Skip to main content

We're improving Find apprenticeship training. What did you think of this service? (opens in a new tab)


Harbour master (level 6) is available for new starts until 12 Nov 2024.

Apprenticeship training course

Harbour master (level 6)

Enforce regulations and industry codes of practice in a particular port, harbour or marina in order to ensure the safety of vessel navigation, the security of the harbour, the protection of the marine environment, and the safe operation of the port facilities.

Qualification level
6
Equivalent to degree.
Typical duration
48 months
Apprenticeship category
Transport and logistics
Maximum funding
£23,000
Maximum amount government will fund
for apprenticeship training.
Also known as
  • Assistant Dock Master
  • Assistant Harbour Master
  • Deputy Dock Master
  • Deputy Harbour Master
  • Dock Master
  • Harbour Master
  • Marina Manager
  • Pilot Operations Manager
  • Vessel Traffic Services Manager
Skills
Skills an apprentice will learn
  • Develop, operate, evaluate and amend in light of new information a fully functional Marine Safety Management System
  • Develop and implement auditable port marine policies, plans and procedures based on sound evidence and delivers an inclusive and effective service, consulting with stakeholders who might be affected
  • Implement a system for formally reviewing the appropriateness and effectiveness of local and nationally conferred legislation at pre-defined periods
  • Identify and apply for new powers as needed to facilitate safe and efficient port marine activities
  • Operate an Enforcement Policy in line with statutory and local powers and industry good practice including: - systematically collecting, preserving and documenting evidence and witness statements - take enforcement action up to criminal prosecution - initiate criminal prosecution
  • Conduct investigations; systematically collect, preserve and documenting evidence and witness statements
  • Communicate findings and proposals to appropriate stakeholders
  • Implement and monitor remedial action appropriate to incident findings
  • Manage the provision, maintenance and inspection of aids to navigation
  • Develop a comprehensive method for the provision of timely and accurate navigational safety information and warnings to maintain the safe passage of vessels
  • Ensure accurate hydrographic surveys are undertaken, communicate the information to affected stakeholders and maintain accurate hydrographic and hydrological records
  • In consultation with affected stakeholders, develop, exercise review and amend in light of new information an integrated Response Plan for port emergencies. Communicate the plan to affected stakeholders
  • In consultation with affected stakeholders, develop, exercise, review and amend in light of new information, a port counter-pollution plan to minimise navigational, environmental, commercial, and reputational impact. Communicate the plan to affected stakeholders
  • Determine the need for, and scope of, port pilotage services based on a formal, navigational risk assessment
  • Produce documented findings and recommendations in line with accepted practice. Circulate findings and outputs to affected stakeholders
  • Identify and implement suitable and sufficient alternate navigational risk management measures where a pilotage service is assessed to be unnecessary
  • Determine the need for, and scope of, vessel traffic services based on a formal, navigational risk assessment
  • Identify and implement suitable and sufficient alternate navigational risk management measures where a vessel traffic service is assessed to be unnecessary
  • Develop, comprehensive procedures and rules for the administration of pilots and operation of a pilotage service in consultation with stakeholders and communicate findings and outputs to affected stakeholders
  • Manage a pilotage service appropriate to the port, that takes account of pilotage regulations, guidance and codes
  • Review procedures and rules for the administration of pilots and operation of a pilotage service periodically and in light of new information
  • Develop comprehensive procedures for the operation of a vessel traffic service or local port information service appropriate to the port, in consultation with stakeholders and communicate them to affected stakeholders
  • Implement a vessel traffic service or local port information service appropriate to the port that takes account of local context, regulations, guidance and codes
  • Review procedures and rules for the operation of a vessel traffic service or local port information service periodically and in light of new information
  • Manage the potential risk posed by dangerous and polluting substances and dangerous vessels
  • Manage (and/or monitor) the safe and effective provision, of other marine services such as towage and mooring
  • Develop, operate, evaluate and amend in light of new information, a fully functional port environmental Safety Management System which incorporates management of maintenance and capital dredging and port waste
  • Assess the risk and mitigation effect of conservation measures
  • Conduct a port security assessment in consultation with stakeholders to establish the type and level of security required and develop appropriate port security policies and plans
  • Manage port security and cooperate with enforcement and other relevant agencies to ensure effective port security, complying with regulatory security requirements
  • Assess operational needs to identify the resourcing structure and skill levels required to deliver a safe and efficient service
  • Manage employees, including (but not limited to):- - recruitment and selection - training - professional development - performance management - succession planning
  • Develop and implement effective employee communications, including dialogue with workforce representatives
  • Develop and manage a port marine budget
  • Plan, lead and implement change within the Harbour Master's jurisdiction
  • Contribute to quality management processes relating to port management
  • Deliver effective customer service relating to port management
  • Promote the port in business and other forums
  • Manage projects to quality, time and cost
  • Conduct a formal risk assessment to identify correctly all hazards and levels of risk associated with land-side marine employee work place activities, in consultation with stakeholders
  • Operate a formally documented Safety Management System (SMS) ensuring controls are monitored and maintained and risks remain as low as reasonably practicable

Full information on Harbour master (level 6) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

Find training providers for this course

Apprenticeship location

Greater Manchester, Cheshire Remove location

One provider available for this apprenticeship location

View providers for this course

Back to top View shortlist