Harbour Master

Job details
Job reference: REQ
Date posted: 01/06/2026
Application closing date: 15/07/2026
Location: Belfast Harbour Estate
Salary: Negotiable depending on experience
Package: Blank
Contractual hours: Blank
Basis: Full Time
Job category/type: Port Operations
Harbour Master
Role Purpose:
Responsible for the management of safe and efficient marine operations within the jurisdiction of Belfast Harbour Commissioners as Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) and Competent Harbour Authority (CHA) for the Port of Belfast.
Responsible for the safe and efficient management of cargo discharge/loading services including management of the Port's general user quayside storage facilities and allocation of BHC assets (cranes and hoppers) in order to achieve same.
Act as the principal source of professional advice and technical assistance to Board members, the CEO, Port Director and other colleagues as required, regarding all matters relating to the carrying out of safe and efficient marine operations, the duties and powers available to the Statutory Harbour Authority, and the handling of cargo in the port.
The role requires the interpretation and application of, and compliance with relevant international and national marine regulations, local legislation including general directions, port byelaws, codes of practice, standards, frameworks and industry guidance, including but not limited to the Port Marine Safety Code.
The obligation to maintain professional competencies at the highest level forms a core element of the Harbour Master's mandate. The Harbour Master is therefore required to be fully conversant with developments in marine legislation, regulatory matters, best practice in navigation, the management of shipping and port operations.
Essential Criteria:

• Recent Proven experience in a port environment or marine operations at a senior level, ideally as a Harbour Master or Deputy Harbour Master
• Minimum qualifications: STCW II/2 Master or Chief Officer; or equivalent Royal Navy or Irish Naval Service qualifications; or UKHMA recognised Harbour Master qualification (with 5+ years of relevant experience)
• Detailed and current working knowledge of the operation of a Marine Safety Management System
• Detailed and current working knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code
• Computer literate with experience in marine systems (e.g., Tidalis PMIS, VTS systems)
• Current full driving licence, valid in the UK.
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Experience of management of customer relationships
• Knowledge and experience of advanced safety management procedures including the development and use of risk assessments
• Adaptive leadership skills, acting with honesty and integrity
• The ability to motivate and coach individuals and teams
• Planning and organisation skills
• Confident, skilled and respectful communicator

Desirable Criteria:

• At least 3 years' experience in a relevant shore-based environment in a large port
• UKHMA Harbour Master's Certificate
• Familiarity with the management of port related logistics
• Good working knowledge of Belfast Harbour infrastructure
• Understand Port and River Byelaws, General Directions, and other relevant information.
• Incident commander and oil spill response experience to OPRC Level 4 or 5

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Enhanced Annual Leave
• Modern Family Friendly policies
• Benefits platform- Everything from health and financial wellbeing support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas
• Life assurance cover on completion of 12 months service
• Generous Pension Scheme- 14% Belfast Harbour Contribution
• Free Car Parking
• Subsidised Canteen
• Personal Development Budget Scheme

For further information about the position please read the full job description attached.
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