Harbour Master & Pilot

Full time, Permanent contract

Location – Ayr & Troon

Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits

ABP is the UK’s leading port operator, with a unique network of 21 ports across England, Scotland and Wales. Our ports include Immingham, the UK’s busiest port and Southampton, the UK’s leading export port and number one for cars and cruise. The group's other activities include rail terminal operations (Hams Hall Rail Terminal), ship's agency, dredging (UK Dredging Ltd), and marine consultancy (ABPmer). Each port also offers a well-established community of port service providers.

In 2015 ABP and its customers handled 92 million tonnes of cargo. Together with our customers, we support 84,000 jobs and contribute £5.6 billion to the UK economy every year.

The Ports of Ayr and Troon are located on the West of Scotland at the lower end of the Firth of Clyde. They are widely regarded as exemplars within ABP and have won awards in the field of Operational Performance and Customer service. Quality of life in this semi-rural area is generally regarded as being high with the local road network also giving excellent connections to the City of Glasgow and beyond.

The Role

Reporting to the Port Manager Ayr and Troon, the purpose of the role is the Management of the Ports of Ayr & Troon to fulfil the functions of the Statutory and Competent Harbour Authority responsibilities, ISO and HSE standards.

The post holder will also provide pilotage duties and is responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of navigation of vessels which request the services of an authorised pilot within the jurisdiction of Ayr and Troon respectively.

The scope of the role covers the provision of the functions of the Statutory and Competent Harbour Authority for the Ports of Ayr & Troon. All Port Compliance, Security Standards, Health & Safety, Hydrography, Environmental and Contingency for the Ports of Ayr & Troon. You will also manage the financial performance of these areas.

Accountabilities

  • Act in the capacity of Harbour Master in accordance with the terms of the appropriate regulating legislation.
  • Oversee the standards of a safe and efficient pilotage service for all vessels requiring or directed to take a pilot within the port's area of jurisdiction, including the authorisation of pilots and PEC holders on behalf of the Harbour Authority.
  • Lead conservation projects with the assistance of the Compliance Teams in oil spill response, disaster recovery and any other plans with an environmental impact.
  • Monitor and manage the implementation of the Ports of Ayr & Troon Marine Safety Management System in accordance with the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code.
  • Promote and maintain excellent relations with all harbour users and stakeholders.
  • Advise the Port Manager, Ayr and Tronand line management on matters of marine compliance, security by keeping abreast of changes in legislation & codes of practice and security requirements which may impact on ABP.
  • Liaise with Group Security Manager enforcing authorities, trade org, insurances etc. Assist and guide DPFSO at the various ABP Port Facilities.
  • Assist and develop group Compliance policies and internal group auditing. Implement any changes within the Ports of Ayr & Troon.
  • Responsible for Hydrographic licenses and permissions for work including verifying quality of hydrographic surveys within the port, ensuring that they meet all compliance regulations both locally and nationally.
  • Conduct pilotage duties by providing the safe movement of vessels from sea, berth and anchorage in accordance with appropriate procedures. At Ayr, Troon and on an occasional cover basis at Silloth.
  • Produces outstanding results both professionally and personally by directing and overseeing all Port services in accordance with strategic objectives. Effectively plans, budgets, tracks, evaluates and drives business performance.
  • Manage ABP's security arrangements on a day to day basis, ensuring ISPS compliance is retained in line with the port security plan.
  • Advise local port management on HSES best practice, benchmarking and performance, including the preparation of relevant KPls and formal monthly
  • Assist the Port Manager in developing and coordinating community relations initiatives ensuring they are aligned to core objectives and their value is maximised.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

  • Master Mariner 11/2 (Unlimited)
  • Previous marine management experience
  • Ability to deliver the ethos of exceptional customer service and always seeking to improve quality and service for both internal I external stakeholders.
  • Leadership qualities to drive the current team forward and develop them within their own areas, combined with previous people and team management skills.
  • Demonstrate clear abilities to influence people at all levels, internal and external, through listening and adjusting communication style to meet the needs of the audience.
  • Sound knowledge of maritime legislation
  • Relevant Port experience in general operations.
  • Experience in Compliance Standards and implementation of relevant legislation updates.
  • Port Surveying and dredging experience together with the use of Hydrographic and Digital Ground Modelling.
  • Sound I.T skills which should include Outlook, Excel & Word
  • Willingness to travel to other ABP port locations and business travel UK wide and overseas.
  • Full UK car driving licence.

Ideal:

  • Command experience
  • UK Harbour Master Certificate or ability to study and undertake the learning.
  • Experienced in working with marine data sets, computing systems or similar.
  • Good experience in the use of Multibeam sonar data gathering and QC processes.

Additional Information:

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.