Date: 17 Jun 2026
Location: Woolwich Ferry, London River Services Ltd
Company: TfL, GLA or OPDC
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Key Information
Deckhand – Woolwich Ferry - 4461
Salary: £38,636 + 10% Unsocial Hours allowance
Location: Woolwich Ferry
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 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.
Key accountabilities:
- 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 Woolwich ferry operation. Complete tasks as directed, identified and included in the WF OPM system as appropriate.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience required for the role:
Knowledge :
- Good knowledge of marine operations
- Good understanding of Woolwich Ferry SMS (desirable)
- Boat Masters Licence (Tier 1 level 2 ) (desirable)
- LKE and passenger endorsement – (desirable)
- Must have good knowledge required to adequately fulfil duties of the role (essential)
Examples: Efficient Deckhand / Able Seaman
Skills
- Competent with all aspects of safe and efficient passenger ferry operations.
- Effective communication skills.
- Ability to successfully manage conflict when interfacing with customers.
- Ability to work under pressure, while maintaining a high level of concentration and care.
Experience
- Previous marine experience as a STCW qualified Deckhand (Desirable)
- Previous operational experience in transportation industry (desirable)
- An aptitude for delivering the highest standards of customer service and care (essential)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. (Essential)
- Ability to work as a team. (Essential)
This is a safety critical role; therefore, Occupational Health Clearance will be required.
Application Process
Please think carefully about the skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description and ensure your CV and cover letter reflects the requirements of the role you are applying for. Short listing will be carried out on the basis of answers to any pre-screening questions and the information on your CV and covering letter.
Fixed term contract
As a fixed term contractor we can offer you a choice of pension arrangements. If you choose not to take our final salary pension scheme you will be paid an allowance on top of your salary, subject to Tax and National Insurance. We will share all the details with you at offer stage and the choice will be yours based on your circumstances. Depending on what you choose you can add up-to 14% to your salary.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.
Benefits
In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the level of role but mostly include the below:
Final salary pension scheme
Free travel for you on the TfL network
Reimbursement of 75% of the cost of a standard class Ticket for National Rail travel from home or 75% reimbursement on a 28-day flexi ticket
30 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays (pro rata)
Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
Retail, health, leisure and travel offers
Discounted Eurostar travel
We will make every effort to give you as much notice as possible, however some interviews/assessments could be organised at short notice.
