Date: 5 Jun 2025

Location: Ayr, Short Sea Ports, GB

Company: ABP

We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

 

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

 

Why should you work for ABP?

  • Have the chance to make a difference in a business critical to UK trade.
  • Work within an exciting, innovative, growing business.
  • You can thrive in an inclusive environment where every individual can be themselves and feel respected.
  • Receive competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Get support for training, personal development, and further education.
  • Benefit from support and engagement through dedicated management and leadership

 

We are looking for a committed and safety-conscious General Purpose Marine Operative (GPMO) to join our team at Ayr and Troon. This is a full-time, shift-based role requiring flexibility and a strong marine background.

 

This role is essential to maintaining safe and efficient port operations and offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic marine environment.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate and crew the pilot vessel and assist with pilot operations (subject to certification)
  • Assist with safe mooring and unmooring of vessels
  • Maintain Marine Control at both ports, including VHF communications and vessel monitoring
  • Record vessel movements and relevant data for administration and billing
  • Operate port control building during night shifts
  • Perform general port duties including:
    • Catching lines
    • General maintenance
    • Port cleanliness
    • Cleaning vessel holds
  • Operate machinery and plant after training, following safe systems of work
  • Use CCTV for port security and monitoring

 

Skills, experiences, qualifications

  • ENG1 Medical Certificate (or ABP Safety Critical Medical)
  • RYA/STCW VHF Operator Certificate
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2 with Commercial Endorsement
  • STCW Personal Survival Techniques
  • STCW or HSE First Aid Training
  • Experience in mooring/unmooring vessels
  • Ability to work flexibly and independently

 

We offer a competitive salary, contributory pension from day one (Starting at 3% employee contribution with 5% company match), private healthcare, access to our Employee Assistance Program – plus the option to purchase additional days), wide range of discounts and cash back with high street and online retailers. We offer an inclusive work environment with an in-house training academy which offers ongoing opportunities to develop your skills.

 

Additional Information:

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

 

Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

 

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.

 

As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please note your consent will be required and further information on this check can be found using the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels