Young job seekers are being urged to look for a job on the Thames.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) hosted a careers open day at Gravesend’s navigation and marine services base on Royal Pier Road.

The young people that attended the event took part in workshops, and got to see the PLA’s shot-blasting bay, diver’s area, oil spill response, salvage vessel, boat lifter, their hydrographic set-up and vessel traffic services.

The PLA chief harbour master David Phillips said: “The main purpose of this event is to show young people the skills that are required to work on the Thames and the terrific potential for a lifelong and rewarding career on the river; you don’t have to be a sailor.”

The PLA is currently recruiting three apprentices and a marine trainee.

Mr Phillips also said: “Make no mistake, the Thames offers great prospects.

"In the next few years we will see the new container port opening, Thames Water starting to use the river to services its massive Thames Tunnel scheme and passenger services continuing to grow.

“There’s no better time than now to equip yourself with marine skills.”

To find out more, see here.