Assistant Harbour Master

**About us**

Forth Ports is an established Port Authority which has grown to be the UK’s 3rd largest Port Operator Group in the UK. We are a dynamic and multimodal ports owner and operator, offering a wide range of diverse port related services to help connect the UK with Europe and the rest of the world.

We have recently announced our commitment to become carbon neutral by 2032 and Net Zero by 2042, as well as our substantial investment in infrastructure, port services and towage to support the build out of the UK’s renewable energy sector, including offshore wind. Now is an exciting time to join us as we embark on this exciting, transformational journey.

**About The Role**

***Reporting to the VTS Manager, the Assistant Harbour Master is pivotal in ensuring the safe and efficient passage of all vessels within the Forth and Tay Estuaries. To do this, you will be responsible for planning, implementing and controlling all vessel movements.

**Some of your other key responsibilities will include**:

- Supervising the Forth & Tay Navigation Service operations room to ensure safe and effective operations at all times.
- Act as the first point of contact for emergency situations across the Forth and Tay Estuaries and all Forth Ports Scottish ports, ensuring appropriate parties are informed and incidents resolved. Summon and help to co-ordinate emergency services in the event of any incident which might affect the marine operations or operation of the wider port.
- Consult with agents, pilots, port operations and shipmasters to schedule vessel movements within the Forth & Tay estuaries with due regard to port legislation, marine guidelines, weather conditions, tides, size and nature of vessels.
- Supervise and direct VTS Operators to ensure they are providing efficient co-ordination and communication with all vessels operating in the Forth & Tay estuaries, Forth Pilots and other stake holders.
- Ensure that operations are carried out properly to minimise damage to Company property. Report any damage or malfunctions to port infrastructure to the appropriate Harbour Master and/or Engineering Manager and accurately record information for later recovery of costs.
- Give general marine advice to stake holders associated with daily operations, including information on jetty regulations, tidal predictions and shipping movements.

**What are we looking for**?**
- An individual with a marine background or significant experience as a VTS Operator. Ideally you will hold a STCW Watch Keeping certificate. You will also be expected to work towards attaining a Harbour Masters certificate as part of your CPD.
- A thorough knowledge of VTS operations, Port Marine Safety Code and Port legislation.
- Willingness to work 12 hour shifts as part of a 365-day shift system.
- Excellent planning, communication and analytical skills.
- Knowledge of the health and safety standards required within a port environment.
- Good IT skills with a sound knowledge of Excel and MS 365 Suite.
- Full UK driving licence.

**What can we offer you?**

***You will join a diverse team with a wealth of knowledge and experience and so this is a genuine opportunity to develop and advance your career.

Additionally, we offer:

- A competitive salary and shift allowance
- Pension membership and life assurance cover
- Generous annual leave allocation
- Health promotion events and other employee wellbeing initiatives
- Corporate discounts for a wide range of businesses UK wide including gym memberships, restaurants, car rentals & holidays

**Required Criteria**
- Full UK driving licence
- Right to Work in the UK
- Marine background or significant experience as a VTS Operator
- Knowledge of Port Marine Safety Code and Port legislation

**Desired Criteria**
- Hold a STCW Watch Keeping certificate

**Skills Needed**

**About The Company**

Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies.

The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries.

Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.

**Company Culture**

Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London.

A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’