Details
Reference number
423975
Salary
£54,857
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
Job grade
Grade 7
Contract type
Permanent
Business area
MCA - UK Technical Maritime Services
Type of role
Policy
Working pattern
Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
Number of jobs available
1
Contents
* Location
* About the job
* Benefits
* Things you need to know
* Apply and further information
Location
Southampton
About the job
Job summary
Can you lead on Port safety and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) policy while building trusted relationships across the maritime sector?
Do you have the confidence and care to influence port safety standards and guide national VTS operations?
If so, we'd love to hear from you
The role will be working within Ports and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Policy in the Navigation Team, which sits within the UK Maritime Services directorate of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) implements the Government's maritime safety policy in the United Kingdom and works to prevent the loss of life and occurrence of pollution on the coast and at sea.
The Directorate of UK Technical Maritime Services (UKTMS) inspects and surveys ships to ensure that they are meeting both UK and international safety, security and anti-pollution rules. UKTMS also provide certification to ships and seafarers, registers vessels and responds to pollution from shipping and offshore installations.
Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:
* Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
* 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King's birthday
* Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Read more in the Benefits section below
Find out more about what it's like working at Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Department for Transport Careers.
Job description
The key responsibilities of this role will include but are not limited to:
* To be the lead in the development and evolution of MCA's part in UK policies on port/marine facility safety and VTS through liaison with and consideration of all stakeholders.
* To provide expert advice on a variety of matters relating to ports, such as: Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) recommendations, the implementation of SOLAS Chapter V reg 12 and Merchant Shipping (Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Reporting Requirement) Regulations 2004 as amended.
* To chair the PMSC and VTS policy steering groups, providing expert advice, liaising with customers to ensure positive outcomes, facilitating the groups input to DfT for updating of the PMSC and ensure the Guide to Good Practice is updated in line with the code.
* Manage and conduct PMSC Health Checks/verification visits and Audits of VTS centres/training establishments. Managing records, recording trends and prioritising activities on the basis of risk and/or intelligence.
* To prepare briefings for and attend IMO and International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) committees and prepare submission papers and other supporting documents as they relate to VTS, PMSC and the GTGP.
* Subject matter expert within the MCA for port related matters, including safety of port operations.
For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.
Person specification
The successful candidate will be a maritime professional with experience of working within Marine Operations in the ports industry (e.g. Harbour Master/Deputy, VTS Manager, Pilot).
They will be able to demonstrate a good working knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code and an understanding of VTS. Additional training for VTS may be provided for a successful candidate, if required.
This role will require the holder to conduct both PMSC health checks and VTS audits, therefore an ability to influence stakeholders and improve outcomes is required.
The successful candidate should hold one qualification from the following list of acceptable minimum qualifications acceptable for this role or be able to demonstrate significant professional experience in the ports industry (see point 5):
* Harbour Masters Qualification or;
* STCW II/2 Masters (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency or;
* Degree in a relevant maritime discipline (Level 6 or above of the England, Wales and Northern Ireland register of Regulated Qualifications), combined with management experience in VTS or other Port Operations, or Pilotage experience or;
* V103 Qualification with management level VTS and Ports experience, or;
* Candidates who do not hold one of the above qualifications will be considered if they are able to demonstrate significant experience within the port industry in a role related to the application of the PMSC and provide evidence of qualifications to enable completion of V103 course.
Additional Information
Although mainly based in Southampton Headquarters, there will be occasional meetings with industry and Other Government Departments (OGD) and IMO and (IALA) in the UK and abroad, which will require overnight stays away from home for short periods.
Technical working groups may require attendance at meetings both in the UK and abroad (mainly within the European Union) for short periods.
Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements
Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week. Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 37 hours per week. We can accommodate part time applications through job share.
This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.
The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.
On occasion, there will be a requirement to work outside of normal conditioned hours.
Visa Sponsorship
Please note that we will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. Therefore, this role is not open to applications from those who require sponsorship – candidates must ensure they have the appropriate right to work in the UK before applying. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
Licences
Driving licence valid for driving in the UK is required.
A passport valid for international travel is required.
Qualifications
The successful candidate should hold one qualification from the following list of acceptable minimum qualifications acceptable for this role or be able to demonstrate significant professional experience in the ports industry (see point 5):
1. Harbour Masters Qualification or;
2. STCW II/2 Masters (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency or;
3. Degree in a relevant maritime discipline (Level 6 or above of the England, Wales and Northern Ireland register of Regulated Qualifications), combined with management experience in VTS or other Port Operations, or Pilotage experience or;
4. V103 Qualification with management level VTS and Ports experience, or;
5. Candidates who do not hold one of the above qualifications will be considered if they are able to demonstrate significant experience within the port industry in a role related to the application of the PMSC and provide evidence of qualifications to enable completion of V103 course.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Seeing the Big Picture
* Making Effective Decisions
* Managing a Quality Service
* Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £54,857, Maritime and Coastguard Agency contributes £15,892 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:
* Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
* 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
* 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King's birthday.
* Access to the staff discount portal.
* Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
* Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
* 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
* Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Find out more about the benefits of working at DfT and its agencies .
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
How to apply:
Our selection process ensures a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's qualifications, skills, and potential fit within our organisation.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and personal statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
The selection process for this role will be:
Stage 1: Sift of CV and personal statement
Stage 2: Interview
Stage 1: Sift
At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:
Experience – you will be asked to provide a CV (unlimited wordcount) and personal statement (1000 word count). Please provide evidence of your Experience of the following:
• The successful candidate will be a maritime professional with experience of working within Marine Operations in the ports industry (e.g. Harbour Master, VTS Manager, Pilot).
• Able to demonstrate experience working with the Port Marine Safety Code and its contents and an understanding of VTS.
• This role will require the holder to conduct both PMSC health checks and VTS audits, therefore an ability to influence stakeholders and improve outcomes is required.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
The sift will take place week from the 11th September 2025.
Stage 2: Interview and written exercise.
At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements:
* Behaviours – (Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing)
* Experience
As part of the interview you will be required to complete a written exercise that assesses your knowledge of the UK's port safety regime and how it applies to ports in the UK, and how it may be improved. Details will be provided on the day of interview. Details will be provided on the day of interview.
Guidance will be provided if you are invited to interview.
The interviews will take place week commencing 22/09/2025.
This interview will be conducted via MS Teams. Further details will be provided to you should you be selected for interview.
You can find out more about our hiring process, how to apply, and application and interview guidance on our careers site .
Please note that we will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change.
Further information on the selection process
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter.
We will also hold a 12-month reserve list for this role, which may lead to potential opportunities beyond the role you applied for. You can read more about our reserve lists here.
Appointments for this position will be made in order of merit. If you are successful in the selection process but there are no further available posts for the advertised role, you may be contacted to discuss an offer for a lower graded role (with similar experience and responsibility requirements).
If you are unsuccessful in the selection process, your application may be considered for a lower graded position if your demonstrated skills and experience meet the requirements of the alternative position. Candidates will be considered in order of merit.
AI Tools and Platforms
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Reasonable Adjustments
As a Disability Confident Leader employer, we are committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, accessible and allows all candidates to perform at their best. If a person with a visible or non-visible disability is substantially disadvantaged, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need during the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you need a reasonable adjustment so that you can complete your application, you should contact Government Recruitment Service via as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Document Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
This job advert contains links to the DfT Careers website. Our website provides useful guidance and information that can support you during the application process. If you cannot access the information on our website for any reason, please email for assistance.
Further Information
For more information about how we hire, and for useful tips on submitting your application for this role, visit the How We Hire page of our DfT Careers website. You can find detailed information about the recruitment process and what to expect when applying for a role.
Pre-employment Checking
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check .
See our vetting charter .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
* UK nationals
* nationals of the Republic of Ireland
* nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
* individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
* Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
* Name : Elliot Morgan
* Email :
Recruitment team
* Email :
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email:
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website Here