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home Transport and logistics
Harbour master

Harbour master

Transport and logistics

Level 6 - Professional Occupation

Enforce regulations and industry codes of practice in a particular port, harbour or marina in order to ensure the safety of vessel navigation, the security of the harbour, the protection of the marine environment, and the safe operation of the port facilities.

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Reference: OCC0765

Status: inventory_2Occupational standard without apprenticeship

Average (median) salary: £40,775 per year

SOC 2020 code: 1241 Managers in transport and distribution

SOC 2020 sub unit groups:

  • 1241/04 Harbour and port managers
  • 1224/04 Marina managers

Technical Education Products

ST0765:

Harbour master

(Level 6)

Retired

Employers involved in creating the standard:

AB Ports, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, Tarbert Harbour Authority, Shoreham Port Authority, Dover Harbour Board, Peel Ports, Cromarty Firth Port Authority, The Port of Blyth, Tor Bay Harbour Authority, Port of Tyne

Summary

This occupation is found in the maritime sector in ports, harbours and marinas of varying size, from a major gateway for international trade to a single jetty jutting out into a river or sea. A port is a location on the coast that can be used to load and unload cargo; a harbour is a place on the coast where vessels may seek shelter; a marina is a port for leisure craft. Ports are used for a variety of purposes including recreation, commercial trade and defence. Employers range from private, trust, the state and local authorities.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to enforce regulations and industry codes of practice in a particular port, harbour or marina in order to ensure the safety of vessel navigation, the security of the harbour, the protection of the marine environment, and the safe operation of the port facilities. The Harbour Master is accountable to the Duty Holder (a person whose sole responsibility is to ensure that the port complies with the Port Marine Safety Code) for the safety of navigation within the harbour jurisdiction and to the Board for marine governance. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with ship masters, enforcement officers, stakeholders, tenants, members of the public, agents, customers, marine pilots as well as port operations and commercial staff.

The occupation is found both in office-based environments as well as outside in all weathers and may be conducted both on and off the water. Harbour Masters hold ultimate decision-making responsibility at all times, day or night, but may delegate authority to their deputies and/or assistants. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation leads a team of marine employees who may deputise or assist in undertaking the responsibilities of managing the harbour with delegated duties in the absence of the Harbour Master. A Deputy Harbour Master will be empowered with the full authority of the Harbour Master when deputising in the absence of the Harbour Master; an Assistant Harbour Master will have areas of responsibility defined by the Harbour Master and report directly to the Deputy Harbour Master or Harbour Master. Harbour Masters are empowered by statute to issue Directions and Notices to Mariners to ensure the safety of all harbour users, to review, implement and enforce policy applicable to the area of jurisdiction. They investigate marine accidents and incidents and can make recommendations in order to improve safety.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for running a port through powers and responsibilities granted by statute. The Harbour Master has the power to permit vessels to enter or leave the port, as well as overseeing vessel traffic movement in the port approach and in the port area. More generally, Harbour Masters oversee the planning and execution of port marine operations such as designating where vessels should lie within the harbour, vessel traffic management services, the provision of pilotage services, conservancy and any other marine-related operation. They work in close cooperation with commercial partners to ensure the maximum utilisation of port facilities as well as co-ordinating and managing responses to port incidents and emergency situations.

PLEASE NOTE - the use of the word 'port' throughout this standard refers to ports, harbours, jetties and marinas.

Employers involved in creating the standard:

AB Ports, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, Tarbert Harbour Authority, Shoreham Port Authority, Dover Harbour Board, Peel Ports, Cromarty Firth Port Authority, The Port of Blyth, Tor Bay Harbour Authority, Port of Tyne

Typical job titles include:

Assistant Dock Master
Assistant Harbour Master
Deputy Dock Master
Deputy Harbour Master
Dock Master
Harbour Master
Marina Manager
Pilot Operations Manager
Vessel Traffic Services Manager

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

K1: Current international and national regulations, codes of practice and guidance relating to marine safety management
K2: Marine Safety Management Systems which ensure that every port complies with mandatory rules and regulations and follow codes of practice and guidelines
K3: Policies required to underpin a Marine Safety Management System
K4: How to evaluate evidence to support sound judgement
K5: Effective oral and written communication strategies and a working knowledge of the terminology used in this occupation
K6: How to commission and implement an independent internal and an independent external audit
K7: Principles of change control and auditable record keeping
K8: National and international marine legislation applicable to ports
K9: Local legislation, bylaws and direction applicable to ports and the processes for updating these
K10: How to develop and operate marine enforcement policies and procedures
K11: How to collect evidence, take statements and initiate criminal prosecutions in-line with national regulations
K12: Enforcement options available as an alternative to prosecution
K13: Current regulatory reporting requirements and guidance relating to marine accidents/incidents
K14: How to conduct systematic, well-documented investigations and produce remedial recommendations based on report findings
K15: Current international and national regulations, codes of practice and guidance relating to marine conservancy
K16: How to use formal Risk Assessment to establish the need for activities including (but not limited to) surveying, dredging, the use of Aids to Navigation, marking and wreck recovery
K17: Operating procedures and the administration involved in port recreational activities
K18: Current international and national regulations, codes of practice and guidance relating to emergencies and pollution incidents
K19: The powers and working practices of statutory and other organisations that may be concerned with responding to a port emergency or pollution incident
K20: The nature of the interaction between the port and statutory or other organisations, including the extent of the port's obligation to cooperate on emergencies or pollution incidents
K21: How to develop and manage effective relationships with statutory and other organisations (including the media) involved in an emergency or pollution incident
K22: Principles of business continuity planning
K23: Current international and national regulations, codes of practice and guidance relating to pilotage, vessel traffic services and navigation
K24: What alternate risk management and safety management systems might typically be required when a pilotage service is assessed to be unnecessary
K25: What alternate risk management and safety management systems might typically be required when a vessel tracking service is assessed to be unnecessary
K26: The powers and working practices of a Competent Harbour Authority and other organisations that may be concerned with pilotage services
K27: How a pilotage service is typically administered
K28: Procedures for promoting and conducting pilotage directions
K29: The powers and working practices of a Competent Harbour Authority and other organisations that may be concerned with vessel traffic services
K30: How a vessel traffic service is typically administered
K31: The nature, purpose, powers and working practices of statutory and other organisations that may be concerned with vessel traffic services
K32: What port activities are likely to have an impact on the environment, and what adverse consequences could potentially arise from those activities
K33: The types and classification of port environmental and conservational features
K34: Current international and national regulations, codes of practice and guidance relating to the management of the port environment, including requirements for licenses and consents
K35: Typical conservation measures a port might use to protect the environment within its jurisdiction
K36: The typical format, content and issues addressed in maintenance and capital dredging policies and plans
K37: Current international and national regulations, codes of practice and guidance relating to port security
K38: Operating procedures and the administration involved in a local port security plan
K39: How to design and run a port security exercise
K40: How a marine department is typically constituted and managed
K41: Who the stakeholders and workforce representatives are in the marine organisation
K42: Current employment regulations, guidance and codes affecting marine employees
K43: The principle revenue and expenditure streams of the port and the contribution made to port business by the marine function
K44: The factors likely to affect the financial performance of a port
K45: The principles and practice of effective change management, quality management, customer service, business networking and project management
K46: Current international and national regulations, codes of practice and guidance relating to health & safety in the workplace
K47: The port marine operations and activities typically undertaken in the physical environment for which the harbour master has responsibility and authority and/or which might impact on safety

S1: Develop, operate, evaluate and amend in light of new information a fully functional Marine Safety Management System
S2: Develop and implement auditable port marine policies, plans and procedures based on sound evidence and delivers an inclusive and effective service, consulting with stakeholders who might be affected
S3: Implement a system for formally reviewing the appropriateness and effectiveness of local and nationally conferred legislation at pre-defined periods
S4: Identify and apply for new powers as needed to facilitate safe and efficient port marine activities
S5: Operate an Enforcement Policy in line with statutory and local powers and industry good practice including: - systematically collecting, preserving and documenting evidence and witness statements - take enforcement action up to criminal prosecution - initiate criminal prosecution
S6: Conduct investigations; systematically collect, preserve and documenting evidence and witness statements
S7: Communicate findings and proposals to appropriate stakeholders
S8: Implement and monitor remedial action appropriate to incident findings
S9: Manage the provision, maintenance and inspection of aids to navigation
S10: Develop a comprehensive method for the provision of timely and accurate navigational safety information and warnings to maintain the safe passage of vessels
S11: Ensure accurate hydrographic surveys are undertaken, communicate the information to affected stakeholders and maintain accurate hydrographic and hydrological records
S12: In consultation with affected stakeholders, develop, exercise review and amend in light of new information an integrated Response Plan for port emergencies. Communicate the plan to affected stakeholders
S13: In consultation with affected stakeholders, develop, exercise, review and amend in light of new information, a port counter-pollution plan to minimise navigational, environmental, commercial, and reputational impact. Communicate the plan to affected stakeholders
S14: Determine the need for, and scope of, port pilotage services based on a formal, navigational risk assessment
S15: Produce documented findings and recommendations in line with accepted practice. Circulate findings and outputs to affected stakeholders
S16: Identify and implement suitable and sufficient alternate navigational risk management measures where a pilotage service is assessed to be unnecessary
S17: Determine the need for, and scope of, vessel traffic services based on a formal, navigational risk assessment
S18: Identify and implement suitable and sufficient alternate navigational risk management measures where a vessel traffic service is assessed to be unnecessary
S19: Develop, comprehensive procedures and rules for the administration of pilots and operation of a pilotage service in consultation with stakeholders and communicate findings and outputs to affected stakeholders
S20: Manage a pilotage service appropriate to the port, that takes account of pilotage regulations, guidance and codes
S21: Review procedures and rules for the administration of pilots and operation of a pilotage service periodically and in light of new information
S22: Develop comprehensive procedures for the operation of a vessel traffic service or local port information service appropriate to the port, in consultation with stakeholders and communicate them to affected stakeholders
S23: Implement a vessel traffic service or local port information service appropriate to the port that takes account of local context, regulations, guidance and codes
S24: Review procedures and rules for the operation of a vessel traffic service or local port information service periodically and in light of new information
S25: Manage the potential risk posed by dangerous and polluting substances and dangerous vessels
S26: Manage (and/or monitor) the safe and effective provision, of other marine services such as towage and mooring
S27: Develop, operate, evaluate and amend in light of new information, a fully functional port environmental Safety Management System which incorporates management of maintenance and capital dredging and port waste
S28: Assess the risk and mitigation effect of conservation measures
S29: Conduct a port security assessment in consultation with stakeholders to establish the type and level of security required and develop appropriate port security policies and plans
S30: Manage port security and cooperate with enforcement and other relevant agencies to ensure effective port security, complying with regulatory security requirements
S31: Assess operational needs to identify the resourcing structure and skill levels required to deliver a safe and efficient service
S32: Manage employees, including (but not limited to):- - recruitment and selection - training - professional development - performance management - succession planning
S33: Develop and implement effective employee communications, including dialogue with workforce representatives
S34: Develop and manage a port marine budget
S35: Plan, lead and implement change within the Harbour Master's jurisdiction
S36: Contribute to quality management processes relating to port management
S37: Deliver effective customer service relating to port management
S38: Promote the port in business and other forums
S39: Manage projects to quality, time and cost
S40: Conduct a formal risk assessment to identify correctly all hazards and levels of risk associated with land-side marine employee work place activities, in consultation with stakeholders
S41: Operate a formally documented Safety Management System (SMS) ensuring controls are monitored and maintained and risks remain as low as reasonably practicable

B1: Is self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and with integrity
B2: Takes personal responsibility for their actions and shows resilience
B3: Works well under pressure and to tight deadlines, delivering quality results
B4: Leads by example, demonstrating impeccable safe behaviours at all times
B5: Encourages team effort and develops and interdependent culture
B6: Implements best practice in technical and safety management
B7: Promotes and adopts a safety culture within the organisation, where challenges are welcomed and valued
B8: Takes responsibility for effective problem-solving, emergency response and safeguarding the company's reputation

Duties

Duty D1

Manage the safety of navigation in a port in accordance with local, national and international legislation and industry codes of practice. This includes facilitating the safe and efficient use of the harbour; conducting marine risk assessments; producing, documenting, operating and reviewing port marine safety systems and policies and delegating authority.

Duty D2

Produce port marine policies, plans, procedures and systems using structured methodology, this includes development, review, stakeholder consultation and responding to new information.

Duty D3

Uphold, review and revise powers conferred by local, national and international legislation. This includes conducting periodic and 'new information' based reviews of powers. It also covers application for new local powers and the appropriateness of local regulation.

Duty D4

Develop and operate marine enforcement policy, disseminate the policy to stakeholders, undertake enforcement, including prosecution and administrative action.

Duty D5

Report and investigate marine incidents including: compliance with regulatory reporting requirements; producing and communicating findings; proposing and implementing remedial action.

Duty D6

Determine the need for and scope of, port pilotage services based on a formal risk assessment.

Duty D7

Determine the need and scope of port vessel traffic services based on a formal risk assessment.

Duty D8

Manage conservancy, aids to navigation, dredging, undertaking hydrographic surveys and other marine activities including: operating and administering port recreational and other harbour office activities and port facilities through policies, directions, guidance, licensing and port user consultation and engagement.

Duty D9

Plan for and manage port emergencies and periods of disruption including the determination of potential navigational and non-navigational emergencies; the preparation, exercising and operation of a port emergency response plan; discharging responsibilities under civil contingencies legislation; contributing to business continuity; responding to marine pollution.

Duty D10

Manage the port marine environmental status within the port, harbour or marina's jurisdiction, including waste management, marine licensing, ballast water management and the protection of wildlife.

Duty D11

Manage port security including: assessing port security needs in consultation with affected stakeholders; the establishment, operation, maintenance and review of appropriate security; cooperation with relevant agencies; compliance with regulatory security requirements.

Duty D12

Manage all marine employees, including: identifying employee numbers and skill levels necessary to deliver the port marine services; managing employee recruitment, training and performance.

Duty D13

Contribute to strategic port management including: developing, contributing to and implementing port business; management of non-routine assets and infrastructure; managing projects; operating a port marine budget; change management; quality management; customer service.

Duty D14

Manages an efficient port pilotage service including the development, operation and review of a pilotage service, pilot recruitment, selection, training and certification and the development, promulgation and operation of pilotage directions.

Duty D15

Manage port vessel traffic services to maintain navigational safety, including the control of the carriage of dangerous and polluting substances.

Duty D16

Manage marine employee health and safety in their respective workplaces, both on and off the water. This includes conducting a risk assessment; producing, documenting, operating and reviewing safety systems.

Occupational Progression

This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.

In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.

It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.

Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.

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