Deputy Harbour Master in Cairnryan

Location – Cairnryan

Contract – Permanent Part Time (16 hours per week)

Salary – £50-56,000 (pro-rata)

Are you an experienced maritime professional with a passion for safety and operational excellence in port environments? As Deputy Harbour Master at Loch Ryan, you’ll play a vital role in safeguarding marine operations within a busy and dynamic harbour. This is an opportunity to work at the heart of a safety‑critical environment where your decisions directly impact people, vessels, and the wider maritime network. You’ll be empowered to act, influence, and lead in real time—ensuring safe navigation while contributing to a culture that truly puts safety first.

At Stena Line, you’ll be part of a supportive and knowledgeable maritime community, working alongside experienced professionals who value collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Regulate vessel movements within harbour limits to ensure safe navigation
• Exercise delegated Harbour Master authority to direct vessel traffic
• Manage and mitigate navigation risks using a risk‑based approach
• Lead and coordinate marine emergency response activities
• Investigate marine incidents and drive corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with the Marine Safety Management System and relevant legislation
• Oversee conservancy responsibilities including aids to navigation and seabed conditions

You’ll join a highly skilled and professional maritime team operating in a fast‑paced, safety‑first environment. Day‑to‑day work is varied, with no two shifts the same—ranging from routine vessel coordination to responding to developing situations where quick thinking is essential. Collaboration is key, and you’ll work closely with vessel masters, contractors, regulatory bodies, and emergency services. The culture is supportive and grounded in respect, where knowledge‑sharing and learning from experience are actively encouraged. At Stena Line, we care about our people. You’ll experience a workplace that values wellbeing, teamwork, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute and grow.

• Concessionary travel on Irish Sea and North Sea routes
• 75% discount on UK Rail travel
• Company pension and life assurance
• Gym and wellbeing discounts
• Wellbeing cash plan (dental, optical, health screening)
• Enhanced parental leave
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training and development

You are a calm and confident decision‑maker who thrives in safety‑critical environments, able to assess situations quickly and act decisively. You bring a proactive and accountable mindset, with the confidence to challenge unsafe practices and intervene when necessary. You are collaborative by nature, building strong relationships with stakeholders while maintaining authority and professionalism. Your attention to detail and structured approach help you manage risk effectively, and you are motivated by continuous improvement and learning. Our behaviours—welcoming, caring and reliable—guide you in your everyday work and the challenges you face.

• UK Harbour Master Certificate or STCW II/2 Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (Unlimited) or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated experience within a port marine environment (not solely seagoing)
• Experience operating within or alongside a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)
• Previous Harbour Master or Deputy/Assistant Harbour Master experience
• Strong understanding of the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code
• Experience in marine incident investigation
• Knowledge of marine safety management systems
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid ENG1 medical certificate
• Oil Spill Response certification (MCA Level 4 or 5) is desirable

We are committed to maintaining and developing a sustainable working environment, free from harassment, that gives equal opportunities to everyone. We embrace equality, diversity and inclusion – and welcome all applicants.