UK Ministry of Defence
Kings Harbour Master
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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 2nd Reporting Officer (2RO) for a locally employed civilian Port Services Officer. As OC JMSU, KHM has responsibility for approximately 34 military staff.
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.
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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.
This Position is 37 hours per week. Weekend working may be required, overtime subject to approval.
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Person specification
The remoteness of BFSAI, and intensity and fast paced nature of work activities makes extensive experience of working in the maritime environment highly desirable, together with previous experience of harbour management and harbour regulatory requirements. The successful candidate must have the ability to analyse technical information, make informed decisions and provide competent advice.
The job has significant relationship management responsibilities; consequently, the successful applicant will need to be a confident individual who can communicate effectively verbally and in writing; work autonomously or as part of a team; and establish supportive working relationships with a large, diverse group of stakeholders across the Ministry of Defence, maritime industry and Falkland Islands community.
The post demands high degrees of self-motivation and integrity, the successful applicant will be a resilient individual who can work efficiently, effectively in a remote work location and lead by example.
Experience of responding dynamically to situations, often involving complex competing requirements, whilst keeping a broad stakeholder group engaged. Clear communication style to seniors and subordinates to maintain situational awareness.
The need to react regularly to dynamic circumstances requires the successful candidate to be flexible and adaptable; this includes regular management of conflicting priorities; prioritising work; and extending working hours as circumstances demand.
Licences
A valid UK Manual Driving Licence. (Licence must be held at point of application and be in date. Evidence will be asked for an interview)
Qualifications
You should possess:
- either
- A Certificate of Competency that meets the requirements of STCW Regulation II/2. These will primarily be Master (Unlimited), Chief Mate (Unlimited), or CQ 1 which is the RN equivalent qualification. However, a lesser CoC that meets the requirements of STCW Regulation II/2 will be accepted when supplemented with evidence of recent experience as Master on vessels appropriate to ports such as Coasters, Harbour Tugs, etc.
- or
- Have previously served as Harbour Master, or Deputy Harbour Master or associated senior role in a Port and either hold or are working towards their Harbour Master Diploma. (To meet this requirement candidates must be able to evidence 12 months in post.)
The Following Qualifications Are Desirable:
- Port Marine Safety Code Duty Holder Certificate
- MCA Level 5P Commanders Oil Spill Certificate
- IMDG Code training / MOD GAER Qualification
- Accident Investigation Training
- IOSH Managing Safety in Ports
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.
Behaviours
The following online tests can be used to assess behaviours:
- Civil Service Judgement Test
- Civil Service Management Judgement Test
- Civil Service Styles Assessment
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
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