Ports and Vessel Traffic Services Manager

Job Overview

Can you lead national policy on port safety and vessel traffic services (VTS) with confidence and expertise? 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.

Benefits

• 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!

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Support line managers to develop the skills they need and empower teams to flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.

Commitment to equality

Disability confident An employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non‑disabled people. For more details please go to .