Group Dockmaster

Company description:

Peel Ports Investments Limited

Job description:

Already one of the UK’s leading port and logistics companies, we have ambitious plans to grow and transform the supply chain to benefit our customers. With multiple settings across the UK and a huge choice of career paths, our business offers exciting opportunities to expand and develop your career.

Much of our success depends on our unrivalled facilities and technology. But in our sector, it comes down to having the right talent to enable our organisation to grow. So, if you want to join a thriving and ambitious place to work, where you will be able to broaden your knowledge and progress in your career, a future with Peel Ports could be for you.

The Group Dockmaster role, within the Group Port Control Department, will be responsible for operating and controlling the Mersey River entrances, Bridges and Dock Systems including Liverpool and Birkenhead Enclosed Docks and regulating the movement of vessels within. This role is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract.

1. Plan and control the docking and undocking and movement of vessels and vessel movements within Birkenhead and Liverpool enclosed docks, including operating bridges and locks. This includes the coordination of vessel bookings by agents and advising on berth availability.
2. Respond to VHF communication from vessels within area of responsibility and interaction with VTS counterparts.
3. Ensure relevant data entry to the Peel Ports VMS or Online Booking Portal as required.
4. Management of dock system water levels and operation of the dock SCADA system.
5. Operate from isolated fall back locations when directed, and responding to emergencies within the dock systems.
6. Control the transit of small craft including tugs and workboats that are not subject to the constraints of the Online Booking Portal access through any suitable lock on an ad-hoc basis.
7. Provide a medium for liaison between vessels, tugs, stevedores and/or allied services.

1. Experience of working in a Port Marine environment, an ex-mariner officer of the watch with a strong appreciation of ship manoeuvring, berth and docking operations would be beneficial. A background as VTS/LPS or harbour master related roles would also be advantageous.
2. Exhibit effective listening skills and superb communication skills, performing all tasks in a structured manner in accordance with agreed procedures.
3. RYA VHF Radio Certificate (or higher) would be advantageous (training will be provided).
4. Working hours within a shift based system, you will be required to work a rostered day and night shift pattern.
5. Capable of working effectively under pressure in a fast moving, operational environment.

By joining Peel Ports, you will be part of an ambitious organisation who has invested over £1billion into key projects to future proof our business, creating 1000s of jobs for local communities along the way. These investments mean we are decarbonizing our operations, which in turn is helping us work towards our goal of having Net Zero Port Operations by 2040.

Its not only our infrastructure we are investing in, we are big believers in investing in our people. We are constantly looking for opportunities to help our people grow and develop by offering training, development and apprenticeship opportunities in a range of areas including; Operations, Marine, Engineering, HR, IT, Accountancy, plus many more!

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 28th February 2025.