Maritime UK Week Port Profiles: Day 5 – Richard

For Maritime UK Week 2022, the Port of Dover is spotlighting the wide range of careers available within the maritime industry. From school leavers and new grads to those changing careers, there’s a huge amount on offer. Each day this week, we’ll be sharing a profile of an individual who works at the Port of Dover to provide an insight into what everyday life is like within a maritime-focused role and the experiences and opportunities on offer.

Richard – SHEQ Technician (Apprentice)

What made you want to join this industry?

I loved anything to do with boats and ships growing up, my dad owned two boats – Whizzy (a small racing yacht) and then another yacht called Panda once Whizzy had been sold. We always used to go on family boating holidays. Most of my family worked in this industry throughout the years. My dad worked for Townsend Thoreson and P&O for many years after he finished school, my mum worked for Hoverspeed, and my uncle was in the RFA and went on to work on the tugs for the Dover Harbour Board. As well as this my grandad was in the Navy Fleet Air Arm, and he worked for 1-2 years on the pilot boats in the 60s after he left the Navy. I have also always lived in Dover, so I have always been close to the Port.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love that each day is different. For example, yesterday I was with the Marine team on the Harbour Patrol Launch and today I am with the environment team conducting a survey. Being within my department has given me the opportunity to work with a range of people across the whole port so I always get to meet new people as well as having the joy of working within my team to achieve a range of goals. My role is both proactive and responsive and I enjoy that atmosphere, I have also come to love seeing the sunrise every morning as I make my way into work.

What would you say to someone who wants to join the industry?

This is an excellent industry to have a career in as we are an island nation and there are plenty of different directions for you to move towards within your working life.

What are the strengths that make your job in this industry stimulating?

• Adaptability
• Reasoning
• Listening/people skills
• Methodical approach
• Problem solving
• Analysis of information/data/facts
• Environmental awareness
• Safety awareness
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to be able to work well in a team

Richard’s Typical Workday

08:30AM – 09:30AM: In office completing admin and emails

09:30AM – 10:30AM: Safety and or Environment team meeting

10:30AM – 12:30PM: Out on-site conducting safety checks

12:30PM – 1:30PM: Lunch

1:30PM – 4:30PM: Vessel Audit

4:30PM – 5:00PM: In office completing admin and emails

If you are interested in a career at the Port of Dover please contact us at recruitment@doverport.co.uk or take a look at our vacancy page at www.doverport.co.uk/about/recruitment/