Harbour Master

About the role

Abu Dhabi Ports Company is looking for a Harbour Master to implement applicable laws and regulations and manage the traffic of all vessels visiting the port. The role also covers liaison with government authorities, HSE and ISPS compliance, and the management of port operations, people and strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Enforce maritime laws and regulations set by the Federal Government, Abu Dhabi Government, the Department of Municipalities and Transport and the port group, and ensure compliance with international maritime conventions adopted by the UAE.
• Oversee marine movement within port limits and report navigational hazards such as changes in depth or wrecks to the Marine Information Officer so they can be entered into UKHO documents.
• Collaborate with the security team and maritime and border security agencies to secure the port from a maritime perspective.
• Monitor HSE compliance and the HSSE licensing system, and ensure adherence to the ISPS Code where applicable.
• Review third-party risk assessments, update the Navigational Risk Assessment if needed, and oversee anti-pollution monitoring, emergency response planning and enforcement of anti-pollution regulations.
• Work with the incident management team to investigate marine incidents, recommend corrective actions and follow up their implementation; help remove wreckage to keep operations flowing.
• Prepare and present monthly and annual reports on port marine operations performance.
• Finalize department manning needs, evaluate team performance, give ongoing feedback, identify development needs and coach team members.
• Deliver training for the Abu Dhabi Ports Group team on topics within the role holder's expertise.
• Optimize port operations for safety, security and compliance; identify opportunities for infrastructure improvement or expansion to accommodate larger vessels; develop safety protocols and security measures; ensure environmental compliance and sustainable practices; establish navigational regulations and guidelines; and work with stakeholders, government agencies, shipping companies, port users and local communities.
• Assist the Chief Harbour Master in developing the port's maritime strategy and help develop the departmental budget together with the unit's budget.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Maritime Law, Navigation, Management / Business Administration or a related field; a Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum 10-12 years of experience in a similar role, in port marine operations.
• Experience as a master and pilot, and in port administration.
• Strong background in maritime law and navigation; experience in engineering, safety management or environmental protection.
• Excellent English; Arabic is an added advantage.

Required skills

• STCW standards of training, certification and watchkeeping.
• Chief Mate Certificate of Competency.
• Approved leadership program.