King's Harbour Master

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.

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.

If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by Resourcing Team 1. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at [email removed]

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