At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team providing 24-hour pilot transfer services in the Firth of Forth.
- Company: Forth Ports Ltd, a leader in maritime operations with a commitment to safety and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, health support, gym memberships, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting maritime environment and develop your skills while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate and experience with small craft are essential.
The predicted salary is between 32255 - 32255 £ per year.
Location: Forth Ports Ltd, 100 Ocean Drive
Location: Granton Pilot Station
Hours: 2 days, 2 nights, 4 days off for 7 weeks followed by 18 days off
Compensation: Salary - £32,255 (pro‑rata) and shift allowance - £6,452 (pro‑rata)
About The Role
As Junior Pilot Boat Crew, you will be part of a shift team providing a 24‑hour pilot transfer service within the Firth of Forth. The role is responsible for supporting the safe and efficient transfer of marine pilots to and from vessels, assisting with vessel operations, maintenance, security and housekeeping activities, and contributing to the effective operation of the pilot station. Working as part of a safety‑critical environment, you will ensure that all duties are carried out in accordance with maritime regulations, company procedures and the highest standards of health, safety and customer service.
Key Responsibilities
- Comply with all relevant IMO regulations and company byelaws while at sea, maintain an appropriate lookout, particularly during conditions of reduced visibility, and undertake duties in line with training.
- Conduct a pre‑departure check of the duty boat to confirm that all required equipment and supplies are on board and in proper condition.
- Carry out planned maintenance or repairs.
- Report any minor defects or faults to the Duty Engineer or Duty Coxswain, and where applicable record such issues in the vessel’s logbook.
- Carry out scheduled security and fire patrols of the boats and the watch house.
- Undertake cleaning of the vessel’s interior and exterior to maintain high standards of cleanliness.
- Maintain cleanliness and order at the pilot boat station and surrounding areas, ensuring that all access points remain free from obstruction.
- Keep the crew room at the pilot boat station clean and orderly at all times.
- Maintain the security of each pilot vessel, securing vessel keys following use.
- When assigned as second coxswain on night duty: receive ship movement orders and record them in the order book; enter ship movements, assigned pilots and related information into the Pilots Turn Register and VDB; arrange transport for pilots to support operational efficiency; allocate pilots to vessels based on the programme issued by the day Duty Pilot and in line with Pilot Turn procedures; maintain communication with FTNS and the duty Assistant Harbour Master; seek guidance from an on‑shift working pilot or the next pilot on turn in cases of uncertainty.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking a reliable and safety‑conscious individual with an interest in maritime operations and experience working on or around small craft. You will have strong situational awareness, a proactive approach to learning, and the ability to work effectively as part of a close‑knit team in a safety‑critical environment. The successful candidate will be comfortable working a rotating shift pattern, including nights, weekends, public holidays and overtime as required to support a continuous 24‑hour operation. A willingness to undertake training, develop new skills and maintain required certifications is essential. Experience operating small vessels, knowledge of maritime safety procedures, and familiarity with the River Forth would be advantageous.
Skills & Qualifications
- Previous experience operating small craft in all weather conditions.
- Familiarity with maritime safety regulations and procedures.
- Ability to follow operational protocols and safety standards.
- Competence in using communication systems and logging procedures.
- Good situational awareness and decision‑making under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a shift team.
- Willingness to undertake and maintain required training and certifications (e.g., first aid, safety training).
- A good working knowledge of the River Forth is preferred.
- RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence with commercial endorsement is required.
- Full Driving Licence, valid in the UK.
- Full UK Working Rights.
Required Criteria
- RYA Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence with commercial endorsement.
- Ability to work shift pattern including days, nights and weekend shifts.
- Full right to work in the UK.
- Full driving licence, valid in the UK.
What Forth Ports Can Offer You
- A competitive salary.
- Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary.
- In‑house Occupational Health — Provides professional workplace health advice, support and guidance for employees across all sites.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) — Delivered through Health Assured, offering 24/7, 365‑day confidential wellbeing support via the Wisdom app or telephone access, covering mental health, financial advice, legal guidance and emotional wellbeing.
- Physiotherapy Support — Access to physiotherapy sessions through three external providers in Scotland, plus an onsite physiotherapist once per week in Tilbury.
- An annual Christmas thank you gift of a complimentary turkey or meat‑free alternative for all employees.
- GymFlex health club memberships offering discounted access to gyms including Nuffield Health, PureGym, Anytime Fitness, The Gym Group and selected local gyms.
- Cycle to Work scheme to support affordable, sustainable commuting.
- On‑site free parking available for all employees.
- Attractive family‑friendly policies, including enhanced maternity cover.
- Employee discount platform providing savings on UK‑wide restaurants, retail, car rentals, days out and holidays.
E‑EO & Diversity Statement
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. As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers because of their service. We welcome applications from veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and military spouses/partners, and we actively support flexible and inclusive recruitment practices.
Closing date: Sunday 28th June 2026
Contract type: fulltime
Salary: £38,707.00 yearly
Junior Pilot Boat Crew (6-month FTC) employer: Forth Ports Limited
Forth Ports Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a generous pension scheme, health support services, and family-friendly policies. Our inclusive work culture prioritises employee wellbeing and development, providing opportunities for training and growth in a dynamic maritime environment at the scenic Granton Pilot Station, where teamwork and safety are paramount.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Pilot Boat Crew (6-month FTC)
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
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✨Show You’re Flexibly Awesome
Temporary roles often require quick adaptability, so make sure you highlight your flexibility and problem-solving skills in every discussion. When chatting with recruiters or at interviews, be ready to give examples of how you’ve quickly adjusted in past roles—this will help you stand out among other candidates.
✨Hit Us Up Directly!
Don't forget to apply through our website directly to see the freshest temporary opportunities available at Forth Ports Limited! It’s always a good idea to follow up after submitting your application, just to show you’re keen on joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Pilot Boat Crew (6-month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in transportation and logistics, it’s crucial to emphasise any previous experience in this field. Whether you've worked as a warehouse operative or in a delivery role, make sure you showcase those skills and experiences that will help you hit the ground running right away!
Focus on Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, your availability and flexibility are key. In your cover letter, be clear about when you can start and any scheduling flexibility you might have. Employers love candidates who can jump in without a hitch, so show off that readiness!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certificates related to logistics, like forklift licenses or health and safety training, don’t leave them out! These certifications can give you an edge, showing that you’re not just capable but also qualified for the job. Mention these in your CV to catch the hiring manager’s eye!
Tailor Your CV to Logistics Jargon:When crafting your CV, use industry-specific terms and jargon that reflect your understanding of transportation and logistics. Whether it’s ‘supply chain management’ or ‘route optimisation’, sprinkle these phrases throughout your CV and cover letter. This shows that you’re not just applying at random, but that you know the industry well!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forth Ports Limited
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
In the transportation and logistics field, demonstrating your knack for problem-solving can really set you apart. Be ready to talk about specific challenges you’ve faced in past roles or during your studies, especially those involving route planning or supply chain issues, and how you tackled them.
✨Get Familiar with Key Tools
This role will likely involve using industry-specific tools like SAP or Microsoft Excel for logistics management. Brush up on these tools before your interview and be ready to discuss how you've used them in the past – or how you'd approach using them if you're not familiar yet!
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this position is temporary, companies are keen on finding someone who can hit the ground running. Share examples from previous roles or projects where you quickly adapted to new processes or worked under tight deadlines to show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Understand Key Regulations
In the transportation and logistics sector, regulations play a huge role. Familiarising yourself with relevant laws and compliance standards can give you an edge. If you can drop in some specifics about how these impact logistics operations, it’ll show you're serious about the industry and that you can handle the responsibilities of the role with confidence.
