifications and Competencies**

**Essential**
- Ability to adopt to flexible working hours on rostered shift patterns which includes unsociable hours.
- VHF Operators Licence (STCW or RYA)
- Valid ENG1 certificate
- Marine background or knowledge
- Excellent communication skills.
- Full UK Driving licence.

**Ideal**
- MCA or RYA Powerboat Qualification.
- STCW First Aid Training
- Experience in boat handling on various types of craft.
- Current First Aid training
- Computer Literate

We can offer you a competitive annual salary, equivalent to 26 days annual leave, support for ongoing CPD, contributory pension scheme, private healthcare and access to wellness schemes & employee assistance schemes and discounts with a wide range of high street and online retailers. We also have an extensive in-house academy and industry specialists who deliver ongoing learning support.

**Additional Information**:
When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.