COXSWAIN

Date: 30 Jul 2025
Location:Southampton, Other Operations, GB
Company: ABPmer
Are you an experienced coxswain who enjoys being out on the water? Do you want to be a part of a team delivering an exciting range of marine surveys around the UK?
About us
We are ABPmer, a marine consultancy and survey company that specialises in understanding one of the most complex environments on earth.

We provide estuarine, coastal and marine surveys for all kinds of clients; supporting the marine renewable and water utility sectors, marine aggregate producers, ports and harbour authorities, renewables,along with charities, government and non-governmental organisations. ABPmer’s experience survey team acquire, process and interpret all types of survey data including:

• Topography, bathymetry and geophysical
• Waves, hydrodynamics and water quality
• Marine and coastal ecology
• Marine mammals and ornithology
• Habitat sampling and mapping
• Vessel traffic monitoring

Known for our technical ability, professionalism, and service excellence, we have been helping clients sustainably manage, operate and develop in the marine environment for 75 years. We know our service excellence is due to our staff and our culture, offering a training and development programme focused on continuous learning and career progression.
Discover more about us.
About the role
You will join our survey team based in Southampton as Coxswain, Vessel and Store Manager on a 1 year fixed term contract.
ABPmer operate a trailerable survey vessel and are looking into growing the survey fleet, as well as work onboard the existing survey vessels owned and operated by the ABP Group. With an ever increasing survey workload, we are looking to employ a qualified coxswain who will operate/maintain the vessel as well as manage our survey equipment store.

As Survey Coxswain you will be responsible for safely operating ABPmer’s in-shore survey boats along with other ABP vessels and charter boats for the survey deployments. Core responsibilities will be:

• Vessel operation, navigation and communication following navigational rules and local maritime regulations.
• Planning and logistical arrangements for vessel movements.
• Working with the experienced survey team to conduct marine surveys for multiple projects around the UK.
• Assisting with deploying and recovering the survey equipment
• Safety leadership by implementing and enforcing ABPs safety management systems on board and emergency response
• Towing and launch/recovery of survey vessels at required survey location around the UK.

As Store and Vessel Manager you will also play a crucial role in keeping the operations running smoothly, especially when it comes to equipment, logistics and inventory; ensuring compliance with our Health and Safety policies and procedures. You will also be ensuring the vessels remain seaworthy, appropriately coded, safe and ready to support the numerous and varied survey operations we undertake. Core responsibilities will be:

• Technical oversight ensuring vessels and equipment meet operational and safety standards
• Logistics coordination
• Safety and compliance with ABPs safety management systems
• Inventory Management
• Management of maintenance and repairs of vessels and equipment
• Ensuring regulatory compliance

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for a Coxswain who has in-shore commercial vessel experience. You will have a comprehensive understanding and demonstrable knowledge of vessel operations and are thorough, organised and experienced in Health and Safety compliance.

You will have the following qualifications:

• Advanced Powerboat licence or a Yachtmaster Power certificate with commercial endorsement
• All relevant and up to date STCW certification.
• In date medical (ENG1).
• A full valid UK driving licence and towing experience.

You will also have proven seamanship and navigational skills and be:

• Experienced in the production and implementation of risk assessments, safe systems of work and compliance with safety management systems
• Experienced in vessel management and maintenance procedures
• Calm under pressure and a confident decision maker
• Have excellent interpersonal and team building skills

Experience in a similar role in a marine survey company would be significantly advantageous.

Why join us?

• Your benefits: As part of Associated British Ports Group you benefit from a contribution-matched pension plan, private medical and dental insurance as well as paid professional subscription, and a range of discount schemes.
• Our flexibility: We understand the importance of a good work-life balance offering generous leave and flexible working arrangements as standard.
• Our people: We are a friendly, welcoming team focussed on collaborative working. Our culture means you are encouraged to chart your own course to excellence.
• Our projects: We deliver a diverse portfolio of projects allowing you to apply your expertise to an array of interesting projects and locations.
• Your career development: We offer a programme of continuous professional development supported by tailored, formal and on-the-job training and mentoring

As Survey Coxswain you will be responsible for safely operating ABPmer’s in-shore survey boats along with other ABP vessels and charter boats for the survey deployments. Core responsibilities will be:

• Vessel operation, navigation and communication following navigational rules and local maritime regulations.
• Planning and logistical arrangements for vessel movements.
• Working with the experienced survey team to conduct marine surveys for multiple projects around the UK.
• Assisting with deploying and recovering the survey equipment
• Safety leadership by implementing and enforcing ABPs safety management systems on board and emergency response
• Towing and launch/recovery of survey vessels at required survey location around the UK

As Store and Vessel Manager you will also play a crucial role in keeping the operations running smoothly, especially when it comes to equipment, logistics and inventory; ensuring compliance with our Health and Safety policies and procedures. You will also be ensuring the vessels remain seaworthy, appropriately coded, safe and ready to support the numerous and varied survey operations we undertake. Core responsibilities will be:

• Technical oversight ensuring vessels and equipment meet operational and safety standards
• Logistics coordination
• Safety and compliance with ABPs safety management systems
• Inventory Management
• Management of maintenance and repairs of vessels and equipment
• Ensuring regulatory complianc