Assistant Harbour Master

Job Description

Job title: Assistant Harbour Master
Department: Chief Harbour Master’s Department
Reporting to: Harbour Master
Grade: 6
Salary: starting at £49,926 per annum
Base: London River House, Gravesend
Closing date: 15 November 2024
Interview date: 28 November 2024

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Who we are:

The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel. The Harbour Masters team are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code, ensuring the safety of navigation for all mariners in the Port of London, enforcing the rules and regulations and leading on Port Security and Emergency and Resilience Planning for the PLA.

The role:

We are currently recruiting an Assistant Harbour Master who will primarily support the Harbour Masters in meeting the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code, undertaking, and supporting incident investigations, proactive enforcement of both illegally moored vessels and vessel licensing issues.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for liaising with event proposers to determine their viability and plan, organise and supervise requirements for such events. The successful candidate will be involved in the supervision of the pilot exemption certificate process. There may also be a need to support other projects deemed necessary by the Harbour Masters team.

In addition, this role will review and approve River Works Licensing / Temporary River Works Licensing applications, liaise with river users, and oversee the management of launch and pilot cutter operations.

What we are looking for:

You will have the ability to manage your own responsibilities, whilst working as part of a team, directing, and coordinating the provision of a safe, cost-effective, and efficient service throughout the river that meets relevant statutory requirements for safe navigation.

This position requires regular travel between our office locations (Walsingham House, London and London River House, Gravesend) and as required to engage with river stakeholders. The successful candidate will be expected to manage their schedule to accommodate these needs.

The ideal candidate will have:

• An MCA Boat Masters License, STCW CoC or other relevant qualification or experience.
• Good presentation, interpersonal and communication skills are essential as the post holder will need to deal with particularly influential, articulate and often difficult people.
• Hold or have the ability to obtain a MCA approved UK Harbour Master’s Certificate.
• Pro-active, innovative approach to smarter working and improved efficiencies.
• Be able to exercise professional conduct with stakeholders, contractors, third parties and the general public.
• Have the ability to work under pressure and time restraints independently.
• Involvement or experience in recreational water activity (i.e. rowing, kayaking) would be beneficial but not essential.
• A working knowledge of the tidal Thames would be beneficial but full training will be provided to the successful candidate.

Benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to MyGymDiscounts
• Potential car allowance

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Sophie Williams (Deputy Harbour Master) at sophie.williams@pla.co.uk or 07512 713 203.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.