Vessel Traffic Services Operator in Dover

Location: Dover, Falmouth

Salary: £37,985 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%. The starting salary of £37,985 is inclusive of a base salary of £30,485 and £7,500 of yearly allowances to cover weekend/public holidays and evening working. Rising to £39,985 on completion of C0103-1 and £40,985 following successful completion of local endorsement. This is normally achieved within the first year of training.

Contract Type: Permanent – Full-time

Available Positions: 3

Based at our Coastguard Operations Centre in Dover or Falmouth, we have a fantastic opportunity for a number of Vessel Traffic Services Operators (VTSO) to join our dynamic team providing a crucial VTS Traffic Information and Navigational Assistance Service in accordance with current national doctrine and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) recommendations.

As a VTSO your day will include taking mandatory ship reports from vessels navigating within the service area, gathering key information in relation to cargo, passengers and vessel damage or defects to ensure they are compliant with both national and international maritime regulations and able to safely continue their passage. This is a dynamic role in which you’ll be faced with a multitude of interesting and varied situations – from a compliant vessel just passing through to ships that have run aground, a passenger ferry dealing with a fire, loss of pollutant cargo overboard or even managing vessels safely around swimmers in the English Channel.

• Delivery of a vessel traffic service as defined by IALA recommendations and guidelines to vessels navigating in the service area to ensure compliance with all local, national and international regulations.
• Working as part of a team to manage day-to-day operations to provide a high and effective standard of VTS service delivery.
• Planning, prioritising and managing work based on dynamic risk assessments, and ensuring resources are available for both forecast and actual demand.
• Balancing work against resource and recommending additional staff or assistance from other teams to provide suitable coverage.
• Implementing sound leadership, management and direction within a team, and ensuring safe working practices are maintained.

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• Proficiency and confidence using multiple IT systems.
• Strong situational awareness, including assessing relevant vs. irrelevant information and combining visual and auditory inputs.
• Ability to multi-task, maintain awareness during routine tasks, and prioritise urgent situations.
• Sound decision-making and initiative while working within standards, regulations, and structured procedures.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and in busy, high-stress environments.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration.
• Strong communication skills with a range of stakeholders (verbal and written), alongside good literacy and numeracy skills.

Please note that this is a uniformed role, and uniform will be required to be worn at all times when on duty. Successful candidates will be expected to undertake a physical medical and mental health questionnaire for this role. Applicants are required to demonstrate a willingness to work towards and obtain a VTS C0103-1 qualification – (eligibility to enrol for this qualification requires English as a first language or an English Language certification to the equivalent of IELTS level 5.0).

How to Apply: Read the full description and apply here: https://bit.ly/3M7Q1Kc. This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Tuesday 10th February 2026.