Berthing Officer

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.

Berthing Officer

Location: Port of Southampton
Contract: Permanent | Shift-based (24/7 watch routine)
Department: Marine

About the role

An opportunity has arisen within the Marine team at the Port of Southampton for a Berthing Officer.

Reporting to the Marine Planning Supervisor, you will support the safe, efficient and effective planning of vessel movements across the port’s multi-user berths. Acting in a landside capacity on behalf of the Harbour Master, the role plays a key part in protecting ABP’s operational, safety and commercial interests while delivering a consistently high level of service to our customers and stakeholders.

This role would suit someone looking to broaden their experience within a complex marine environment or develop their career within port and vessel planning.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate the safe arrival, departure and movement of vessels within the Port of Southampton
• Operate as part of a 24/7 watch routine, ensuring vessels are berthed efficiently and safely
• Act on behalf of the Harbour Master in a landside capacity, supporting compliance with statutory regulations and Port Byelaws
• Work closely with pilots, VTS, tug operators, shipping agents and internal operational teams
• Support cruise operations, marine exercises and incident response as required
• Provide clear operational direction to ensure berth availability, safety standards and service expectations are maintained
• Champion health, safety and environmental standards in line with ABP’s Beyond Zero culture
• Contribute to the effective use of port resources, facilities and systems
• Provide flexible support to wider marine and port operations where required

What we’re looking for

Essential:

• Maritime background or experience within a commercial port environment
• Confident use of VHF radio communications
• Understanding of risk assessments and safe systems of work
• Clear and effective communicator, able to work confidently with operational colleagues and external stakeholders
• Ability to make sound decisions in a time-critical, operational setting
• Willingness to work shifts and demonstrate flexibility in working hours
• Full UK manual driving licence

Desirable:

• Deck Certificate of Competency (CoC), MOD equivalent, or willingness to work towards CO103
• Knowledge of harbour regulations, berthing and marine operations
• Familiarity with port security and environmental considerations
• Local operational knowledge of Southampton Water and the Central/Eastern Solent

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