Meet Will – working his way to a stellar marine industry career!

We know you are probably familiar with many of our river team, but we thought you’d like to meet our amazing crew – and hear their stories – officially!

 

First up is Will Burton, one of our River Officers. Will, 20, has had the full experience with us, joining straight out of college on work experience before progressing onto full-time employment.

“I studied Level 2 Marine Engineering at South Devon College, then I approached Dart Harbour asking for work experience, as I really wanted to join the team and use my skills obtained at college,” Will said.

“I was pleased to be offered a work experience placement which then led to me being offered an apprenticeship, starting in October 2023.

“I completed the 18-month Level 3 Small Commercial Vessel Crew Member apprenticeship which involved learning in the workplace alongside studying at SeaRegs in Plymouth.”

Will’s apprenticeship involved doing two-week stints at SeaRegs, completing coursework and theory. The course ensured that he gained all the relevant qualifications required, including the Yachtmaster Coastal, which allows holders to travel 20 miles from a safe haven on a 24m commercial vessel with up to 12 passengers.

“This globally-recognised qualification included STCW basic safety courses such as first aid, firefighting and fire prevention and personal survival techniques,” explained Will.

“I also obtained the MCA Small Ships Navigation and Radar on Code Vessels, along with the Slinger and Signaller’s certificate.”

 

 

After successful completion of his apprenticeship, Will had proved his mettle and was offered a full-time role as River Officer – a step up in a career within the maritime industry that is well and truly in Will’s blood.

“I grew up on the water – my Dad is a fisherman – and I always knew I wanted to work on the water.

“The River Officer role includes patrolling in the summer, welcoming visitors, line handling, being involved in tie-ups on our mainstream buoys, mooring operations and pilot boat runs.

“It’s about being seen on the river, patrolling and making sure everything is running smoothly. We also move and tow various boats, keeping the river and harbour in good order.”

Whilst Will’s role in the summer months is busy, the winter sees different jobs emerging: “There is barge work on our ‘Tardis’ barge in winter, plus maintenance jobs.”

The team is a close-knit group and Will is a central part of the workforce!

“The team is very enjoyable to work with – our summer watches, which are three days on three days off, mean you are working closely with your colleagues a lot, so there are fun times!

“We all work well together throughout the year – during the winter when on the barges we get the work done whilst having a laugh!”

As in any job, everyone has their favourite bits: “My favourite jobs are big ship tie ups and pilot boat runs, which are exciting. Plus duty calls to tow a boat that has broken down.”

 

 

Outside of work, Will’s hobbies include – well – more maritime activities!

“It’s all about boats! I also crew on a tug with my Dad at Teignmouth Harbour for inbound and outbound ships, which adds to my relevant experience and skills.”

The maritime industry is firmly where Will sees his future: “I want to progress further in my role at Dart Harbour. I look forward to being more involved in bigger operations, such as running our large barge ‘Hercules’ and doing more pilot boat runs.

“I ran the barge ‘Tardis’ last winter and, whilst I’ve obtained the relevant qualifications, I’m looking to get signed off on Dart Harbour’s competency matrix to progress onto ‘Hercules’ and undertake bigger towing jobs.

“I would also like to achieve my Yachtmaster Offshore qualification at some point in the future.”

Will is grateful for the support shown to him by the harbour authority: “Dart Harbour has been very supportive of my qualification journey. Being offered the apprenticeship was a big step and I was very supported throughout.

“Having experiences such as driving the pilot boat and driving the barges is great. Being given the trust in the workplace with more technical operations is a big step and it’s great that I’m having these opportunities – it’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”

You will no doubt catch sight of Will on the water soon!

 

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