Assistant Dock Master

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.

Assistant Dock Master – Grimsby

Location: Grimsby
Department: Humber Marine
Reports to: Deputy Dock Master
Contract: Full-time, shift-based

Closing date: 2nd March 2026

About the Role

Associated British Ports (ABP) is seeking a committed and safety‑focused Assistant Dock Master to join our Humber Marine team in Grimsby. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced marine professional to play a key role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of marine activities within the Grimsby Port Area.

As Assistant Dock Master, you will help to manage day‑to‑day port marine operations, support statutory Harbour Authority responsibilities, and contribute to the safe movement of vessels. You will also provide leadership to Marine Operatives, ensuring high standards of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence.  The role is shift based and consists of 2 days, 2 nights, 4 off, with rostered leave of 18 days built into the shift pattern every 7 sets.  All shifts are 12 hours.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Plan, control and support the safe navigation of vessels within the Grimsby Port Area, ensuring compliance with local by-laws, statutory requirements and marine regulations.


• Carry out statutory Harbour Authority duties, exercising the powers of the Dock Master as required.


• Act as a key point of contact for port users, representing ABP professionally and providing marine operational advice.


• Liaise closely with Humber Estuary Services, Pilots, PEC holders, engineering teams and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth running of port activities.


• Report defects and oversee maintenance of marine and port‑related equipment.


• Lead and supervise Marine Operatives, conducting appraisals, supporting development, and ensuring compliance with H&S and employment legislation.


• Oversee permits to work, berth allocations, vessel programmes, workplace transport plans, and daily operational briefings.


• Serve as the initial point of contact during emergency situations, liaising with emergency services and implementing the Port Oil Spill Contingency Plan where necessary.


• Promote ABP’s Marine, Safety, Environmental and wider company policies.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is safety‑driven, proactive and confident in leading others in a fast‑paced marine environment.

Essential Requirements:

• A Watch Keeping Certificate or extensive Port Marine Operational experience (e.g., Port Marine Operations Officer qualification).


• Strong working knowledge of statutory, local and safety regulations relevant to port marine operations.


• Effective leadership and communication skills, including good computer literacy.


• Understanding of port operations and emergency response procedures.


• A flexible approach and commitment to teamwork.


• Ability to undertake shift work.


• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• Previous experience leading a team.


• Knowledge of Grimsby and the wider Humber area.

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