Deckhand

Associated British Ports; Grimsby; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer pension

Private health insurance

Job summary

Associated British Ports (ABP) is seeking a Humber Senior Deckhand to support safe navigation and the welfare of pilots and passengers on our modern pilot launches. You will work within a tight-knit team across a dynamic estuary operation and play a frontline role in 24/7 operations.

The role demands safety-first thinking, strong communication and the ability to respond quickly to changing conditions while coordinating with Coxswains and Pilots.

Qualifications

• Role emphasises safety as the top priority.
• Excellent communication and teamwork are essential.
• Experience in maritime or port operations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the Coxswain in safe navigation and operation of pilot launches.
• Maintain lookout and situational awareness at all times.
• Ensure safe embarkation and disembarkation of pilots and passengers.
• Respond to onboard and shoreside emergencies as directed.
• Provide accurate weather and sea-state reports to VTS.
• Maintain launch logs, welfare checks and participate in drills.
• Keep the vessel clean, safe, and inspection ready.
• Demonstrate calm, clear decision-making under pressure.
• Communicate effectively within a small team.

Skills

Safety

Teamwork

Communication

Decision making

Maritime operations

Job description

Join the Crew: Humber Senior Deckhand – Associated British Ports (ABP)

Location: Humber Pilotage Area
Contract: Full-time, 24/7 rotating roster

Closing date: 23rd July 2026

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.

Associated British Ports — the UK’s leading port operator — is looking for a committed, safety‑driven and highly capable Senior Deckhand to join our Humber Marine Services team. This is a rare opportunity to play a frontline role in one of the country’s most dynamic and commercially vital estuary operations.

Why This Role Matters

As a Humber Senior Deckhand, you’ll be at the heart of safe pilotage operations across one of Europe’s busiest estuaries. Working alongside skilled Coxswains and Pilots, you’ll support the safe navigation, transfer and welfare of all those on board our modern fleet of pilot launches.

Every shift brings variety: fast-changing weather, real-time decision making, and the responsibility that comes with supporting the Port Marine Safety Code and delivering a 24/7 essential service.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the Coxswain in thesafe navigationand operation of pilot launches.
• Maintaining exceptionallookout and situational awarenessat all times.
• Ensuring thesafe embarkation and disembarkation of Pilotsand passengers.
• Responding onionboard and shoreside emergenciesas directed.
• Providing accurateweather and sea‑state reportsto VTS.
• Maintaining launch logs, welfare checks and participating inemergency drills.
• Keeping the vessel clean, safe, well‑equipped and inspection ready.
• A cool head under pressureand razor‑sharp decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication, strong self‑motivation, and the ability to work effectively as part of a small, close‑knit team.
• Experience inmaritime or port operations, orArmed Forces servicein a small craft is advantageous — butnot essential.
• A genuinepassion for safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, with the drive to support a 24/7 operational service.

What You’ll Get

Working for ABP means being part of a professional, respected, and safety‑led organisation with a strong emphasis on training, development, and career progression. You’ll join a team that values teamwork, precision, marine expertise, and operational excellence.

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.

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.