Role Specification
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Job Purpose
The Deputy Harbour Master will support the Harbour Master in the safe, efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the harbour and will deputise for the Harbour Master during periods of absence or as directed by the North Sunderland Harbour Commissioners.
The postholder will play a key role in maintaining safe harbour operations, supporting harbour users, overseeing berthing arrangements, monitoring harbour infrastructure and liaising with relevant maritime authorities and stakeholders.
Hours of work can be flexible to suit candidate. Salary dependent on current skills and experience.
Please apply, with current CV, to harbourmaster@nsh.org.uk
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Key Responsibilities
Harbour Operations
- Assist the Harbour Master with the day-to-day management and operation of the harbour.
• Deputise for the Harbour Master when required.
• Oversee the harbour assistants to ensure they carry out their daily tasks and are working in a safe and compliant manner.
• Administer and coordinate berthing arrangements for vessels within the harbour’s jurisdiction.
• Monitor harbour activities and respond appropriately to operational requirements.
• Regulate/ monitor vehicular access and use of harbour areas, including compliance with speed limits and parking restrictions.
• Undertake additional operational duties reasonably directed by the Harbour Commissioners.
Safety and Harbour User Welfare
- Monitor the safe use of harbour areas, piers, landing areas and other facilities.
• Promote the safety and welfare of harbour users at all times.
• Ensure landing and fuelling berths remain clear and available for use.
• Maintain good standards of tidiness throughout the harbour, recognising that it is a working port.
• Identify defects or unsafe conditions and take appropriate action where possible.
Harbour Inspections and Maintenance
- Carry out daily inspections of harbour areas.
• Identify defects and undertake minor in-house repairs where suitably qualified and able to do so.
• Report significant maintenance issues and defects to the Harbour Master.
• Monitor the condition and availability of harbour facilities and operational equipment.
Aids to Navigation
- Monitor the availability and operation of all harbour aids to navigation.
• Report defects or outages promptly to the Harbour Master
• Maintain appropriate records of reported defects and actions taken.
Revenue and Administration
- Collect casual harbour dues and issue receipts for berthing.
• Monitor fish landings and passenger embarkation/ disembarkation.
• Maintain accurate records of relevant daily harbour activities.
• Record pertinent harbour activities and incidents.
• Contribute to the preparation of monthly reports for the North Sunderland Harbour Commissioners.
Stakeholder and External Agency Liaison
Maintain effective working relationships with harbour users, local organisations and relevant external
agencies, including:
- Northumberland Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority (NIFCA)
• Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
• Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
• Trinity House
• North East Ports Group
• Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
• Northumberland Police
The postholder will represent the interests and ethos of the North Sunderland Harbour Commissioners working professionally at all times.
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Working Requirements
The Deputy Harbour Master must be prepared to work flexibly, including hours required on an ad hoc basis and in response to operational requirements or unforeseen circumstances.
The role requires a visible presence within the harbour and a professional, approachable manner when dealing with harbour users, visitors, contractors and external organisations.
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Person Specification
Essential
• Experience of working in a maritime, harbour, port, fishing or related operational environment.
• Good understanding of PMSC and safe working practices within a working harbour.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and make appropriate operational decisions.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with harbour users and external
stakeholders.
• Ability to demonstrate a firm but fair attitude when decision making or when dealing with a
potential issue.
• Good level of physical fitness.
• Full, clean driving licence.
• Ability to work flexibly, including outside normal working hours when operationally necessary.
• Professional approach and commitment to maintaining the reputation of the Harbour Commissioners.
Desirable
- MCA Counter Pollution Level 4P qualification.
• Forklift operator qualification.
• Experience of harbour management or marine operations.
• Experience working with relevant maritime authorities or agencies.
• Knowledge of aids to navigation and harbour safety requirements.
Training may be provided where appropriate for candidates who do not hold all desirable qualifications.
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Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• A strong commitment to safety.
• Reliability and sound judgement.
• A practical, hands-on approach.
• Professionalism and integrity.
• Good organisational skills.
• The ability to remain calm and effective in changing or challenging operational circumstances.
• A customer-focused and approachable manner.
• Pride in maintaining a safe, clean and well-run working harbour.
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Reporting Line
Reports to: Harbour Master.
Deputises for: Harbour Master, as required.
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Physical and Operational Requirements
The role involves regular outdoor work in a working harbour environment and requires a good level of physical fitness. The successful candidate must be able to work in variable weather conditions and undertake practical operational duties as required.
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