Vessel Traffic Services Officer (VTSO)

Job Description

Job title: VTS Officer
Department: Chief Harbour Master
Reporting to: VTS Operations Manager
Grade: 7
Salary: starting at £47,562.85 per annum (inclusive of allowances), rising to £51,698.75 per annum (inclusive of allowances) on completion of training, plus regular overtime working is available.
Base: Initially Thames Barrier Navigational Centre, Woolwich.
London River House, Gravesend (2025 Onwards)
Closing date: 26th January
Interview date: 05th February

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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. London VTS is responsible for the safe and efficient navigation of a diverse range of commercial and leisure vessels in the Thames Estuary and lower reaches of the river covering an area of approximately 600 square miles.

The role:

As VTS Officer in the PLA, you will be required to operate the latest state of the art surveillance and communications equipment and manage the navigational safety of the world’s largest ships down to the smallest recreational craft as well as protecting one of the most iconic and historical waterways. You will deal with the general public, berth operators and emergency services as well as communicating extensively with senior management, marine pilots, the harbour patrol service and other internal Port of London Authority departments.

This is a highly rewarding role in one of the UK’s premier ports, an industry leading organisation which provides attractive benefits including career progression into supervisory and Harbour Master roles. The job is based at the purpose-built Thames Barrier Navigation Control Centre, directly overlooking the Thames Barrier in Woolwich, London.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Ensure the safe and efficient delivery of a VTS Information Service, Traffic Organisation Service and Navigational Assistance Service (as defined by IALA) as appropriate to the area of operation ensuring that all adopted standard operating procedures are adhered to.

Monitoring and regulating marine traffic to ensure compliance with all local, national and international regulations.

Operate and monitor equipment for communications, data collection, data analysis and establishment of a vessel traffic image.

Control and coordinate the movements of the Harbour Servicer Launches to facilitate the safe movement of vessels as required within the port.

Respond to marine incidents and initiate/implement emergency procedures including liaison with emergency and allied services as appropriate.

Maintain a log of all incidents/accidents and all other relevant events occurring within the area of responsibility.

Report VTS equipment deficiencies to the Duty Port Controller/VTS Supervisor and submit ServicePortal and rectification reports as required.

Provide support to the Shipping Coordinators as required by VTS operational procedures.

Respond to marine incidents and initiate/implement emergency procedures. Act as PLA Bronze as required.

Undertake/facilitate technical and professional training as required.

Any other duties assigned by the manager or supervisor from time to time. Such duties will be reasonable in relation to the jobholder’s skills, abilities and status.

The above list is not exhaustive and other duties may be attached to the post from time to time. Variations may also occur to the duties and responsibilities without changing the general character of the post.

What we are looking for:

The successful candidate will be required to obtain a V-103/1 VTS Operator Certificate and local knowledge endorsement. Marine qualifications such as STCW or relevant professional qualifications in a comparable industry such as Air Traffic Control would be advantageous but is not essential.

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

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Tony Guy, VTS Operations Manager on 01474 562249 or Simon Phillips, Harbour Master (VTS & SMS) on 01474 562211.

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.