General Purpose Marine Operative

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.

Role: General Purpose Marine Operative

Location: Barry

Closing Date: 10th December 2025

We are looking for an enthusiastic and flexible team member to join our Marine Services department as a General Purpose Marine Operative (GPMO) based in Barry. This is a skill level three role, primarily covering Barry lock shipping, Barry lock levels, Port Talbot Old Dock Shipping, and general port maintenance. You will play a key part in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our lock facilities and supporting emergency preparedness. 

The role is shift work with 12 days on,12 days off with AL included in the working pattern.  There are 24 days of standby across the year in 4 blocks of 6.  The role is predominantly day work but there will be elements of supporting tide work when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide cover on Barry lock for shipping and scheduled cover over levelling tides.
• Act as primary lock control cover in Port Talbot Old Dock as required.
• Carry out general maintenance, inspections, and housekeeping across all five ports.
• Report incidents, damages, and lock gate operational performance.
• Respond to oil spills and other emergency incidents within the dock, following on-scene commander’s directions.
• Operate and communicate effectively using VHF radio.
• Depending on skill level, undertake the role of Lock Controller in Swansea and Deckhand for South Wales pilot launches.
• Undertake scheduled inspections, emergency preparedness drills, and resilience procedures.
• Work a mix of tidal shifts and day work shifts on a flexible basis.

Essential:

• Computer literate (Word & Excel).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently within a small team.
• Willingness to work flexibly on a rotating shift pattern and on own initiative.
• Ability to obtain an ML5 medical.
• Full UK driving licence.

Ideal:

• Working knowledge of Marine Safety Management systems and procedures.
• Recent experience in a marine environment.
• Competency in VHF radio operation.

Development

You will be expected to undertake internal and external training as required to develop the skills needed for both lock operation and Pilot Cutter roles, providing cover across all roles in the department.

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