Marine Operations Apprentice
ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS
Southampton (SO14 3QN)
Closes on Saturday 30 May 2026
Posted on 24 February 2026
Contents
Summary
Embark on an exciting journey with our Port Operation Officer apprenticeship at Associated British Ports (ABP), tailored for those passionate about the marine environment. Gain invaluable hands-on experience in shipping and port operations while working with the UK's leading port operator. Take the first step towards a rewarding career.
- Wage
-
£22,913 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Incrmental increaese over the the training period.
- Training course
- Port marine operations officer (level 4)
- Hours
-
Shift work, which may include evenings and weekends.
37 hours a week.
40 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 21 September 2026
- Duration
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2 years
- Positions available
-
2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
- Marine Services: Participate in the operation of harbour marine craft, including patrol and pilot launches
Environmental Protection: Engage in activities to maintain and protect the marine environment
Statutory Compliance: Ensure all operations meet legal and regulatory requirements - Harbour and Marina Operations: Assist in the management of harbour and marina facilities
- Conservancy Duties: Perform tasks related to the maintenance and conservation of the port area
- Radio Room Operations: Support communication and coordination efforts from the marine control centre
- Shift Work: Depending on the schedule, you may work night shifts, ensuring 24/7 port operations
- Cross-Departmental Experience: Opportunity to shadow other departments such as Cruise, Hydrography, and Health & Safety
- Assignment Completion: Manage and prioritise your schedule to complete workbooks and assignments on time
Where you'll work
Ocean Gate
Atlantic Way, Eastern Docks
Southampton
SO14 3QN
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
SEAREGS TRAINING LTD
Training course
Port marine operations officer (level 4)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- safely steer, manoeuvre, navigate and crew different types of marine craft, such as: pilot boats, work boats, survey boats, etc
- conduct marine craft operations including basic towage, personnel transfer and recovery, hydrographic surveying, etc. in line with port specific guidelines
- respond to fire and emergencies including on board vessels and use emergency equipment including oil spill response
- administer basic first aid at work
- lead, manage and engage with colleagues and others including, emergency services and other stakeholders in all marine activities within a port; take control of a situation, deliver reliable and dependable results in work outputs, quality, work ethics and self-development, as well as encouraging and supporting the development of others
- safely moor and unmoor vessels of a range of type and size
- safely handle loads manually and mechanically, including mooring lines, cargo, stores,etc
- demonstrate personal water safety around the harbour and sea survival skills
- communicate clearly and use communications equipment including VHF radio
- operate within health, safety and security systems and practice these in line with regulation, codes of practice and company policies and procedures
- operate navigational systems and equipment such as: compasses, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, radar, Automatic Information Systems, etc.
- carry out port marine operations specific to the setting such as leisure, fishing, cargoes, passenger etc
- contribute to the protection of the marine environment including protection of sites of special scientific interest and marine conservation zones
Training schedule
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade Level 4)
- Maths (grade Level 4)
- Science (grade Level 4)
Desirable qualifications
A Level in:
BTEC in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
- Full clean driving licence
Other requirements
Working outdoors in all weathers, heavy lifting and physically demanding, health and safety led.
About this employer
We continuously invest in the infrastructure, equipment and skills we need to handle a vast array of cargo safely, efficiently and sustainably. Our expert teams work collaboratively to build long-term partnerships and deliver the right supply chain solutions for our customers, including value-added services and brand new facilities tailored to suit their business needs. ABP also offers large areas of development land across a wide range of strategic port locations, capable of attracting investment and delivering transformational benefits for the economy both locally and nationally. As a vital part of the supply chains of businesses throughout the nation, our 21 ports support 200,000 jobs and contribute £15 billion to the economy every year, handling £157 billion of trade. ABP is dedicated to supporting the communities which rely on our ports. We are dedicated to serving our customers. We are dedicated to fulfilling our mission: Keeping Britain Trading.
https://www.abports.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
Berthing Master, Dock Masters and deputies, Harbour Masters and their assistants.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ASSOCIATED BRITISH PORTS
Amy Drury
amy.drury@abports.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000017466.
Apply now
Closes on Saturday 30 May 2026
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.