Hiring and Sponsoring Marine and waterways transport operatives (SOC Code 8232)

Marine and Waterways Transport Operatives, classified under SOC Code 8232, play a crucial role in the management and operation of vessels on water bodies. Their responsibilities encompass a range of critical tasks aimed at ensuring safe and efficient transport across marine and inland waterways, including but not limited to:

• Fuel and Machinery Management: 
• • Ensuring that necessary fuel supplies are on board.
  • Inspecting engine, boilers, and other mechanisms for correct functioning.
  • Removing, repairing, or replacing damaged or worn parts of plant and machinery.
• Cargo and Passenger Operations: 
• • Stowing cargo securely.
  • Assisting passengers to embark and disembark safely.
  • Watching for hazards during operations.
• Navigation and Operations Assistance: 
• • Steering the ship under the supervision of a duty officer.
  • Checking navigational aids.
  • Maintaining cleanliness and order in the bridge, wheel and chartroom.
• Deck Duties and Maintenance: 
• • Performing a variety of other deck duties, including servicing and maintaining deck gear and rigging.
  • Splicing wire and fibre ropes, greasing winches and derricks.
  • Opening and battening down hatches, securing gangways and ladders.
  • Lowering and raising lifeboats as necessary.

In light of the ongoing developments in the maritime industry and the increasing demand for skilled operatives, various shipping companies and transport agencies are actively seeking talent from overseas. This guide will assist HR professionals in understanding the process of hiring and sponsoring Marine Waterways Transport Operatives under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Marine and waterways transport operatives?

SOC Code 8232 refers to Marine and Waterways Transport Operatives who play a vital role in the safe and efficient operation of water vessels. Their responsibilities can include:

• Ensuring fuel supplies: Making sure that necessary fuel supplies are onboard for safe operation.
• Inspecting machinery: Checking engines, boilers, and other mechanisms for correct functioning.
• Maintenance and repairs: Removing, repairing, or replacing damaged or worn parts of plant and machinery; ensuring engines and plant machinery are well lubricated.
• Cargo handling: Stowing cargo securely and assisting passengers in embarking and disembarking.
• Safety monitoring: Watching for hazards and mooring or casting off mooring ropes as required.
• Navigational support: Steering the ship under the supervision of a duty officer and checking navigational aids.
• Deck maintenance: Keeping the bridge, wheelhouse, and chartroom clean and tidy, as well as performing other deck duties.
• Servicing deck gear: Maintaining and servicing deck gear and rigging, including splicing wire and fibre ropes, greasing winches and derricks.
• Hatch management: Opening up and battening down hatches, securing gangways and ladders, and lowering and raising lifeboats.

Marine and waterways transport operatives are essential for ensuring the safety, functionality, and operational efficiency of maritime transport and contribute significantly to the transportation industry.

Eligibility to Hire Marine and waterways transport operatives (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Marine and waterways transport operatives must possess a combination of technical skills and practical experience in the maritime industry. Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Technical Skills: Proven ability to operate and maintain various types of marine engines, boilers, and machinery, ensuring they function correctly.
• Inspection and Repairs: Demonstrated experience in identifying issues with plant and machinery, performing repairs, or replacing damaged components effectively.
• Fuel Management: Knowledge in managing fuel supplies, ensuring adequate fuel is onboard for safe operation.
• Safety Awareness: Ability to monitor for hazards while performing deck duties and ensuring the safety of passengers during embarkation and disembarkation.
• Operational Competence: Experience in steering vessels under supervision, checking navigational aids, and maintaining cleanliness in the bridge and chartroom.
• Deck Duties: Expertise in performing various deck tasks such as servicing and maintaining deck gear and rigging, splicing ropes, and the operation of lifeboats.
• Education and Certification: While formal qualifications may not necessarily be required, certifications in maritime safety or navigational skills can enhance candidacy.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 8232 and that the candidate’s experience meets the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Marine and waterways transport operatives: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Marine and waterways transport operatives under SOC Code 8232.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Marine and waterways transport operatives, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Marine and waterways transport operatives under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Marine and waterways transport operatives. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Marine and waterways transport operatives applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Marine and waterways transport operatives’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Marine and waterways transport operatives can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Marine and waterways transport operatives

Before the Marine and waterways transport operatives begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Marine and waterways transport operatives’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Marine and waterways transport operatives holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Marine and waterways transport operatives’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Marine and waterways transport operatives’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Marine and waterways transport operativess.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Marine and waterways transport operatives

Sponsoring Marine and waterways transport operatives under SOC Code 8232 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Marine and waterways transport operatives, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Marine and waterways transport operatives under SOC Code 8232 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.