Job Title: Marine Officer
Location: Port of Leith and Grangemouth
Compensation: Salary - £36,000 per annum
Hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1700 (including out of hours and weekend work as required)
Forth Ports is one of the UK's largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. As a multimodal ports owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port-related services. With our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, we are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK's renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.
About The Role
In this role, the Marine Officer will work in close collaboration with Marine Managers, Leith and Grangemouth as well as wider Marine department to support the safe, compliant, and efficient movement of vessels across the Forth estuary and its associated ports and docks. This role ensures vessel operations align with all legislative, operational, and safety requirements, helping maintain the highest standards of marine coordination and emergency preparedness within the jurisdiction.
Key responsibilities:
- Support Marine and Operations departments in vessel scheduling, ensuring safe and efficient transit in line with weather, tides, and vessel requirements.
- Work closely with Port Engineering departments to coordinate planned maintenance or locks whilst minimising disruption to shipping.
- Supervise lock gate staff, lock operations and provide marine advice to Port Operations regarding berthing and scheduling.
- Maintain communication with agents, pilots, ship’s Masters, and operational teams to coordinate vessel movements effectively.
- Ensure compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code, Port Byelaws, Pilotage Directions, and relevant marine legislation.
- Maintain and regularly update, Marine Safety Management System, emergency response plans; lead and participate in safety committees drills and exercises.
- Respond to marine incidents, including oil pollution, and escalate non-standard matters to Marine Managers.
- Oversee the maintenance of marine safety equipment, watering systems, and oil spill response resources.
- Provide Marine Officer cover at other Forth and Tay ports as required, including occasional Lock Foreman and Console Controller duties.
- Conduct audits and inspections to ensure compliance with health, safety, and marine standards.
- Report equipment faults promptly and assist the wider Marine and Port Management teams as needed.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking a confident, safety-minded candidate with a proven track record in ports or marine industry who thrives in a dynamic, operational environment. You will be highly organised, capable of responding calmly to unexpected situations, and comfortable working across multiple port locations when required.
You will have a hands on approach to the role, comfortable working outdoors, on the water in port workboats as well as conducting office based tasks.
This role suits someone with a strong understanding of marine regulations and port operations, who can communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. A flexible, proactive mindset and a commitment to upholding marine safety and compliance standards are key to success in this role.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Strong marine background with practical experience in vessel operations, navigation, and port environments.
- Must hold at least one of the following valid Maritime qualifications:
- RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competency (Commercially Endorsed)
- RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competency (Commercially Endorsed)
- RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competency (Commercially Endorsed)
- STCW Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency (STCW Reg II/1)
- STCW Master Certificate Workboat <500GT (Unlimited Area)
- STCW Master Certificate Code Vessels <200GT (Unlimited Area)
- STCW Master Certificate Code Vessels (Limited to 150 miles from a safe haven)
- Knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code
- Knowledge of relevant Port and River Byelaws, General Directions, and marine legislation
- Full right to work in the UK
- Full UK driving licence and own vehicle for travel within and between ports
What Forth Ports can offer you:
At Forth Ports, our people are our priority, and we are committed to creating a flexible, open, and supportive working culture. As part of our team, you will enjoy:
- A competitive salary
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- A defined pension scheme and life assurance
- Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family
- Cycle to work scheme and on-site free parking
- Attractive Family Friendly Policies
- Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK-wide restaurants, car rentals, and holidays
- GymFlex health club memberships
We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.
Required Criteria
- Strong marine background with practical experience in vessel operations, navigation, and port environments
- Relevant Maritime qualifications
- Full right to work in the UK
- Full UK driving licence and own vehicle for travel within and between ports
Skills Needed
About The Company
Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies.
The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries.
Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.
Company Culture
Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London.
A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day.
The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.
Company Benefits
We are committed to creating a positive working culture for all employees, as well as a good work-life balance.
Here are just some of the benefits of working for Forth Ports.
Vacation, Paid time off, Paid sick days, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee discounts, Gym membership or wellness programs, Cycle to work, Competitive salary, Employee Assistance Scheme
Salary
£36,000.00 per year
