Volunteer drivers

Why are drivers needed?

Ports can be very large and, these days, far from city centres. They are places of heavy machinery designed for loading and unloading cargo making them dangerous for pedestrians. Often it is not easy for seafarers to go from their ships to local facilities. Therefore in many of the larger ports, volunteer drivers are available to take them to seafarers’ centres, shops and local amenities.

An AOS vehicle parked on the docks. Up ahead a crane grabs a container.

Where do drivers work?

Volunteer drivers work within port pastoral teams which are led by port chaplains. Seafarers requiring transport may contact the pastoral team by mobile phone or through seafarers’ centres. Sometimes transport is arranged during ship visits. Acceptance as a volunteer driver may depend on availability to meet local requirements.

Drivers usually work on an agreed rota. They are often needed to provide transport between seafarers’ centres and ships, especially in the evenings. Some drivers use their local seafarers’ centre minibus or else AOS vehicles. Others provide their own cars. Strict regulations apply in this case.

AOS provides full insurance for drivers to use our vehicles. For drivers who use their own vehicles, petrol expenses are re-imbursed.

Training and support

Port pastoral teams introduce drivers to ports. They instruct drivers in the layout of the port and local regulations. All aspects of the Road Traffic Act apply in port areas. Port teams ensure that drivers understand their obligations such as not using a mobile phone while driving, wearing seatbelts at all times, and not driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Hard hats and high-visibility vests bearing the AOS logo are provided to all drivers. These should be worn whenever they leave their vehicles.

Interested?

click here to apply for information about applying