Deputy Harbour Master

Job Description

Job title: Deputy Harbour Master
Department: Chief Harbour Master’s Department
Reporting to: Harbour Master
Grade: 3
Salary: starting at £68,732 per annum
Base: Gravesend
Closing date: 03/03/24
Interview date: 11/03/24

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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 role:

Do you hold an STCW II/2 (Chief Mates Unlimited) Certificate of Competency or equivalent, or a lesser STCW / BML Certificate, with relevant experience? Do you hold an MCA approved UKHMA Harbour Master’s Certificate? Do you hold a valid driving license?

We are currently recruiting for a Deputy Harbour Master to join the team. The role will be to support the Harbour Masters in directing and coordinating the provision of a safe, cost effective and efficient service in the Port that meets relevant statutory requirements for safe navigation. When required, the post holder will be required to deputise for the Harbour Masters, and therefore applicants must be sufficiently experienced and confident to carry out Harbour Master duties.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Support the Chief Harbour Master team in fulfilling their responsibilities to provide a safe and efficient port for all users.
• Deputise for the Harbour Masters when necessary.
• Undertake the day-to-day management of operations across the Port; including tasking of HSL as required.
• Investigate navigational and pollution incidents and byelaw infringements in order to safeguard navigation in the Thames. To issue formal Harbour Master’s warning, obtain and retain evidence for potential prosecution and co-ordinate the input of incident data into the Safety Management System.
• Undertake Pilot, Pilot Exemption Certificate & Local Knowledge Endorsement examinations, as required.
• Contribute and participate in a system of liaison with official bodies, emergency services and river user organisations in order to promote mutual understanding, promote a safety culture, maximise use of the Thames and ensure that the PLA’s statutory responsibilities are communicated and met.
• Liaise with promoters of filming, river related stunts, events and firework displays to determine the viability and the means by which they may be executed in order to safeguard navigation in the Thames and comply with relevant legislation
• Plan, organise and co-ordinate the PLA involvement in events and assist with the planning of special events. Supervise these activities when required, to ensure the safety of navigation and to comply with health and safety requirements.
• Liaise with the Harbour Service, Commercial vessel operators and berth owners to ensure that river users comply with statutory obligations to protect the environment and maintain safety of navigation.
• Liaise with recreational river user organisations in order to promote mutual understanding, promote a safety culture, and ensure that the PLA’s statutory responsibilities are communicated and met.
• Assist the Harbour Masters regarding the safe construction of river works and the conduct of major river-related projects to avoid impeding navigation and to promote enhanced trade.
• Ensure the PLA maintains appropriate and effective marine emergency and oil spill contingency plans, supported by effective and relevant training, exercising and partner liaison and communication.
• As necessary, act as Deputy Port Security Officer, ensure the maintenance and on going development of appropriate and effective PLA port security plans and procedures; and the PLA’s security function, in order to meet the PLA’s statutory obligations as required by the ISPS Code and the National Maritime Security programme.
• Undertake, in conjunction with the relevant agencies, all necessary inspections of berth facilities subject to the requirements of the Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations
• As necessary, co-ordinate, plan and communicate vessel movements for the Central London Cruise Moorings. Ensure that appropriate PLA presence exists during arrivals, operations and departures at the moorings.
• Undertake any further duties, commensurate with the grade, and as required by the Chief Harbour Master team.

What we are looking for:

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management of operations across the Port and therefore, applicants will need to demonstrate that they can lead, motivate and manage effectively, with proven and effective interpersonal skills. Excellent communications skills in all media and an ability to work effectively under pressure are essential to the role.

Benefits package:

• 30 days annual leave
• Car allowance
• Bupa Health Cover
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health) as an alternative
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Lyn Kindlen-Funnell, Harbour Master on 01474 562 313 during the office hours of 8:00am – 16:00pm. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient candidates have been identified.

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.