Marine Pilot Apprentice

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.

Job role: Marine Pilot Apprentice (Level 5) 

Location: Humber region

Are you an experienced officer of the watch looking for the opportunity to train as a Marine Pilot? Are you a result driven individual, keen to use your ambition to strive for the best results and take ownership of your performance and training? 

If the above describes you, Associated British Ports needs your help in KEEPING BRITAIN TRADING! 

As an island nation, over 95% of trade by volume goes by vessel through over 100 ports around the United Kingdom. At ABP, our Marine Pilots safely navigate vessels from sea to berth or berth to sea within the ports jurisdiction. The Marine Pilot apprenticeship programme is designed for individuals who have already undergone significant training at sea and who already hold an Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency. 

As a Marine Pilot Apprentice, you will work closely with the Captain and other members of the crew, who may have traveled from all parts of the globe. You will learn how to use the vessel’s navigational and communications equipment, liaising with other vessels and the harbor marine control center. Before boarding a vessel, a Marine Pilot is required to prepare a passage plan for the voyage from sea to berth or berth to sea. This takes into account the size, draft and operating characteristics of the vessel as well as tides, the marine environment and the weather, considering any need for tugs to assist the maneuvering. 

To be a successful Marine Pilot, you must be able to work under pressure to make safe accurate decisions, as well as be able to respond to emergency situations. You must know and adhere to safe navigational, vessel handling and environmental working practices and international regulations without endangering yourself, the vessel, its crew, or the marine environment. A Marine Pilot will need to be able to climb/descend a vertical rope ladder from/to a launch holding position alongside a moving vessel, often in rough weather. You will be required to work shifts and will take regulated rest hours. This apprenticeship will require rigorous and substantial training, typically up to 3 years, depending on experience at entry. 

This apprenticeship will commence in January 2022. 

Entry requirements: 

• Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency Unlimited, with 12 months sea time as an officer of the watch 
• GCSEs at grade 4/C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent) 
• Full UK driving license 
• Proactive attitude to health & safety management and incident prevention 
• Ability to climb/descend a vertical rope ladder from/to a launch holding position alongside a moving vessel 
• Good perception of surroundings including shapes, sizes and distances (spatial awareness) 
• Initiative, drive, and the ability to take ownership of own performance strive to achieve the best outcome, and a talent for problem-solving 
• Resilience, with the ability to maintain a positive attitude when working under pressure 
• Strong team-working and leadership abilities 
• Confidence and excellent communication skills 

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 undertakes random screening for substance abuse and operates a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.