Ferry Controller

Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee (TBTF) seek to appoint a Ferry Collector to join the team at the Torpoint Ferry. This is a dynamic and safety critical role in a unique environment and an exciting opportunity for a confident individual with excellent communication, leadership and supervisory management experience, supporting customer service and ferry service delivery within the Ferry Operations team. Please read all the details before deciding whether the role is suitable for you and what we are looking for. **This summary should be read in conjunction with the full job description and person specification.**

Who we are

Tamar Crossings is responsible for the management, operation, maintenance and administration of the two crossings over the River Tamar - Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry. With approx. 26,000 vehicles travelling with us every day, we play an important part in the local infrastructure, creating a link between Plymouth, Devon and South East Cornwall.

The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry are jointly owned by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council. The operation, maintenance and improvement of the crossings are funded through tolls charged. The Torpoint Ferry is the largest chain ferry service and busiest estuarial vehicular crossing in the UK, whilst the Tamar Bridge provides a link on the busy A38 Trunk Road for more than 14 million vehicles a year. The crossings operate a successful electronic tolling scheme which is used to pay the toll by 60% of vehicles crossing.

At the Torpoint Ferry we provide a service to approximately 2.5 million vehicles and 750k pedestrians and cyclists per year. Three ferries provide a 24-hour/365 day a year service as an essential transport link for South East Cornwall, its residents and businesses.

The three chain ferries come under Maritime and Coastguard Agency regulations and are in class with Lloyds Register. They are unique vessels presenting a wide range of both engineering and operational challenges. A combination of varying weather conditions, customer demand, vehicle traffic density and ship movement on the river Tamar make for a dynamic environment where no two days are the same.

Our staff are critical in the operation of the crossings, and we are committed to attracting and retaining talent, providing opportunities for personal and professional development all whilst supporting the local community.

Based on board the ferries, Ferry Controllers are responsible to the Ferry Supervisors for the safe, timely operation and cleanliness of the assigned ferry and line management of crew consisting of:
1 x Mechanical Assistant: Maintaining and Monitoring the engine room
2 x Collectors: Coordinating the safe loading/unloading and collecting toll fees
2 x Cleaner/Relief: provide support to the ferries and slipways in addition to assisting Collectors where required.

What we expect

Tamar Crossings are a local government employer that expect its employees to display and deliver the highest standards of conduct and professionalism including personal appearance, fidelity, integrity and equality in every role.

The main duties and responsibilities include:

- To start up, moor, shut down and secure ferries in accordance with laid down procedures.
- To control the ferry across the river in accordance with internal and external policies, procedures and safety considerations. Work with the Ferry Supervisor to maintain the published timetable, but use judgement to facilitate emergency services or unusual traffic demands.
- Maintain monitored communications with Ferry Supervisors, Port Authority, other vessels and ferry crews with UHF/VHF radios. Monitor and use the on-board CCTV systems.
- Safely land assigned ferry on slipways to facilitate safe embarkation/disembarkation of traffic and foot passengers.
- Communicate and interface with the travelling public when required ensuring ferry bylaws and regulations are followed.
- To direct crew and passengers in the event of a breakdown or emergency situation. To assist with emergency situations as detailed in Tamar Crossings policies and procedures - these duties include using and working with ropes, lifebuoys, buoyancy aids, manual valves, hoses, fire extinguishers and related equipment. This includes requirements to carry equipment and transit escape ladders and hatches.
- To take charge and direct the embarked crew as required, overseeing all aspects of ferry operation. To act as the first level supervisor for the crew in accordance with company policies and operating procedures, including discipline, performance management and appraisals.
- At night, when no Ferry Supervisor is on duty, liaise with emergency services, ferry management and ferry technical support staff as appropriate.

The skills you will need

In the first instance, you **_must_** be able to demonstrate:

- Good level of general education i.e. GCSE Maths. English
- Excellent communications skills
- Supportive of change management
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