Assistant Harbour Master

Jobtailor; Southampton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is recruiting for a Senior Harbour Master role in Southampton to lead vessel traffic management and ensure safe port operations. You will supervise VTS activities, coordinate pilot transfers, and respond to marine incidents with a focus on compliance with MCA, IALA, and Port Marine Safety Code standards.

The role demands strong leadership, excellent stakeholder management, and the ability to make high-stakes decisions in a fast-paced harbour environment.

Qualifications

• Strong marine background with demonstrable leadership experience.
• Sound knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code and marine operational best practice.
• Ability to make effective decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• C0103-1 VTS qualification (Supervisor endorsement) or willingness to undertake training (desirable).
• STCW A-II/2 seagoing certification or equivalent maritime competence (desirable).
• Harbour Master qualification (desirable).
• PEC or local endorsements / knowledge of the Southampton area and Solent (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of vessel traffic management plans and coordinate safe and efficient vessel movements.
• Oversee the safe movement of dangerous cargoes through the port.
• Support the performance and effectiveness of VTS operations and Aids to Navigation.
• Coordinate pilot allocation and pilot transfer operations.
• Provide initial response during marine incidents and emergencies.
• Maintain professional standards and compliance with MCA, IALA and Port Marine Safety Code requirements.
• Provide leadership and direction to on-watch VTS and marine operational personnel.

Skills

Marine leadership

Decision making

Stakeholder management

VTS operations

Crisis response

Tools

VTS systems

Harbour navigation tools

Job description

• Support the safe navigation of all vessels within the Southampton harbour area
• Exercise Harbour Master's Powers of Direction when required to maintain safety
• Lead the delivery of vessel traffic management plans and coordinate safe and efficient vessel movements
• Oversee the safe movement of dangerous cargoes through the port
• Support the performance and effectiveness of VTS operations and Aids to Navigation
• Coordinate pilot allocation and pilot transfer operations
• Contribute to the management of patrol and pilot launch services
• Provide an initial response during marine incidents and emergencies
• Maintain professional standards and compliance with MCA, IALA and Port Marine Safety Code requirements
• Provide leadership and direction to on-watch VTS and marine operational personnel
• Support wider marine projects and operational initiatives as required

Requirements

• Strong marine background with demonstrable leadership experience
• Sound knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code and marine operational best practice
• Ability to make effective decisions in a fast-paced operational environment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• C0103-1 VTS qualification (Supervisor endorsement) or willingness to undertake training (desirable)
• STCW A-II/2 seagoing certification or equivalent maritime competence (desirable)
• Harbour Master qualification (desirable)
• PEC or local endorsements / knowledge of the Southampton area and Solent (desirable)

Core Competencies

Demonstrates strong leadership in marine operations, ensuring compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code and effective vessel traffic management. Capable of making critical decisions in high-pressure environments while maintaining safety standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Marine Background
• Leadership Experience
• Port Marine Safety Code Knowledge
• VTS Qualification
• STCW A-II/2 Certification

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Vessel Traffic Management
• Marine Incident Response
• Pilot Allocation Coordination
• Dangerous Cargo Management
• Aids to Navigation Support

Soft Skills

• Effective Decision-Making
• Excellent Communication
• Stakeholder Management

Certifications & Qualifications

• C0103-1 VTS Qualification
• STCW A-II/2 Certification
• Harbour Master Qualification

Industry Keywords

• MCA Compliance
• IALA Standards
• Port Marine Safety Code
• Southampton Area Knowledge
• Solent Knowledge