Navy Command - King's Harbour Master Portsmouth Vessel Traffic Services Supervisor

Ministry of Defence

Contents

  • Location
  • About the job
  • Benefits
  • Things you need to know
  • Apply and further information

KHM, HM Naval Base Portsmouth

About the job

Job summary

His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth (HMNBP) has been an integral part of the city since 1194. It is home to almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy's surface ships, including the new aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth; HMS Prince of Wales; the formidable Type 45 destroyers; Type 23 frigates; and mine countermeasures and offshore and coastal patrol squadrons.

The base is a major employer and provides lodging facilities to RN personnel serving at the base and in Portsmouth based ships. HMNBP is one of three naval bases providing enabling support as part of the nation’s defence strategy. In doing so, HMNBP seeks to improve through science and technology to strengthen its security and defence at home and overseas. This requires continuous improvements in building capacity, capability and resilience through its people. It is the home base for assigned ships and ship’s companies preparing for operations. A key component of achieving this support is the ability to deliver the full range of increasingly sophisticated engineering support services. The unique employment opportunities offered are varied, challenging and exciting and support Navy Command’s role to generate and operate forces for today and to ensure we are ready for tomorrow by developing and delivering the Navy of the future. Navy Command provides an open, flexible and supportive work environment and Civil Servants, Contractors and Armed Forces personnel work together in a wealth of interesting and challenging jobs in different disciplines.

The King’s Harbour Master (KHM) Portsmouth is the de facto port authority for the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth, responsible for the safe and effective operation of the port primarily for the benefit of the Ministry of Defence. The port also has a wide range of commercial and recreational water users, and KHM has a duty to ensure safety for all users. In accordance with published MOD policy, KHM complies with the provisions of the Department of Transport’s Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC), and this guides the rules, regulations and safety guidance maintained by KHM. In Navy Command, our civil servants work alongside their military colleagues in jobs that matter; jobs which often have a direct impact on the quality of the operational capabilities we deliver. Roles can offer great job satisfaction and there are many opportunities to develop and progress both within the Department and across the wider Civil Service.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The primary purposes of KHM and their team are:

  • to protect the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth as required by Dockyard Port Regulation Act 1865 and the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Order 2005 and to ensure compliance with such regulations and ancillary directions.
  • to operate a navigational Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) in accordance with the Defence Maritime Regulators DMR-DSA02 Regs and the Port Marine Safety Code.
  • to manage the port operations of the Naval Base so as to achieve the objectives defined in the Naval Base Management Plans.

KHM provides Vessel Traffic Services for the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth to oversee the movements and afloat operations/ activities within the Port. The Vessel Traffic Services Supervisor (VTSS) stands watches regulating shipping movements and associated activities throughout the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth.

Specific responsibilities include:

  1. Regulate shipping movements and associated activities within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth.
  2. Facilitate the effective running of the Port, liaising with Naval, MOD, contractor and civilian authorities as appropriate.
  3. Co-ordinate shipping information in conjunction with other local VTS stations.
  4. Allocate appropriate anchorages to vessels requiring anchor berths in the Solent.
  5. Provide a traffic organisation service for vessels underway within the Port.
  6. Supervise the provision of Vessel Traffic Information as appropriate.
  7. Maintain a log of all navigational incidents, oil pollution incidents, and maritime emergencies to ensure that comprehensive and proper information is available to any subsequent investigation.
  8. Implementing the relevant emergency procedure in the event of a maritime emergency.
  9. Monitor the status of navigational aids and buoys in the Dockyard Port and bring defects to the authority responsible for their rectification.
  10. Make reports to the Duty KHM as directed in KHM Standing Orders.
  11. Initiate fog routine when appropriate.

Person specification

Candidates should have good organisational and time management skills. The successful applicant will be required to proactively contribute to the work of the team, building supportive relationships. You will be expected to plan, organise and manage your own time to deliver a high-quality service, keeping customers and colleagues up to date with progress. It would be advantageous for applicants to have knowledge of marine operations in the Solent and Portsmouth areas.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

1. IALA VTS V103/1 or MCA STCW 95 II/1 OOW Certificate of Competency or RN STCW II/1*.

2. GMDSS Restricted Operators Certificate or Long Range Certificate.

  • If STCW certification not held, then significant operational VTS experience and demonstrable marine operational management experience.

Behaviours

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

  • Leadership
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Working Together
  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,580, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,569 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference.

Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance. 

In HMNBP, we promote the 70:20:10 model[1]. We understand learning can take different forms including on the job practice, learning from others, networking as well as studying for courses. All staff are encouraged to take ownership of their development and take proactive steps to shape your own learning and development. This includes identifying learning needs, deciding the best way to meet these needs, undertaking learning and reflecting.

We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking an apprenticeship as part of your role.

An apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through an apprenticeship you will gain professional knowledge, practical experience, and the broader skills required to upskill you in your current role and pave the way for your future career. Most of the training will be ‘on-the-job’, with the remaining ‘off-the-job’ training often delivered by a training provider. This means minimal disruption and maximum impact.

Professional qualifications can be achieved through an apprenticeship and range from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs), Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels), and Levels 4 -7, which can give you a foundation degree, a full Bachelor’s degree, or a Master’s degree.

Apprenticeships normally last between 12 months - 3 years, depending on the level of the apprenticeship.

Anyone can undertake an Apprenticeship and everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from developing their skills in an accredited way.

Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post. 

We also provide first rate benefits for all our employees as we understand the commitments our staff have, both inside and outside of the workplace and our aim is to provide a place of work which allows the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. These include:

  • In addition to your salary is the potential for in-year performance and recognition awards
  • A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
  • Personal & professional development
  • Access to a confidential, professional support service
  • 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
  • Alternative working patterns for many roles
  • Discount schemes
  • Bicycle / season ticket loans
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
  • Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year
  • On-site facilities (gymnasium, various cafés, shops, post office, mess facilities etc)

[1] 20200522-Routes to learning 2020_May.pdf (sharepoint.com)

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements. 

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 GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights. 

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

  • Name : Robert Whitworth, KHM Portsmouth VTS Manager
  • Email : robert.whitworth369@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

  • Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: , Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.

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Confirmed 30+ days ago. Posted 30+ days ago.

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