Marine Officer

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
• STCW Master Certificate Code Vessels
• STCW Master Certificate Code Vessels (Limited to 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.