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UK Ministry of Defence

King's Harbour Master

Cove
£46k/yr
Posted about 20 hours ago
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Joint Maritime Support Unit (JMSU), East Cove Military Port Facility, BFSAI

Job Summary

Operating under Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC), the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) mission is to deter military aggression against the South Atlantic Overseas Territories, to protect the Falkland Islanders’ right to self determination and reassure the local population. BFSAI also has operational responsibility for Ascension Island Base.

This role is responsible for the BFSAI Military Port Facility (MPF) under Falkland Islands Law, and for logistic maritime resupply movements, including responsibility for the South Atlantic Patrol Vessel support functions. The role operates in accordance with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) and Defence Maritime Regulations (DMR), while being directly responsible to Commander British Forces, the Port Duty Holder.

Responsibilities are underpinned by robust assurance and compliance systems and marine safety documentation. The KHM is the lead for Single Point Mooring fuel buoy marine operations, Pollution Control and Marine Environment Protection, MPF Explosive Licencing and Equipment Care. The role includes civilian and military staff management, marine contracts Designated Officer, tug crew support and welfare, pilotage licencing and port infrastructure. Assurance visits to Ascension Island, to provide maritime SQEP, may be required.

The MPF has two ocean-going tugs provided under contract; the MOD-chartered Falkland Islands Resupply Ship calls regularly. An Ocean Tanker for bulk refuelling calls every six months. Additionally, the MPF receives the Ice Patrol Ship and British Antarctic Survey ship throughout the austral summer.

KHM is the liaison between BFSAI and the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) and Falkland Islands Maritime Authority (FIMA) for all port safety policy and port authority development. The MPF must be prepared to receive other vessels as required and is the key hub for resupply and reinforcement in the event of a crisis in the South Atlantic.

While the KHM role and tempo of the MPF is not directly comparable with a UK Naval Base, the requirement to achieve regulatory compliance remains the same, with the MPF subject to compliance audits from Capt Port Operations and Defence Maritime Regulators. Additionally, the Joint nature of BFSAI, the remote location and climate bring challenges to the port and this role. Future aspirations for the Port include exploring options for collaborative projects with interested partners, infrastructure upgrades and more exploitation of commercial opportunities.

This is a high profile and rewarding job offering excellent career development opportunities through working in a key operational location, delivering outcomes in a challenging environment and supporting Defence and wider UK Government objectives.

Job Description

To be the Harbour Authority within the limits of the Falkland Islands Naval Port Ordinances 1987. To be the SEO/OF4 responsible for the safe control and operation of the MPF, the safe navigation of all ships and craft, and for the implementation of the PMSC, to achieve the objectives defined in the Guide to Good Practice. KHM has direct Line Manager responsibility for the Deputy King’s Harbour Master (DKHM) and is 2RO for a locally employed civilian Port Services Officer. As OC JMSU, KHM has responsibility for approximately 34 military staff.

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To maintain a comprehensive Marine Safety Management System.

To direct the definition and marking of navigable channels within the Naval Ordinances of the port, and shore based navigational lights and marks, by applying the principles of a Competent Harbour Authority.

To manage and direct operations within the limits of the Naval ordinances the port.

To direct the operations of the pilotage service.

To continually develop the MPF to ensure it operates in an efficient, effective and economic manner.

To liaise with the FIG and FIMA for all matters concerning marine safety policy and port authority development.

KHM is accountable through the Port Duty Holder to the Secretary of State for Defence for the implementation of the PMSC and is in charge of the Marine Safety Management System.

KHM exercises full authority over all users of the port to ensure that the provisions of the

Falkland Islands NPO (1987) and other relevant legislation and orders are met.

KHM Exercises Managerial Authority Over:

  • DKHM post, and the EO (LEC) Support Role.
  • 460 Port Troop, to the extent necessary for the safe delivery of marine services in support of waterfront activities.
  • Forward Support Unit (FSU) to the extent necessary for the safe delivery of marine services in support of waterfront activities.
  • Contracted navigational pilots.
  • Contracted tug services.
  • The Port Safety Steering Group.
  • Contractors working within the confines of the MPF, to the extent necessary to fulfil the operational and security outputs of the Naval Port.

KHM Has Direct Liaison Authority With:

  • HQ BFSAI SO2 Maritime for the safe implementation of movements and berthing plans.
  • Other services and civilian authorities, necessary for them to achieve their purposes.

KHM Has Responsibility To The Following Committees:

  • Port Safety Steering Group.
  • As a member of FIMA: National Oil Spill Committee, Hydrographic Working Group, Maritime Compliance Steering Group.
  • Other ad hoc boards and committees by invitation when required.

The Principal Tasks Of The KHM Are:

  • Enforcing the provisions of the Falkland Islands NPO (1987), continued implementation of the PMSC and the Guide to Good Practice.
  • Superintending movements within the Naval Port Ordinances to meet the Port Duty Holder and MOD safety requirements.
  • Directing the navigational pilot service in conjunction with the Chief Pilot, including assessing and authorising of new and existing pilots and control measures where necessary.
  • Allocating and controlling reserved areas where appropriate.
  • Directing the removal of vessels, neglected vessels, wrecks and other obstructions to safe navigation.
  • Authorising the position of mooring or anchorage areas.
  • Exercising control over military exercises, aquatic sports and recreational activities within the confines of the Port Ordinances.
  • Directing the positioning of buoys and navigation aids for MOD purposes.
  • Directing mooring and salvage operations affecting the safety of navigation within the Port Ordinances.
  • In conjunction with SO2 Maritime, issuing Local Notices to Mariners and navigation warning messages to meet relevant orders and legislation.
  • Command and control of oil spill countermeasures on the water.
  • To act as incident commander for emergencies within the Port Ordinance domain.
  • Liaise with Commanding Officers of all visiting military and commercial vessels.
  • Liaise with FIMA on all safety related issues and hold joint safety meetings.
  • Undertake line management, mentoring and countersigning tasks as required by the role. This role has 4 direct reports and 7 countersigning roles.

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Person specification

The Following Qualifications Are desirable

  • Port Marine Safety Code Duty Holder Certificate
  • MCA Level 5P Commanders Oil Spill Certificate
  • International Harbour Masters Diploma or Harbour Masters Certificate Qualification or IDG Harbour Masters Training
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2 or higher
  • IMDG Code training / MOD GAER Qualification
  • Accident Investigation Training
  • IOSH Managing Safety in Ports

Essential Qualifications:

  • The successful applicant must have sufficient marine and port experience to fulfil this role. They must hold one of the following qualifications:
    • STCW II/2 (Master/Chief Mate unlimited)
    • RN CQ2

Essential Experience:

  • Previous experience working in a Port at a managerial level and either hold or have commenced work towards your Harbour Master Diploma / Certificate.

Essential Licences:

  • A valid UK Manual Driving Licence. (Licence must be held at point of application and be in date. Evidence will be asked for at an interview)

Qualifications

  • The successful applicant must have sufficient marine and port experience to fulfil this role. They must hold one of the following qualifications:
    • STCW II/2 (Master/Chief Mate unlimited)
    • RN CQ2

Evidence will be required at interview.

All qualifications, licences or memberships declared must be held at point of application and if applicable be in date. Equivalents will not be accepted.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Leadership
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Changing and Improving

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

  • KHM 1 - Port Safety
  • KHM 2 - Port Marine Safety Policy
  • KHM 3 - Legislation
  • KHM 5 - Incident investigation
  • KHM 8 - Conservancy
  • KHM 9 - Management of other marine activities
  • KHM 10 - Port Emergencies
  • QHM 11 - Manage the port marine environmental status

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,337 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

This Post Attracts The Following Allowances And Benefits:

  • Maritime Market Skills Supplement
  • Cost of Overseas Living Allowance
  • Operational Deployment Allowance
  • Accommodation (according to individual circumstances)
  • Annual return flights to the UK and Chile
  • The successful candidate may be eligible for Education/Schooling Allowance

Mount Pleasant Complex also offers a wide range of recreation facilities including gym, swimming pool, go-carting, indoor climbing, indoor driving range, shops, and cafes.

Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD. [https://discovermybenefits.

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Skills

Port Management
Marine Safety Management
Pilotage Licensing
Pollution Control
Incident Command
Maritime Legislation
Staff Management
Contract Management
Navigational Planning
Risk Assessment
Emergency Response
Stakeholder Liaison
Marine Environment Protection
Salvage Operations
Compliance Auditing
Resource Allocation

Location

Cove, Scotland, United Kingdom

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