VTS Operator in Grangemouth

Job Title

VTS Operator

Company

Forth Ports Limited

Location

Port of Grangemouth, Forth Ports Ltd, Carron House, Dock Road

Hours

2 day shifts / 2-night shifts / 4 days off for 7 weeks, followed by 14 days of leave

Compensation

Salary £30,200 + shift allowance £5,716

About The Company

Forth Ports is one of the UK\’s largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. As a multimodal ports owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port-related services. With our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, we are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK\’s renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind.

About The Role

In this role as VTS Operator within our Forth and Tay Navigation Service at the Port of Grangemouth, you will be responsible for ensuring the safe, orderly, and efficient movement of vessels within the designated Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) area. This involves maintaining continuous monitoring of maritime traffic, providing timely navigational information and assistance to mariners, and supporting the Duty Assistant Harbour Master in coordinating responses to incidents and emergencies, in line with established regulations, procedures, and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the programming of vessels, having due regard to weather conditions, tides, size and nature of vessels. Communicate with agents, pilots, port operations and shipmasters on a continually operating schedule to enable the safe and orderly transit of vessels.
• Provide clear, current and accurate information for the ship’s Master, Port/Terminal Operators, Maritime Coastguard Agency, shipping agents, weather forecasters and, when required, the emergency services. Ensure proper information is received from the vessel regarding its intended movements. Provide weather and tidal conditions, the movement of other vessels in the area and berthing instructions.
• Monitor all river traffic movements in the Forth and Tay through the VTS system to ensure the safety of all shipping and the determination of arrival/departure times as backup to the Harbour Master.
• Assist Port Operations and the Harbour Master by entering relevant data into the correct IT systems.
• Promptly notify the Duty Assistant Harbour Master of any non-standard marine matters in accordance with the Port Marine Safety Code. Report any IT equipment failures to the IT team.
• Coordinate and manage the Forth Pilotage Service during night shifts, liaising with Pilots, Coxswains and agents to ensure the effective planning and delivery of pilotage operations.
• Carry out general administrative tasks related to daily operations, including e‑filing and updating IT records on shipping movements, with consideration for other marine traffic, tidal conditions, and operational constraints.
• Maintain the computerized vessel database.
• Provide overtime cover within FTNS for short‑notice sickness absence or when other VTS colleagues are attending scheduled training.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a flexible and reliable individual to join our shore‑based team, working a 12‑hour shift system that operates 24/7, 365 days a year. You must be able to work as part of a rostered pattern that includes nights, weekends, and public holidays, with a contractual requirement to work overtime on rostered days off when needed. Strong communication, situational awareness, and decision‑making skills are essential, along with a commitment to safety and teamwork. If you do not already hold the required VTS Operator qualification, you will be required to attend a fully funded training course in January 2026 in South Shields.

Qualification Requirements

• All relevant marine experience will be considered.
• Ideally will possess STCW Deck Officer of the Watch (OOW) Certificate of Competency or higher.
• Contractually required to obtain the V103 Certificate (if not already held); the Company will arrange and support attendance at this training.
• Demonstrable working knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code and its application in daily operations.
• Strong understanding of Port and River Byelaws, General Directions, Jetty Regulations, and other relevant maritime regulations.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with Pilots, Coxswains, Port Authorities and other stakeholders.
• Ability to problem‑solve, prioritise and manage multiple tasks in a busy operational environment.
• Knowledge of environmental and safety regulations, including tidal considerations, vessel manoeuvring restrictions and incident reporting procedures.
• Full right to work in the UK.
• Full UK driving licence.

Benefits

• A competitive salary
• Shift allowance
• Discretionary bonus
• A defined pension scheme and life assurance
• Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family
• Cycle to work scheme and on‑site free parking
• Attractive Family Friendly Policies
• Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK‑wide restaurants, car rentals, and holidays
• GymFlex health club memberships

EEO Statement

We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

How To Apply

If you have a relevant marine background and are looking to start or continue your career as part of a forward‑thinking and supportive team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.

Contact & Logistics

Closing Date: Sunday 23rd November, 2025

Contract Type: Full‑time

Salary: £30,200.00 Yearly