This job expired on 16th June 2024
Deputy Harbour Master
Forth Ports Limited is a dynamic and multimodal ports owner and operator, offering a wide range of diverse port related services to help connect the UK with Europe and the rest of the world. If recent world events have taught us anything, it is the critical importance of logistics to every aspect of our life. The port business is significant in where this happens, with 95% of goods coming into the UK coming via ports - from unitised cargoes to renewables and everything in between, we really do keep the UK moving.
Our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042 underscores our commitment to sustainability. Moreover, our substantial investments in infrastructure, port services, and towage highlight our dedication to supporting the expansion of the UK's renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. This is a pivotal moment to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.
We are currently looking to recruit a Deputy Harbour Master to join our Marine team at the Port of Tilbury, which is an exciting newly-created role which will strengthen our existing well established team.
About the role
As Deputy Harbour Master, you will report directly to the Marine Asset Manager (Harbour Master) and will play a crucial role in implementing procedures for and maintaining standards for the safe and efficient movement of all vessels within the Port of Tilbury and Tilbury 2 area.
The working pattern for this role will be Monday-Friday, day time hours.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Offering direct support to the Harbous Master to ensure the smooth running of the Marine teams in the port
Working with the PLA and the Harbour Master, to ensure that proposed vessel locations and arrival times are within Marine Guidelines, having due regard to weather conditions, tides, size and nature of vessel and communicate primarily with VTS but also as required agents, pilots and shipmasters
Support in the overseeing of Marine staff and Marine assets to ensure safe and efficient operation
First responder and on scene commander for oil spill and emergency situations within your area
Working with the PLA Conservancy team, ensuring depths of water are maintained at the required depths, ruling depths are published and safe UKC maintained
Notifying the Harbour Master and Chief Harbour Master of any non-standard marine matters as per Port Marine Safety Code
Working with CHM and Port management on the marine element of any project work
What are we looking for?
You must have suitable seagoing or Port experience along with a Merchant Navy Certificate of Competency (deck or engineer), or equivalent qualification such as HM Certificate or Royal Navy certificate, or MCA Boatmasters Licence.
You will also be expected to attain a Harbour Masters certificate if not already held.
Demonstrable knowledge of all port related marine matters and will be familiar with marine operations on the Thames and within Tilbury.
Knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code, Pilotage and Towage is also desirable.
You will have excellent organisational, IT, administration and planning skills as well as a good appreciation of the health and safety standards within a port environment.
You must be comfortable supervising a team working a 365 days shift system.
A full driving licence is also required.
Full UK working rights.
What can we offer you?
Competitive salary with regular salary reviews
Car allowance
Generous annual leave entitlement of 34 days
Defined pension scheme and life assurance
Health promotion events and other employee wellbeing initiatives
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for employees and their family
Cycle to work scheme
Attractive Family Friendly Policies
On site free parking
Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK wide restaurants, car rentals and holidays
GymFlex health club memberships
We value our people and our reputation, and know that having a diverse and robust workforce enables us to look for answers. We are an equal opportunities employer and we will consider all applications for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
What you will need
Required criteria
- Full UK working rights
- Previous, relevant experience in a similar role
- Harbour Master certificate or willing to undertake
- Full UK driving licence
Forth Ports Group

Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies. The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries. Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.

Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London. A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day. The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.
Our benefits
We are committed to creating a positive working culture for all employees, as well as a good work-life balance. Here are just some of the benefits of working for Forth Ports.
Vacation, Paid time off
Paid sick days
Retirement plan and/or pension
Employee discounts
Gym membership or wellness programs
Cycle to work
Competitive salary
Employee Assistance Scheme
