Navy Command King's Harbour Master Portsmouth - Vessel Traffic Services Operator

Ministry Of Defence; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A national government body in Portsmouth seeks a VTS Operator to oversee vessel movements in a critical naval harbour. Responsibilities include traffic management, compliance monitoring, and emergency response. Applicants should possess GCSEs in English and Maths, or equivalent qualifications. The role offers a base salary of £27,650, with additional allowances and benefits such as a comprehensive pension scheme, annual leave, and professional development. Candidates must be UK nationals and undergo security checks.

Benefits

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme

Performance and recognition awards

25 days annual leave

Gym facilities

Discount schemes

Qualifications

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Clear and confident communication skills to keep stakeholders informed.
• Ability to make calm decisions in time-sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide real-time traffic management and navigational guidance.
• Monitor vessel movements and ensure compliance with maritime regulations.
• Respond to incidents and manage emergencies effectively.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Decision making

Teamwork

Nautical knowledge

Education

GCSE Grade C in English and Maths

Marine Deck Officer qualification

VTS qualification

Job description

Overview

Kings Harbour Master (KHM) Portsmouth is responsible for the safe, secure and efficient operation of one of the United Kingdom’s most strategically important naval harbours. The harbour hosts the Royal Navy surface fleet, commercial shipping, cross‑channel ferries, leisure craft and naval vessels. The VTS Operator is central to the daily coordination of vessel movements within the harbour and its approaches.

Responsibilities

• Provide real‑time traffic management and navigational guidance to all vessel traffic within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Area.
• Monitor the execution of movements from the Daily Movements schedule and grant the necessary permission required by local orders under the direction of the Assistant Kings Harbour Master (VTS), liaising on any changes.
• Maintain continuous oversight of vessel movements using radar, AIS, VHF radio, CCTV systems and other surveillance technologies.
• Provide professional and clear communication to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Enforce maritime safety regulations, ensuring compliance with MOD policies, national and international navigation standards, IALA, SOLAS, COLREGS and local port regulations.
• Monitor and respond to incidents, emergencies or security threats, initiating appropriate response measures and escalating issues when necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of vessel movements, incidents and communications in accordance with operational procedures.
• Work as part of a 24/7 operations team, providing round‑the‑clock coverage of the harbour.

Behaviours Assessed

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Qualifications

• Strong organisational skills and an ability to work at pace – manage multiple tasks efficiently, prioritise workloads and ensure seamless operations.
• Ability to make clear and confident decisions in time‑sensitive situations while remaining calm and focused.
• Clear and confident communication skills – keep customers and colleagues informed with timely updates and concise information.
• Proactive team player, flexible and contributing to a supportive team environment.
• Sound nautical knowledge (desirable but not essential) – experience with vessel movements, navigation or port control is a major advantage.
• Local expertise (desirable but not essential) – knowledge of marine operations within the Solent and Portsmouth areas is highly beneficial.

Educational Requirements

Applicants must hold at least GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths or recognised equivalents. Candidates holding a Marine Deck Officer, Boat Master or VTS qualification may also be considered without GCSEs. Maths is a prerequisite to pass the extensive operational navigational training required as part of the job.

Application Materials

• CV – anonymised details including job history, qualification details, key responsibilities and achievements relevant to this role.
• Personal Statement – up to 1000 words, providing evidence and clear examples of how your skills, qualities and experience match the essential criteria.

Sponsorship & Eligibility

As a result of UK immigration rules, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points base system for roles deemed business critical. This role does not meet that category, therefore we will not sponsor a visa. The role is open only to people who will not require sponsorship under the points base system.

Salary & Benefits

Base salary: £27,650. The Ministry of Defence contributes £8,010 towards Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. There is a 20% Regular Shift Allowance, additional payments for working weekends and public holidays, and opportunities for paid overtime which together add approximately £5,000 to the base salary.

Additional Benefits

• In‑year performance and recognition awards
• Average employer contribution of 28.97% to the Civil Service pension
• Personal & professional development support
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• 25 days paid annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years of service
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Discount schemes
• Bicycle / season ticket loans
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year
• On‑site facilities (gymnasium, cafés, shops, post office, mess facilities, etc.)

Security & Nationality Requirements

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet security requirements for a security check. The role is open to UK nationals only.

Staff Welfare & Policies

• Committee on civil service diversity and inclusion, with a Disability Confident Scheme and Redeployment Interview Scheme.
• Smoking‑free working environment policy – no tobacco products allowed; exceptions provided only in line with local guidance.
• Zero‑tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours including bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation; applicants dismissed for such behaviours within the last five years are ineligible.
• Pre‑employment checks include declaration of outside interests and discussion of potential conflicts of interest.

Equity & Inclusion

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. Recruiters are encouraged to support flexible working and to encourage staff to pursue membership of professional bodies or undertake apprenticeships as part of their development.