Job Title: Assistant Harbour Master
Location: Port of Grangemouth
Compensation: Salary - £44,546 + Shift Allowance - £8,091
Hours: 2 day shifts / 2-night shifts / 4 days off for 7 weeks, followed by 14 days of leave
Forth Ports is one of the UK's largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. As a multimodal ports owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port-related services. With our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, we are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK's renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.
About The Role
In this role as Assistant Harbour Master, you will support the VTS Manager in ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant navigation of vessels across the Forth and Tay Estuaries. You will play a key operational role in planning, coordinating and supervising vessel movements, overseeing VTS operations, and providing expert marine guidance to support port activities. The position requires close collaboration with pilots, agents, towage providers, and port operations teams, while ensuring compliance with relevant Byelaws, General Directions and Company policies. You will also act as a key escalation point for marine incidents and operational issues, maintaining safe continuity of service and supporting emergency response when required.
Key Responsibilities:
* Supervise the Duty VTS Operators in the absence of the VTS Manager to ensure the effective and safe oversight of vessel traffic within the designated areas
* Oversee the Forth & Tay Navigation Service Control Room to ensure continuous safe and efficient operations. Act as the primary contact for emergencies, including marine incidents, pollution and port-related incidents, ensuring timely notification of relevant parties and managing the situation until resolution or transfer to appropriate authorities
* Offer support as needed to Marine Management for the Scottish ports
* In the event of an incident impacting marine operations or port activities, summon and coordinate emergency services and maintain oversight until senior marine management assumes control
* Provide expert guidance on all nautical and marine related matters in response to any enquiries
* Ensure that operations are carried out properly to minimise damage to Company property. Where such damage does occur, arrange for the prompt, accurate and detailed recording of this information for later recovery of costs
* Report any damage/malfunctions to port infrastructure to the appropriate Harbour Master, Asset Manager and Engineering Manager
* Ensure that vessels are being properly programmed with due regard to weather conditions, tides, size and nature of vessel. Consult with agents, pilots, port operations and shipmasters, on a continually operating schedule to produce the safe and orderly transit of vessels using the Ports on the Forth and Tay
* Liaise with agents and the Port Operations Management team to establish that vessel size, draft, berth and working conditions are properly recorded in advance of the vessel arrival
* Check that all river traffic movements in the Forth and Tay through the VTS system are correct to ensure the safety of all shipping and the determination of arrival/departure times
* Ensure effective coordination and communication between the VTS Operator and the Forth Pilotage Service (including Pilots) during night shifts. Grant authorisation for the use of the second pilot boat
* Provide general marine advice associated with daily operations, such as jetty regulations, tidal records and shipping movements
* Communicate with the Conservancy Department and relevant Harbour Master to ensure all anomalies with navigation aids and depths are quickly brought to their attention
* Liaise with the Towage operators on the Forth and Tay to co-ordinate vessel movements where tugs are being utilised
* Provide Tug Masters with guidance on tug requirements, in consultation with the Duty Pilot and in accordance with Marine Guidelines/Port Information, specifically regarding bollard pull
* Maintain Towage records where required and liaise with Targe Operations and Tug crews regarding job allocation
What We’re Looking For:
We are looking for a proactive, confident and professional individual with strong marine operational awareness and excellent decision-making skills. You will be calm under pressure, able to prioritise competing demands, and comfortable taking responsibility for operational oversight when required. Strong communication and coordination skills are essential, as the role involves working closely with pilots, agents, tug operators and internal port teams to ensure safe and efficient vessel movements.
The ideal candidate will be adaptable and flexible, willing to provide cover for the duty Assistant Harbour Master or VTS Operator during periods of absence, including supporting shift coverage where operationally required. You will demonstrate sound judgement, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach, with a commitment to maintaining high safety standards and supporting continuous marine operations across the Forth and Tay ports.
Skills & Qualifications:
* Marine background or significant experience as a VTS Operator
* The role requires you to achieve the C-103 VTS Certificate if not already held
* Ideally hold a STCW Watch Keeping certificate
* A thorough knowledge of VTS operations, Port Marine Safety Code and Port legislation.
* Full right to work in the UK
* Full driving licence, valid in the UK
What Forth Ports can offer you:
At Forth Ports, our people are our priority, and we are committed to creating a flexible, open, and supportive working culture. As part of our team, you will enjoy:
* A competitive salary
* Shift Allowance payment
* Discretionary group bonus
* Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary
* Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives to support your physical and mental wellbeing
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing free, confidential 24/7 telephone support for you and your family
* On-site Occupational Health Team with access to professional support and referrals to services such as counselling, physiotherapy and free flu jabs
* An annual Christmas thank you gift of a complimentary turkey or meat-free alternative for all employees
* GymFlex health club memberships offering discounted access to gyms including Nuffield Health, PureGym, Anytime Fitness, The Gym Group, and selected local gyms
* Cycle to Work scheme to support affordable, sustainable commuting
* On-site free parking available for all employees
* Attractive family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity cover
* Employee discount platform providing savings on UK-wide restaurants, retail, car rentals, days out, and holidays
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to provide support.
How to Apply:
If you have a marine background and are looking to continue your career in varied role, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.
Required Criteria
* Marine background or significant experience as a VTS Operator
* Full right to work in the UK
* Full driving licence, valid in the UK
Desired Criteria
* The role requires you to achieve the C-103 VTS Certificate if not already held
* Ideally hold a STCW Watch Keeping certificate
Skills Needed
About The Company
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.
Company Culture
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.
Company 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
Salary
£44,546.00 per year