Deckhand, Woolwich Ferries

Key Information

Deckhand – Woolwich Ferry - 4461

Salary: £38,636 + 10% Unsocial Hours allowance

The closing date for applications is 23rd June 2026 23:59hrs.

There are 2 permanent positions and 2 Fixed term positions (to May 2027)

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory right to work checks. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. At the present time TfL is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

The Woolwich Ferry is a free vehicle and pedestrian ferry service across the River Thames in East London. The ferry service links Woolwich in the Royal Borough of Greenwich on the south bank, to North Woolwich in the borough of Newham on the north bank. It also links two ends of the inner London orbital road routes, the North and South Circulars.

In excess of two million passengers use the ferry service each year.

There has been a Thames ferry service at Woolwich since the 14th Century. The original small open hand powered vessels and thereafter paddle steamers, are a long way from the two-diesel electric battery hybrid vessels which entered service early in 2019, accompanied by the intelligent docking and locking systems (IDLS) at the north and south terminals.

The Woolwich Ferry Service is licensed and financed by London River Services, the maritime arm of Transport for London (TfL). Following the Mayor of London’s announcement on 10th February 2020 the service has been transferred in house to Transport for London full technical and operational management.

As a Deckhand, your general purpose duties will be associated with the day to day operation of the Woolwich Ferry, working as part of a roster which includes night shift working, including but not limited to safe loading and unloading operations; general safety and security duties; maintenance of the vessels, infrastructure and equipment; mooring and bunkering operations, and any other duties as directed by the Duty Operations Manager, Captain and Marine Engineering Officer.

You will also comply with and promote all the requirements of the Woolwich Ferry Safety Management System, TfL policies and procedures, Captains / Marine Engineering Manager standing orders and industry best standards as applicable whilst providing a high level of customer service and care.

• Ensure compliance with the Woolwich Ferry Safety Management System, other regulatory requirements and industry best practice at all times.
• Ensure compliance with TfL policies, procedures and Key Performance Indicator's at all times.
• Safely and efficiently complete vessel loading / unloading, mooring, bunkering, cleaning and maintenance duties as dictated by the operational requirements at the time and other duties as reasonably directed by WF Management.
• Provide emergency response duties as directed by the Duty Operations Manager and Captain and take immediate action in response to all incidents on the vessels, at the terminals and in access roads / pavements connected therewith.
• Ensure standards of cleanliness and order are maintained throughout all areas of the vessel at all times - including but not limited to passenger and crew accommodation, vehicle decks, machinery spaces and link-spans, approach roads and pavements and all other areas connected with the Woolwich Ferry Operation. Additionally ensure all reasonable actions are taken to rectify or warn passengers during service hours of any issues or defects which may directly or indirectly affect passenger service and care.
• Count and report the total number of passengers and vehicles on board for every crossing.
• Monitor the movement of passengers in respect of safety and security measures and protocols in force at the time. Security related duties in accordance with the PFSP.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with the traffic management team to ensure efficient traffic management at all times to ensure minimal delays and disruption to passengers.
• Participate in fire, evacuation, flood, and other emergency situations and drills as required.
• Inspect, identify and report defects, maintain and repair infrastructure, vessel, equipment and other items associated with the…