Navy Command - Vessel Traffic Service Operator

Job summary

At Navy Command, we lead, support, and sustain the Royal Navy across every theatre of operations. We coordinate the people, platforms, and missions that keep the Fleet ready for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we uphold centuries of naval tradition while driving innovation that ensures the Royal Navy’s readiness to protect our nation and secure ourfuture.

As the authority for the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine capability, the Submarine Directorate oversees one of the most complex and critical elements of UK defence. Covering everything from in‑service management to long‑term fleet modernisation, the directorate ensures the Submarine Flotilla remains safe, reliable, and ready to meet national security requirements.

You'll be based at HMNB Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe and a powerhouse of Royal Navy capability. It is home to amphibious ships, survey squadrons, submarines, and two-thirds of the frigate force. With its unique nuclear refitting facility, Devonport ensures the Fleet remains ready to support operations worldwide.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

Are you ready to take control of a busy, high-profile maritime environment and play a vital role in keeping one of the UK’s most important ports safe and operational?

The King's Harbour Master (KHM)provides a specialist Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) for the Dockyard Port of Plymouth to oversee the movements and afloat operations/activities within the port of military, RFA, commercial and recreational vessels.

The Vessel Traffic Services Operator regulates shipping movements and associated activities to facilitate the efficient/effective running of the port. The Vessel Traffic Services Operator’s key tasks are to assist the Vessel Traffic Services Supervisor (VTSS) in the provision of VTS services, to all users of the Dockyard Port of Plymouth including Nuclear Powered Vessels, to co-ordinate sonar transmissions and diving operations for vessels berthed alongside the Naval Base and to provide communication and message handling support.

The successful candidate must be prepared to undertake and pass the IALA C0103-1 qualification at an external marine college in South Shields for 2 to 5 weeks dependent on maritime qualifications held and obtain VHF GMDSS Restricted Operators Certificate (unless C0103-1 or GMDSS ROC already obtained).

The successful candidate once qualified will be expected to work 12 hour shifts, 0630-1830 or 1830-0630, on a continuous roster pattern of 2 days, 2 night, 4 rest days at FLAG and LONGROOM Port Control Stations. Whilst working at Flag, the position may be required to lone work.

What you will do:

• Provide a Vessel Traffic Service to aid the safe, expeditious movement of Military/Commercial Vessels within the Port of Plymouth.
• Use VTS IT Technology (including Radar displays)
• Co-ordinate Sonar/Diving Operations within HM Naval Base.
• Maintain live documentation and react to port incidents as required.
• Liaise with local authorities, Coastguard, Emergency services, Local Harbour Authorities, Government Agencies and Shipping Agents as required.
• Liaise with other Naval Base departments, Babcock and SERCO.
• Provide general assistance to enquiries from members of the public via VHF and telephone
• Be prepared to undertake afloat tasks subject to appropriate training
• Any administrative task or duty as delegated by VTSM

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Record detail quickly and accurately
• Have good spatial awareness
• Work at pace and under pressure
• Possess good interpersonal skills
• Maintain a calm professional approach whilst providing VTS directions or responding to an incident on a vessel, the water or alongside.
• Maintain a high ethos for safety
• Work well in a team and alone

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £27,866, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,072 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Personal & professional development
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes
• Bicycle / season-ticket loans
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer (up to 6 days a year)

In Navy Command we believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you’ll be supported through your learning journey and your career. This can include working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking an apprenticeship as part of your role.

You’ll have access to a variety of qualifications pathways ranging from GCSE/A-Level equivalent all the way up to master’s degree, depending on your role, your previous skills and your experience. Some qualifications even include “on-the-job” training which means minimal disruption to your working day but maximum impact

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK