Transport and logistics

Port marine operations officer

Assists in ensuring the safe transit and handling of vessels into and out of the port.

Summary

As an island nation over 95% of trade by volume goes by ship through over 100 ports around the United Kingdom. UK ports employ around 118,000 people across a wide range of port types and activities; from container and bulk cargo ports to passenger terminals to leisure and marinas. The port marine operations team assists in ensuring the safe transit and handling of vessels into and out of the port. A Port Marine Operations Officer may work as a leader or member of a port/harbour marine operations team and may be involved in: berthing of vessels, port control and marine services, operation of harbours and marinas, conservancy, environmental protection, statutory compliance and operation of harbour marine craft within the Harbour Authority area of jurisdiction. This is a highly responsible position with a key contribution to the safe and efficient operation of the harbour. The role may involve shift working and working in all environments. Port Operation Officer apprenticeship is designed to give those interested in working in a marine environment the opportunity to learn about shipping and port operations, while working for a port operator. The apprenticeship is designed to give hands-on training in all aspects of port marine operations such as lock and dock operations, mooring boat operations, health and safety task within a port operation, radio room and marine control centre operations as well as role and responsibilities of Berthing Master, Dock Masters and deputies, Harbour Masters and their assistants.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

K1:

vessel and shore based electronic navigation systems such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems

K2:

port specific Information Technology systems, such as vessel booking, traffic management, security systems

K3:

hydrographic survey, conservancy (including: buoyage, aids to navigation etc.) and dredging

K4:

basic routine maintenance of marine craft and equipment

K5:

safe management of vessel operations within harbours

K6:

marine meteorology and how to produce and interpret a weather forecast

K7:

marine navigation (including the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea), chart work, tides and buoyage

K8:

principles and practice of marine pilotage

K9:

marine propulsion and manoeuvring systems such as propellers, thrusters, rudder, anchors, etc

K10:

maritime emergency response within the port jurisdiction and procedures

K11:

maritime law including roles and responsibilities of the port authority such as: byelaws, general directions for navigation, local notices to mariners, etc.

K12:

the basic principles of different types of vessel construction found in ports and of safe vessel stability

K13:

port control operations including local port service and or vessel traffic services

K14:

marine infrastructure such as jetties, quays, marinas, and operations such as cargo, fishing, leisure, passenger,roll-on/roll-off

K15:

relevant health, safety and security legislation such as: Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, etc.

K16:

port marine responsibilities, statutory powers, duties and codes (including Port Marine Safety Code and Guide to Good Practice)

Technical Educational Products

ST0428
ST0428: Port marine operations officer (Level 4) Approved for delivery
Reference:
OCC0428
Status:
Approved occupation imageApproved occupation
Average (median) salary:
£41,826 per year
SOC 2020 code:
1241 Managers in transport and distribution
  • SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
    • 1241/04 Harbour and port managers
S1:

safely steer, manoeuvre, navigate and crew different types of marine craft, such as: pilot boats, work boats, survey boats, etc

S2:

conduct marine craft operations including basic towage, personnel transfer and recovery, hydrographic surveying, etc. in line with port specific guidelines

S3:

respond to fire and emergencies including on board vessels and use emergency equipment including oil spill response

S4:

administer basic first aid at work

S5:

lead, manage and engage with colleagues and others including, emergency services and other stakeholders in all marine activities within a port; take control of a situation, deliver reliable and dependable results in work outputs, quality, work ethics and self-development, as well as encouraging and supporting the development of others

S6:

safely moor and unmoor vessels of a range of type and size

S7:

safely handle loads manually and mechanically, including mooring lines, cargo, stores,etc

S8:

demonstrate personal water safety around the harbour and sea survival skills

S9:

communicate clearly and use communications equipment including VHF radio

S10:

operate within health, safety and security systems and practice these in line with regulation, codes of practice and company policies and procedures

S11:

operate navigational systems and equipment such as: compasses, Global Navigation Satellite Systems, radar, Automatic Information Systems, etc.

S12:

carry out port marine operations specific to the setting such as leisure, fishing, cargoes, passenger etc

S13:

contribute to the protection of the marine environment including protection of sites of special scientific interest and marine conservation zones

Technical Educational Products

ST0428 image
ST0428: Port marine operations officer (Level 4) Approved for delivery
Reference:
OCC0428
Status:
Approved occupation imageApproved occupation
Average (median) salary:
£41,826 per year
SOC 2020 code:
1241 Managers in transport and distribution
  • SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
    • 1241/04 Harbour and port managers
B1:

take ownership for own performance and training; strive to achieve the best results in all they do; maintain a positive attitude and approach to their work even when priorities and working patterns change

B2:

take responsibility for own and others’ health, safety and security at all times; demonstrate integrity, credibility, honesty and personal drive; embody the organisation’s values, a belief in the services it offers and an interest in the industry

Technical Educational Products

ST0428 image
ST0428: Port marine operations officer (Level 4) Approved for delivery
Reference:
OCC0428
Status:
Approved occupation imageApproved occupation
Average (median) salary:
£41,826 per year
SOC 2020 code:
1241 Managers in transport and distribution
  • SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
    • 1241/04 Harbour and port managers