History

The Harbour Masters’ Association of the United Kingdom, The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man (UKHMA) was formed in May 1993 at an inaugural meeting held at the University of Wales in Cardiff.

The meeting, which was an extension to a series of technical briefings held by the University for the specific benefit of harbour masters, attracted 87 Founder Members from all areas of the British Isles.

The organisation is a professional association of harbour masters. The Association consists of seven regional constituencies, including an active group in Scotland that includes both mainland and island Members.

Who is eligible to join?

The principal harbour master, or any person who in the normal course of their duties is expected to deputise for the principal harbour master, of any statutory port or harbour in the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man is eligible to become a Full Member of the UKHMA.

There is provision also for other senior port marine officers, and any person interested in upholding the objectives of the Association, to become Associate Members.  As of mid - 2009, there were approximately 250 Full and Associate Members of the UKHMA.

Commercial Membership is also invited from companies and other organisations whose business or profession includes the supply of certain goods, services and/or technical information that relate directly to harbour masters' duties or needs. The number of firms and other organisations admitted as Commercial Members is limited by reference to the number of Full Members.

Member Profile

Membership consists of harbour masters from ports large and small, both publicly and privately owned and represents a unique source of up-to-date, hands-on experience in a range of port and maritime operations.

Widely acknowledged as a competent partner in the shipping and port industry throughout the UK, the UKHMA’s wealth of experience is sought after and highly appreciated in many inter-industry forums, working groups and consultations, including those initiated by the MCA, DfT, MAIB, Scottish governmental bodies, etc.

Objectives

The objectives of the Association are to:

• Encourage the safe and efficient conduct of marine operations in ports;

• Promote the interests and professional competence of harbour masters;

• Represent by way of professional advice and support the views of harbour masters to governmental bodies, to organisations representative of port authorities and other persons within the United Kingdom and abroad concerned with marine operations, both within and near port waters;

The rules of the Association prohibit it from acting as a trade union.

Communication and Events

In the course of a year, the UKHMA meets on various occasions:

• Spring, at the first of the bi-annual seminars in London;

• Early Summer; Scotland and North of England regional meeting, Glasgow

• Mid-Summer, at the Seawork exhibition where the Association holds its Annual General Meeting and Annual Dinner, as well as several other sponsored events; and

• Autumn, when the Association holds the second of the one-day seminars in London and the informal Autumn Dinner.

Each event is structured to provide content of topical and professional relevance as well as providing numerous occasions in which to make and renew contacts from throughout the Association.

Quay Notes, the UKHMA's official newsletter is published quarterly and provides the primary form of direct, regular communication within the professional body. In addition to Association news, Quay Notes provides a window to industry developments and technological advances from throughout the port and harbour sector.

The recently re-designed website (www.ukhma.org) provides the most up-to-date news for Members and enhanced services of professional relevance to harbour masters and commercial organisations. Of particular interest is the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) section which offers Members a capability to record participation in events of professional value under a carefully audited scheme that is gaining recognition by employers and organisations throughout the UK maritime sector.