SOC 2020 code 8232 · Process, plant and machine operatives

Marine and waterways transport operatives

Whether this occupation can be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa, its going rate, the job titles filed under the code, and the licensed sponsors advertising these jobs.

Skilled Worker rules for SOC 8232

Existing workers only

Since 22 July 2025, Marine and waterways transport operatives (SOC 8232) can only be sponsored for people who were granted Skilled Worker permission under the rules in place before that date and have held it continuously since.

Going rate: £38,300
New entrant rate: £33,400
Major group: 8

Annual salaries for a 37.5-hour week, from Appendix Skilled Occupations (updated 3 Aug 2026).

The going rate in Appendix Skilled Occupations is £38,300 a year for a 37.5-hour week. It applies to people who can still be sponsored in this occupation.

Sources: Appendix Skilled Occupations, Skilled Worker salary rules, when you can be paid less.

Job titles under SOC 8232

The ONS coding index files 109 job titles under this code. A note in brackets is the setting the title applies to: the same title can sit under another code elsewhere. The code on a certificate of sponsorship follows the job’s duties, so check them with CASCOT or the employer.

Chief electrician (shipping)

Chief engineer (fishing)

Coal trimmer (shipping)

Deck hand (shipping)

Donkey engineman (shipping)

Donkey greaser (shipping)

Electric greaser (shipping)

Engine attendant (shipping)

Engine cleaner (shipping)

Engine driver (shipping)

Engine room attendant (shipping)

Engine room man (shipping)

Engine room store keeper

Engine stoker (boat, barge)

Engine stoker (shipping)

Engine-room rating (shipping)

Engineer (nos: boat, barge)

Engineman (shipping)

Fan greaser (shipping)

Fireman-greaser (shipping)

First tindal (shipping)

Freeman (river thames)

Lamp lighter (ships)

Lamp trimmer (shipping)

Lightsman (lightship)

Marine leg attendant

Master at arms (shipping)

Merchant navy rating

Motor man (shipping)

Quarter master (shipping)

Quartermaster (shipping)

Refrigerating greaser (shipping)

Second engineer (boat, barge)

Second engineer (fishing)

Senior mechanic (shipping)

Steerer (boat, barge)

Stoker-mechanic (shipping)

Third engineer (fishing)

Waterman (water transport)

Sponsors advertising marine and waterways transport operatives jobs

We have not read an advert we could place in this code since October 2025. We read visa sponsorship adverts from Reed and Adzuna every 4 hours.

From Appendix Skilled Occupations and the Temporary Shortage List (GOV.UK), the ONS SOC 2020 coding index, and job adverts we read and match to the Home Office register. We place an advert in a code from its title, so some adverts may be in the wrong code. Whether a person can be sponsored also depends on their own circumstances. This page is information, not immigration advice. Profile built 7 Oct 2026.

Questions about SOC 8232

Can marine and waterways transport operatives be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa?

What is the going rate for SOC 8232?

The going rate in Appendix Skilled Occupations is £38,300 a year for a 37.5-hour week. It applies to people who can still be sponsored in this occupation.

Which job titles come under SOC code 8232?

The ONS coding index files 109 job titles under 8232, including ab, barge hand, bargee, bargeman, bo'sun, boat attendant, boat hand, boat hirer. The employer chooses the code on the certificate of sponsorship from the job's duties, not its title.