Pilot Vessel Coxswain

Job Title: Pilot Vessel Coxswain

Location: Port of Leith

Compensation: Salary - £33,896, Shift allowance - £6,767

Hours: 2 days, 2 nights (0600-1800, 1800-0600) 4 days off for 7 rotations. Followed by 18 days off.

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

This role is part of a dedicated shift team responsible for maintaining 24-hour coverage at the pilot station. The primary function is to assist in the safe and efficient transfer of pilots to and from vessels navigating the estuary. During night shifts, when a Duty Pilot is not present, crew members also provide essential operational support within the Pilotage Operations Room. All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation and company policies, ensuring continuous, compliant service delivery within a safety-critical marine environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Comply with all relevant IMO regulations and company bye-laws while at sea, maintaining appropriate lookout, especially in reduced visibility.
• Conduct pre-departure checks on the duty boat to ensure all equipment and supplies are present and operational.
• Carry out planned maintenance or repairs and report any minor defects or faults to the Duty Engineer or Duty Coxswain, recording them in the vessel logbook where appropriate.
• Perform scheduled security and fire patrols of vessels and the watch house.
• Clean both the interior and exterior of the vessel to ensure high standards of cleanliness.
• Maintain cleanliness and order at the pilot station and surrounding areas, ensuring all access points remain unobstructed.
• Keep the pilot station crew room clean and orderly at all times.
• Secure vessel keys and maintain the security of each pilot vessel after use.
• When assigned as second coxswain on night duty, carry out responsibilities in the Pilotage Operations Room, including:

  • Receiving ship movement orders and recording them accurately.

  • Updating the Pilots Turn Register and VDB with movement details.
  • Coordinating pilot transport and assigning pilots to vessels in line with procedures.
  • Maintaining communication with FTNS and the duty Assistant Harbour Master.
  • Seeking guidance from the on-shift pilot or next pilot on turn when needed.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for a dependable and safety-conscious individual who thrives in a structured, shift-based environment. The ideal candidate will be flexible, with the ability to work varying shifts as part of a 24/7 operation. You should be confident operating independently when required, while still contributing effectively to the wider team. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and cleanliness are essential. We are also seeking someone looking for long-term stability and growth within a critical marine service role.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Possession of one or more of the following maritime qualifications:

  • STCW Master Certificate

  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence
  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence or Service
  • MCA Boatmasters’ Licence
  • RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence or Service
  • RYA/MCA Powerboat Advanced Certificate of Competence
  • RYA/MCA Powerboat Advanced Practical Certificate
  • Certificate of Competency for the relevant operational area, issued by a recognised authority
• Completion of relevant safety and survival training, such as:

  • RYA Basic Sea Survival or MCA-approved Personal Survival Techniques

  • First Aid Training
  • Fire Fighting Training
• Additional training or experience in:

  • Radar operation

  • Vessel stability
  • Electronic chart systems
• Familiarity with maritime safety regulations and operational procedures.
• Ability to follow protocols and maintain compliance with safety standards.
• Competence in using marine communication systems and logging/reporting tools.
• Strong situational awareness and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high standards of cleanliness and security.
• Effective team player with the ability to work independently during night shifts.
• Willingness to undertake and maintain required certifications (e.g., first aid, safety training).
• A good working knowledge of the River Forth is preferred.
• Possession of a valid Advanced Powerboat Certificate or Boatmaster’s Licence is desirable.
• Full right to work in the UK
• Full UK driving licence

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
• 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:

If you are an experienced Coxswain and looking to continue your career as part of a forward-thinking and supportive team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.

Required Criteria

• Experience operating small craft or pilot vessels in challenging weather and tidal conditions, ideally within estuarial or coastal waters
• Previous involvement in vessel transfer operations or marine logistics, with a strong understanding of pilotage or port operations
• Relevant Maritime qualification
• Full right to work in the UK
• Full UK driving licence

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

£33,896.00 per year