Port Marine Officer Apprentice

Bristol City Council

Bristol (BS1 6XG)

Closes in 27 days (Friday 10 July 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 12 June 2026

Print

Contents

Summary

Looking for a varied role where no two days are the same? Join the City Docks Operations team to oversee waterways and quaysides, operate bridges and dock equipment, support vessel movements, and respond to emergencies. You'll play a key role in keeping the docks safe, efficient, and operational in a dynamic waterfront environment.

Wage

£27,976 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

You will also receive the shift allowance for unsocial hours/ weekends/ bank holidays, which amounts to £461.33 per month.

Training course
Port marine operations officer (level 4)
Hours
This role involves a varied shift pattern, including early, late, and tide-based shifts. Early shifts, 07:30 - 15:30 and Late shifts, 14:00 - 22:00 Shift patterns differ between summer and winter. Flexibility is essential to meet operational requirements.

40 hours a week

Start date

Friday 4 September 2026

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

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

  • Within the tasks set, ensure that the daily functions of the Marine Services Section run efficiently and effectively and within the obligations of all Harbour Acts and Byelaws, Safety systems and procedures
  • Ensure daily tasks, duties and work programmes are fulfilled to ensure user satisfaction is kept above 85%
  • Provide operational presence within shift rotas
  • To identify, report and provide advice on all day-to-day operational matters within the City Docks Estate
  • Under the direction of the Marine Services Supervisors, coordinate and supervise leisure, event, and general recreational use of the immediate water area within the City Docks
  • Operate all Plant and machinery for tidal operations and, by assisting in and undertaking the light maintenance duties of City Docks equipment and installations, ensure, as far as reasonably practical, that they are kept in good working order
  • Provide cover at Netham lock as required. This job description sets out the key outcomes required. It does not specify in detail the activities required to achieve these outcomes
  • General Accountabilities: As far as is reasonably practicable, the post holder must ensure that safe working practices are adopted by employees and in premises/work areas for which the post holder is responsible, to maintain a safe working environment for employees and service users.

Where you'll work

Harbour Masters Office
Underfall Yard
Bristol
BS1 6XG

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

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

Through the work environment, the apprentice will train in:

  • Powerboat level 2
  • RYA First Aid
  • VHF
  • RYA Safety Boat
  • 2P Oil Spill Response

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade C or Grade 4)
  • Maths (grade C or Grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness
  • Flexibility

About this employer

At Bristol City Council, we're proud to serve a vibrant and diverse city of over 450,000 people. From supporting local businesses and delivering essential social care services to maintaining Bristol's parks, museums, and public spaces, our work touches the lives of residents, workers, and visitors every day.

We're committed to building a city where everyone can thrive and share in Bristol's success. Achieving this vision depends on talented, passionate people who are dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities.

We value diversity, inclusion, and innovation, and we're committed to creating a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. By bringing together people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, we create an environment where everyone can contribute, develop, and succeed while delivering outstanding services for the people of Bristol.

Company benefits

You'll become part of the Local Government Pension scheme and enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement in addition to the opportunity to 'buy' extra holiday through our annual leave top-up scheme.

Disability Confident

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

  • For the right candidate, on completion of this qualification, a permanent role within Port Marine for Bristol City Council could become available

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000037031.

Apply now

Closes in 27 days (Friday 10 July 2026 at 11:59pm)