Loading Master - Shetland Based (SVT) in Aberdeen

COMPANY OVERVIEW

EnQuest is an independent oil and gas development and production company, focused on turning opportunities into value by targeting maturing assets and undeveloped oil fields. We are one of the largest UK independent oil producers in the UK North Sea and have also established a presence in oil basins outside the UK North Sea, as part of our long-term growth strategy. Fundamental to EnQuest’s success to date is our greatest asset – our people. Their talent, expertise, knowledge, experience, and commitment have delivered remarkable results, and we continue to look for the same attributes in prospective new employees as we pursue plans for further development in the UKCS and internationally. At EnQuest, we support a diverse and inclusive workplace and continually develop our culture. We are respectful and open with others, valuing the diversity of all our people and listening to the views they bring. Our focus on diversity and inclusion makes our performance stronger and makes us a better business.

THE ROLE

Marine activities at Sullom Voe take place within environmentally sensitive areas and form an essential part of the terminal’s overall operation. The Loading Master at Sullom Voe Terminal is responsible for ensuring that all marine activities are carried out to the highest safety standards and in full compliance with applicable national and international regulations. The incumbent serves as the primary interface for all internal and external stakeholders involved in the loading of crude oil cargoes, ensuring that ship/shore operations are planned, coordinated, and executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with regulatory and environmental obligations, the company’s values, and established procedures, policies, and protocols. The Loading Master is also responsible for managing the commercial aspects of visiting tankers, including matters such as demurrage claims, cargo quality issues, and discrepancy claims. The Loading Master will be expected to promote and embed a culture of defect elimination and continuous improvement, with a strong commitment to delivering a first‑class service to the current and future businesses that utilise the Sullom Voe Terminal’s infrastructure. The Loading Master will work a flexible pattern aligned with vessel arrivals and departures and must be able to adjust working hours as required to provide cover for absences within the team. The post holder will provide marine and pollution‑response advice to the site leadership and Incident Management Teams.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Marine & HSSE Leadership
  • Develop and deliver annual Marine and HSSE performance targets agreed with the company HSSE Manager.
  • Implement all HSSE initiatives, standards, and policies across marine operations.
  • Ensure all vessel operations are conducted in full compliance with applicable national and international regulations.
  • Provide assurance of compliance with EnQuest marine standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrate clear HSE leadership through auditing and monitoring, setting and exhibiting the highest standards to deliver a strong team safety culture.
  • Demonstrate first‑class personal leadership and consistently model excellent safety behaviours.
• Operational Coordination & Stakeholder Management
  • Receive vessel nominations from shipping coordinators, verify vessels meet vessel acceptance criteria and develop a berth prospect to be shared with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Verify tank inventories and cargo API.
  • Continually update berthing prospects based on vessel Notice of Reediness (NOR), prevailing weather conditions and expected Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA).
  • Ensure pre-arrival safety checks are carried on all critical equipment.
  • Maintain companies iTMS Tankship Register / Data Base ensuring vessel performance and any deficiencies are registered.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the safe and efficient arrival and departure of vessels.
  • Act as the point of contact for internal / external stakeholders, government and industry agencies and authorities.
  • Represent the terminal at the Port Technical Working Group.
• Audit, Compliance & Incident Management
  • Prepare for and deliver external marine audits.
  • Deputise for the Loading Master as required.
  • Lead or participate in marine incident investigations and ensure accurate input into the incident reporting system.
  • Serve as a key member of the marine pollution‑response capability.
  • Remain on call to the Incident Management Team in the event of any marine incident.
  • Attend key meetings as required by the HSSE Site Manager.
• Commercial Responsibilities
  • Minimise demurrage exposure through proactive operational planning and stakeholder coordination.
  • Manage commercial aspects of visiting tankers, including demurrage claims, cargo quality issues, and discrepancy claims.
• Marine Operations & Assurance
  • Conduct ship pre‑arrival assurance checks and review mooring plans, manifold connections, loading plans.
  • Conduct Ship / Shore Safety Inspection as per company Ship Shore Safety Check List.
  • Conduct ship conference to agree start up, main and top off-loading rates and confirm ship or shore stop.
  • Oversee the safe arrival, berthing, and departure of vessels at the terminal.
  • Interface with the MCA, Ship Vetting, and Port Authority to ensure safe and efficient operation of terminal jetties and associated shipping activities.
  • Serve as custodian of the Marine Operating Procedures and associated checklists.
  • Act as the Site Marine Technical Authority.
  • Ensure robust operation of all performance management processes.
  • Maintain cost performance within budgeted limits.
  • Perform local ship vetting activities.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Interpersonal
  • A collaborative working style and ability to build strong relationships and coach others in required behaviours and on company compliance requirements.
  • Proven ability in working with other agencies.
  • Strong ability and desire to bring tasks to a suitable completion.
  • Excellent communicator (both written and verbal) and comfortable dealing with and presenting to different levels in the organisation.
  • Work proactively, able to seek out sustainable solutions to challenges which may arise and share them across the business.
  • Ability to challenge the status quo and influence others, enable change and continual improvement.
  • Demonstrates the EnQuest values in the way work is carried out.
• Experience
  • Experience working on tankers / petrochemical industry; or previous experience as a Loading Master at an oil or gas terminal.
  • Auditing and assurance.
  • Ship to ship operations (desirable).
• QUALIFICATIONS
  • Essential
    • Relevant marine operational experience in tanker, terminal, or petrochemical environments.
    • Demonstrated competence in ship/shore interface operations, cargo handling, and terminal safety management.
    • Completion of recognised Loading Master training.
    • Strong understanding of ISGOTT, OCIMF, MARPOL, and Port Authority requirements.
    • Ability to work under pressure and manage stress.
    • Excellent Problem Solving and Decision-Making Skills.
  • Desirable
    • Senior marine certification or equivalent operational experience.
    • Pollution‑response qualification.
    • Ship‑to‑ship operations experience.