UK Docks Marine Services regularly posts job vacancies on this page. Please feel free to check in regularly to see upcoming availability and application details
JOB 0PPORTUNITY: BOATYARD OPERATIVE APPRENTICE
(Gosport, Hampshire)
UK Docks Marine Services (South) has a vacancy for a Boatyard Operative Apprentice at its facility in Victoria Quay, Royal Clarence Yard, Gosport.
The role is for a full-time apprenticeship, (37 hours per week), with salary in line with Government guidelines and based on experience.
UK Docks Royal Clarence Yard Ltd at Victoria Quay is offering an exciting opportunity for a Boatyard Operative Apprentice to join our busy, professional team.
You'll learn how to handle vessels both ashore and afloat, operate heavy machinery, carry out maintenance, and help keep our boatyard
running safely and smoothly — all while working towards a recognised qualification.
What you'll do:
• Assist with lifting, launching & berthing boats
• Operate hoists, cranes, forklifts & tow boats (training provided)
• Carry out regular maintenance & safety checks
• Work outdoors, in a team, and sometimes independently
• Deliver excellent customer service to boat owners & visitors
What we're looking for:
• Reliable, practical, and ready to learn
• Physically fit and safety-conscious
• Great communication and teamwork skills
• Passion for boats or the marine industry is a bonus!
What we offer:
• Full training & support through your apprenticeship
• A dynamic, hands-on role in a unique waterfront setting
• Long-term career development opportunities
If you’re interested, you can learn more about us at our website: www.victoriaquay.net and apply now.
The closing date for applications is June 30th, 2025 and all applications should be emailed to contactus@victoriaquay.net.
JOB 0PPORTUNITY: STORES PERSON
Stores Person – Government Assets Management
Reports to the Logistics and Procurement Manager.
We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Stores Person to manage government-owned assets and equipment within an industrial environment. This role requires experience in handling, storing, and distributing sensitive and high-value assets, while ensuring compliance with health, safety, and security regulations.
You will be responsible for operating lifting equipment, cranes, and forklifts to move and manage assets, ensuring all operations are conducted safely and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities:
Inventory Management:
Receive, inspect, and store government assets and equipment, ensuring proper documentation and secure handling.
Use inventory management systems to track asset movement, stock levels, and location within the storage facility.
Conduct regular stock checks and audits, ensuring compliance with government regulations and company policies.
Asset Handling and Distribution:
Safely operate lifting equipment, cranes, and forklifts to move and store assets and materials, ensuring they are handled in line with safety
protocols.
Manage the secure distribution and retrieval of government assetsbetween departments or to external locations, ensuring all equipment is
transported securely and with appropriate documentation.
Oversee the safe loading and unloading of deliveries, ensuring goods are checked against orders and stored properly.
Security and Compliance:
o Adhere to government and company security protocols when managing sensitive or classified equipment, ensuring assets are stored in secure
environments.
o Ensure that health and safety regulations, especially in relation to manual handling, crane operation, and forklift use, are strictly followed.
o Maintain detailed and accurate records of all asset movements, usage, and any discrepancies for auditing purposes.
Maintenance and Equipment Care:
o Regularly inspect and maintain lifting equipment, cranes, forklifts, and other tools used in the stores area, coordinating repairs and servicing
when required.
o Ensure that all equipment is kept in good working order and is compliant with safety standards.
Procurement and Logistics Support:
o Assist with the receipt and distribution of incoming goods, ensuring proper storage and inventory updates.
o Support the procurement process by liaising with suppliers to ensure timely and accurate delivery of equipment and materials.
Key Skills and Experience:
Proven experience in stores or inventory management, preferably within a defence, government, or industrial setting.
Experience operating forklifts, cranes, and other lifting equipment safely and in compliance with health and safety standards.
Strong knowledge of asset management processes, including inventory control, stock audits, and documentation procedures.
Ability to maintain accurate records and track high-value government assets.
Experience working with government assets or equipment, with a strong understanding of security and compliance requirements.
Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
Qualifications:
Relevant experience or certification in forklift, crane, or other lifting equipment operation (e.g., forklift operator certification, crane operator training).
A background in inventory management, logistics, or a related field.
Experience working in a secure or regulated environment, ideally within a defence or government organisation.
Ability to obtain security clearance is essential.
Essential
Previous experience in a similar position.
Experience working with challenging and changing deadlines.
Good time management skills and ability to multitask.
Excellent communications skills.
Able to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
Microsoft Office.
Your Skills And Experiences
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders, both internally and externally.
Ability to build strong working relationships with internal teams, contractors, and external stakeholders, fostering collaboration.
Good verbal and written communications to liaise with staff, external contractors, and government bodies. Ability to explain policies, procedures, and requirements clearly and professionally.
Ability to multitask and prioritise.
Ability to produce and maintain accurate documents.
Have a good understanding and appreciation of a proactive safety culture.
Team orientated
A desire to continually improve.
Please send all applications to: recuitment@ukdocks.com
JOB 0PPORTUNITY: VESSEL MANAGER
UK Docks provides support to the Royal Navy, and our Vessel Managers are the focal point for this support. They are both technical experts and skilled project managers, able to communicate effectively with senior Naval Officers and Civil Servants through to the most junior levels.
Role Overview
Reports to: Operations Manager
Primary Responsibility: Ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective management and technical operation of company-managed vessels.
Security Clearance: Required (SC level).
Must be a UK Citizen.
Location: South Shields (office based with frequent travel).
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Technical Operations
Provide shore support to maintain vessels in operational readiness.
Oversee maintenance, repair, dry docking, and survey scheduling.
Prepare maintenance period specifications and review with SMT.
Evaluate tenders and manage maintenance period and repair execution.
Manage and procure spare parts/stores economically.
Ensure compliance with classification society, international and flag state regulations.
2. Health, Safety, Environment, Quality (QHSE)
Promote and enforce safety culture onboard.
Conduct and follow up on audits, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
Collaborate with HSE team on system and policy implementation.
3. Vessel Visits
Minimum of four visits per year to assigned vessels.
Inspect, supervise repairs, and provide hands-on support.
Ensure vessels comply with classification and statutory standards.
4. KPI’s
Management of company and contractual KPI’s for their assigned vessel.
Qualifications and Personal Attributes
Class 1 CoC (Engineering) or relevant supervisory seagoing experience (Royal Navy Marine Engineer CPO/WO) or experience as a Technical Superintendent.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
High attention to detail, professionalism and ability to work under pressure.
Benefits
23 days leave per year, rising to 25 after 4 years service, plus bank holidays.
Holiday buy/sell scheme.
Core hours (flexible working).
Free parking.
Company matched pension scheme.
Applications to be sent to recruitment@ukdocks.com for the attention of Kevin Hodgson (General Manager) and Nick Elliott (Operations Manager).
(Strictly no agencies).
JOB 0PPORTUNITY: SUPPORT MANAGER
UK Docks provides technical support to the Royal Navy through our vessel management team. The Support Manager is part of this critical department. This role supports the Operations Manager and Vessel Managers in the day-to-day service provided to the Royal Navy.
Role Overview:
Reports to: Operations Manager
Primary Responsibility: Ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective management and technical operation of company-managed vessels.
Security Clearance: Required (SC level).
Location: South Shields (office-based with frequent travel).
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Technical Operations
Support the day-to-day work of Vessel Managers.
Ensure all vessels are maintained in a state of operational readiness, in compliance with Class, Flag State, and regulatory requirements.
Assist with maintenance, dry dock planning, and execution across the fleet.
Drive continuous improvement and best practice sharing in maintenance and dry docking.
Act as technical authority on repair specifications and docking scope reviews.
Day-to-day management of UKD sub-contractors.
2. Health, Safety, Environment, Quality (QHSE)
Promote and enforce safety culture onboard.
Support personnel development, conduct internal audits, and ensure QHSE excellence.
Collaborate with HSE team on system and policy implementation.
3. Vessel Visits
Minimum of six visits per year to assigned vessels.
Monitor and evaluate maintenance performance to ensure standards are maintained.
4. KPI's
Monitor company and contractual KPI's for all vessels.
Qualifications & Personal Attributes
Class 1 CoC (Engineering) or relevant supervisory seagoing experience (Royal Navy Marine Engineer CPO/WO) or experience as a Technical Superintendent.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
High attention to detail, professionalism and ability to work under pressure.
Benefits:
23 days leave per year, rising to 25 after four years’ service, plus bank holidays.
Holiday buy/sell scheme.
Core hours (flexible working).
Free parking.
Company matched pension scheme.
Applications to be sent to recruitment@ukdocks.com for the attention of Kevin Hodgson (General Manager) and Nick Elliott (Operations Manager).
JOB OPPORTUNITY: PROJECT ENGINEER
UK Docks is seeking a motivated and organised Project Engineer to support its project department.
The role will play a critical part in the planning and delivery of engineering projects for Royal Navy vessels.
The Project Engineer will take ownership of the technical aspects of project delivery—working closely with internal departments, OEMs, contractors, and MOD stakeholders to develop, refine, and implement engineering solutions. The role reports directly to the Commercial Manager as part of the commercial team and is full-time, based in South Shields, UK.
The ideal candidate will have strong project engineering skills, a solid foundation in marine, mechanical or electrical systems and a working knowledge of naval operations and engineering standards.
Role Overview:
Job Title: Project Engineer
Location: South Shields (office-based) Reports To: Commercial Manager Security Clearance: Required (to SC level)
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
• Develop, review, refine and prioritise multiple technical scopes of work in collaboration with suppliers, OEMs, and the customer.
• Oversee the engineering implementation of upgrades and modifications onboard vessels.
• Lead technical elements during project planning, ensuring all specifications and deliverables are clear and achievable.
• Provide engineering input and oversight during contractor and OEM activities, both on-site and remotely.
• Liaise with MOD representatives to ensure technical alignment and compliance with defence standards.
• Deliver projects from initial request through to execution and close out ensuring all deliverables are met.
• Support the preparation of detailed work packages.
• Monitor progress, resolve technical issues, and ensure adherence to safety and quality requirements.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and contribute to project reporting.
• Assist in cost and resource estimation, change control, and continuous improvement activities.
• Attend project client meetings as the lead engineer, being supported by the wider UK Docks team.
• Proactively assist the client to eliminate project problems and/or malfunctions to ensure that there are no consequential impacts to the vessel’s operational capability or availability.
Qualifications & Attributes:
Essential:
• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Marine, or Electrical Engineering (or similar discipline).
• Proven experience in a project engineering role, ideally within defence or marine sectors.
• Strong technical problem-solving skills with a hands-on understanding of engineering systems.
• Ability to manage multiple technical workstreams and liaise with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with engineering project lifecycles, maintenance planning, and OEM coordination.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams).
Desirable:
• Experience supporting Royal Navy, RFA, or MOD-managed assets.
• Knowledge of Classification Society, Flag State, and defence-specific regulations.
• Project management training or certifications (e.g. APM, Prince2, or equivalent).
Benefits:
• 23 days leave per year, rising to 25 after four years service, plus bank holidays.
• Holiday buy/sell scheme.
• Core hours (flexible working).
• Free parking.
• Company matched pension scheme.
Applications to be sent to recruitment@ukdocks.com for the attention of Kevin Hodgson (General Manager) and Nick Elliott (Operations Manager).
JOB OPPORTUNITY: MECHANICAL FIELD SERVICE ENGINEERS
The candidate must have adequate technical supervisory expertise to work on his/her own proficiently and professionally.
Key responsibilities include:
Providing service, maintenance, and repair, including final commissioning of client equipment without direct supervision, within a pre-set timescale to a high standard
Accustomed to working from mechanical drawings to diagnose and solve challenges.
Provide detailed technical reports on work carried out.
Interacting with vessel management and operations to ensure work is being carried out on schedule.
To complete service reports/timesheets promptly and accurately
Requirements:
A willingness to learn and demonstrate a positive attitude.
Experienced in Mechanical Engineering with the ability to read and understand drawings.
You must have excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
You should possess a current passport and driving license and be prepared for considerable travel throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide.
Salary:
High potential earnings with significant overtime, 28 days holiday (inc. statutory holidays). Significant overtime matched to high base salary, company pension scheme, provision of company PPE, credit card, mobile telephone and laptop.
Standby at home when not travelling.
Job Type:
Full-time, Permanent
Experience:
Heavy Engineering
Rotating Equipment
Please direct all enquiries and applications to: Chris.Wilson@ukdocks.com.
JOB OPPORTUNITY: MARINE ENGINEER
(Cremyll, Cornwall)
UK Docks Mashfords based at Cremyll in Cornwall is seeking a full-time Marine Engineer to join its team. This is a permanent position working 39 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Overtime will be required to meet contract deadlines when necessary.
Duties:
To service marine engines and propulsion systems.
To install mechanical and hydraulic systems.
To test and commission installations, ensuring equipment is operational and satisfactory to all requirements.
To work on all vessel types up to 300 tonnes including but not limited to Ribs and workboats.
All work to be carried out to a high standard.
Assist the engineering foreman in training engineering apprentices.
Knowledge Skills & Abilities:
· Qualified Engineer with a minimum of 3 years’ experience. Maritime knowledge advantageous.
· Knowledge of jet drive propulsion systems advantageous.
· Ability to work on vessels up to 300 tons, including working afloat.
· Proven knowledge of systems including, fresh water, domestic, saltwater systems, engine cooling, hydraulics, LP air, bilge / grey water and heating systems.
· To be conversant with all aspects of diesel engines including fault finding, maintenance & servicing.
· Proven knowledge of engine / gearbox installation including ancillaries and alignment of engine / gearbox to shafts.
· Familiar with propulsion and steering systems.
· Knowledge of Electrical Installations would be advantageous.
· Security vetting will be required.
· Required to work on MoD sites.
· Expected to work outside normal working hours for slipping and launching vessels
· Boat handling qualifications (Powerboat Level 2 / Day Skipper etc), with commercial endorsement advantageous.
· Driving licence essential.
Pay
· £15.69ph going up to £17.52ph
· 156 Hours leave and Bank holidays
Please direct enquires and applications to: michelle.downton@ukdocks.com.