Vessel Skipper / Boatman

Vessel Skipper / Boatman (40 hours)

Why Shoreline?

Established in 1998 and based in Dorset, Shoreline Surveys has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality hydrographic and geophysical surveys across the UK and Ireland. Our expertise encompasses nearshore, inshore, port, harbour, river, reservoir, and inland water body surveys. With over 2,500 completed projects, we pride ourselves on our professional, quality-driven, and safety-focused approach.

In March 2025, Shoreline Surveys became part of Ocean Ecology – a leading marine environmental consultancy and a subsidiary of DNV, a global leader in assurance and risk management. Joining Shoreline Surveys at this exciting time offers the opportunity to be a key part of our planned growth within a forward-thinking global organisation, recognised for its trusted position across the blue economy.

Why Apply?

This role will provide unique opportunities to work in and help shape a growing and dynamic organisation alongside a passionate team of hydrographic specialists. We offer industry-competitive salaries commensurate with experience, offering cycle to work and electric car scheme (personal), training opportunities and a flexible working policy.

Vessel Skipper

Shoreline Surveys are seeking a capable and safety-conscious individual to support our hydrographic survey operations as a Vessel Skipper / Boatman. The role involves safely helming and manoeuvring our coded survey vessels (typically 5-10m catamarans) in a range of conditions, supporting the onboard surveyor(s), and ensuring the vessels remain compliant, well-maintained, and ready for deployment. You will also be responsible for towing, launching, and recovering the vessels, as well as assisting with mobilisation and demobilisation of survey equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Helm and manoeuvre survey vessels safely in diverse and sometimes challenging conditions and in accordance with the relevant code of practice, maritime laws and company protocols.
• Maintain day-to-day responsibility for vessel coding compliance (MCA/SCA Workboat Code or SCV Code).
• Plan routes and ensure voyage preparation, including weather analysis, fuel calculations, and equipment readiness.
• Carry out daily checks, basic running repairs, mechanical fault-finding, and general upkeep.
• Supervise crew and passengers.
• Tow vessels on UK roads and manage safe launch and recovery operations (with surveyor assistance).
• Mobilise and demobilise survey equipment, supporting the onboard surveyor as needed.
• Ensure all vessel documentation, safety equipment, and logs remain up to date and compliant.
• Assist with planning, preparation, and logistics for survey projects.
• Represent the company professionally while working on client sites or in ports/marinas.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential:

• Minimum RYA Advanced Powerboat (Commercially Endorsed).
• At least 1 year of commercial helming experience after qualification.
• Strong practical mechanical knowledge with the ability to perform basic repairs.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Valid STCW Basic Safety Training (within last 5 years).
• ENG1 or ML5 medical certificate (in date).
• Physically fit and able to work long days on small vessels.
• Must live, or be willing to relocate, within 30–45 minutes of the DT2 postcode.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable:

• Experience towing trailers up to 3,500 kg (BE category an advantage).
• Twin-screw catamaran experience.
• Proven vessel-coding / safety-management experience.
• Basic engineering qualification (RYA or other).
• Previous hydrographic and / or environmental survey helming.

Working Arrangements

The role will be primarily based at Shoreline Surveys’ office, where you will work closely with the wider operations team. The position will also involve supporting field operations, which may require you to work away from home for periods ranging from a few days to a few weeks at a time.

Closing date for applications: 15th January 2026.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.