Assistant Harbour Master *12-Month Fixed Term Contract*

Department: Chief Harbour Master’s Department

Reporting to: Harbour Master

Grade: 6

Salary: £53,174 per annum plus a car allowance

Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Base: Gravesend or London, travel between required

Closing date: 3rd June 2026 (We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date)

Interview date: 15th June 2026

Who we are

The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel. The Harbour Masters team are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code, ensuring the safety of navigation for all mariners in the Port of London, enforcing the rules and regulations and leading on Port Security and Emergency and Resilience Planning for the PLA.

The role

We are currently recruiting an Assistant Harbour Master who will primarily support the Harbour Masters in meeting the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code, undertaking and supporting incident investigations, proactive enforcement of both illegally moored vessels and vessel licensing issues. The successful candidate will also be responsible for liaising with event proposers to determine their viability and plan, organise and supervise requirements for such events as required. The successful candidate will be involved in the supervision of the pilot exemption certificate process. There may also be a need to support other projects deemed necessary by the Harbour Masters team. In addition, this role will review and approve RWL / TRWL applications as required, liaise with river users and oversee the management of launch and pilot cutter operations.

What we are looking for

You will have the ability to manage your own responsibilities, whilst working as part of a team, directing and coordinating the provision of a safe, cost-effective and efficient service throughout the river that meets relevant statutory requirements for safe navigation. The ideal candidate will have:

• An MCA Boat Masters License, STCW CoC or other relevant qualification or experience.
• Good presentation, interpersonal and communication skills are essential as the post holder will need to deal with particularly influential, articulate and often difficult people.
• Hold or have the ability to obtain a MCA approved UK Harbour Master’s Certificate.
• Proactive, innovative approach to smarter working and improved efficiencies.
• Be able to exercise professional conduct with stakeholders, contractors, third parties and the general public.
• Have the ability to work under pressure and time restraints independently.
• Involvement or experience in recreational water activity (i.e. rowing, kayaking) would be beneficial but not essential.
• A working knowledge of the tidal Thames would be beneficial but full training will be provided to the successful candidate.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension - up to 14% employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme (Tusker Cars)
• Reward and recognition portal, with access to a range of discounts

To discuss this role or if you have any questions, please contact Adam Layer (Harbour Master) at adam.layer@pla.co.uk

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.