Ports and Vessel Traffic Services Manager
| Posting date: | 20 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £57,515 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 December 2025 |
| Location: | Hull |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 436926/3 |
Summary
Do you have hands-on experience in marine operations, VTS, or port safety management?
Have you conducted audits or health checks in ports or VTS centres and influenced safety outcomes?
If so, we’d love to hear from you!
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a Ports and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Manager to join and lead its Ports & VTS Team, part of the UK Maritime Services directorate. This team plays a vital role in supporting the Government’s maritime strategy for safer ships and cleaner seas. The Ports & VTS team manages the UK's responsibilities as the National Competent Authority for VTS, leads on the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC), and engages with international bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). Based in Southampton HQ, the team works closely with ports, marinas, and other stakeholders to promote safety, conduct audits, and maintain high standards across UK maritime operations.
Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Read more in the Benefits section below!
Find out more about what it's like working at: Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Department for Transport Careers
As a Ports and Vessel Traffic Services Manager, you will lead national policy on port safety and vessel traffic services, oversee compliance with international maritime regulations, and provide expert guidance to UK ports and marinas. You’ll manage audits, represent the UK in global forums, and ensure high standards of marine safety through stakeholder engagement and strategic oversight.
Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:
Lead the development of UK port safety and VTS policies, ensuring alignment with stakeholders and government strategy.Provide expert advice on port safety, VTS operations, and regulatory compliance including SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) Chapter V and UK legislation.Chair the PMSC & VTS policy steering group, updating guidance and liaising with the Department for Transport.Conduct PMSC health checks and audits of VTS centres, tracking trends and prioritizing based on risk.Promote PMSC adoption through outreach and engagement with UK ports and marinas.Represent MCA in national and international committees (e.g., IMO, IALA) and prepare technical briefings and submissions.Maintain UK standards and accreditation for VTS training and port personnel (e.g., harbour masters, pilots).Act as the MCA’s subject matter expert on port safety and VTS, advising internal teams and external bodies.Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.
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