Regional Deputy Harbour Master

Location: Holyhead
Salary: £70,000 to £78,000 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent

Introduction

At Stena Line, safety is at the heart of everything we do. As we continue to transform our UK port operations, we're looking for an experienced marine professional to support the Regional Harbour Master in the safe, efficient and compliant management of our port marine operations.

This is a key leadership opportunity for an individual with strong harbour, marine or port experience who can provide technical expertise, exercise delegated Harbour Master functions and make confident, independent decisions in a complex operational environment.

You'll play an important role in the continued development of our UK Harbour Authorities, helping to ensure the highest standards of marine safety, compliance and operational performance across the region.

If you're an experienced marine professional who enjoys working in a role with responsibility, autonomy and the opportunity to influence how we operate, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting the Regional Harbour Master in the safe, efficient and compliant management of port marine operations across the region.
• Overseeing compliance with the Port and Marine Facilities Safety Code and maintaining the highest standards of marine safety and assurance.
• Regulating vessel traffic in line with national and international legislation, guidance and standards.
• Making independent decisions relating to restrictions, suspensions and special directions where required.
• Exercising delegated Harbour Master statutory powers, including marine enforcement, pilotage, general directions and port marine safety assurance.
• Investigating marine incidents and near misses, implementing immediate control measures and producing formal reports.
• Managing marine pilot deployment, vessel traffic management and marine craft operations.
• Working closely with vessel operators, pilots, contractors, regulators, emergency services and other port users to ensure safe and coordinated operations.
• Supporting audits, inspections, training and continuous improvement activities.
• Approving routine and non-routine risk assessments and standard operating procedures within delegated authority.
• Providing technical expertise and leadership in the continued development of the Marine Safety Management System.
• Providing operational leadership and technical direction to marine personnel, including vessel traffic management, pilotage and port marine teams.

Why join Stena Line?

As one of Europe's leading ferry operators, we're continuing to transform our UK and Ireland port operations to support future growth, safety and sustainability.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in the transformation of our UK Harbour Authorities, with the independence and authority to make a real difference to marine safety and operational performance.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• A key leadership role within Stena Line's UK port marine operations.
• The opportunity to influence and develop marine safety across multiple ports.
• Exposure to a diverse range of marine operations and stakeholders.
• The opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of our Marine Safety Management System.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Career development opportunities within an evolving business.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.

About you

You'll be an experienced marine professional with a strong understanding of port marine operations, safety management and regulatory compliance.

You'll have experience working within a Port Marine Safety Code-compliant environment and be confident in applying legislation, regulation and guidance to real-world operational situations.

You'll be comfortable making independent decisions, managing risk and providing clear technical direction in a complex and sometimes challenging operational environment. You'll also be an effective communicator who can build strong relationships with vessel operators, pilots, regulators, contractors and other stakeholders.

We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• An MCA Endorsed Harbour Master Certificate, or a minimum Chief Mate (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency, or Royal Navy equivalent, or substantial demonstrable port marine experience within the UK.
• Experience implementing and continuously improving a PMSC-compliant Marine Safety Management System.
• Experience of risk management across a broad range of disciplines, ideally within a regional environment.
• Detailed knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code and other UK and international guidance, standards and regulations relevant to port marine operations.
• Experience of change management and/or project management would be advantageous.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The confidence and judgement to make decisions that prioritise safety, compliance and operational performance.

Additional requirements

This role includes operational oversight of marine pilotage. You must therefore be capable of embarking and disembarking vessels at sea via a pilot ladder of up to 9 metres in challenging environmental conditions.

An ENG1 must be achievable for the role, with any restrictions considered on a case-by-case basis.

Regular travel across the UK is required, with occasional travel to mainland Europe.

Interested?

This is a permanent position within our UK Harbour Authorities team, with regular travel required across our UK port operations and occasional travel to mainland Europe.

To apply, please register your profile and submit your application through our online recruitment system by Sunday 6^th September 2026.

Please note that shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an in-person interview in Holyhead on Wednesday 23rd September 2026.

For recruitment-related questions, please contact Phil Howarth, Talent Acquisition Co-ordinator at [email protected].

For data security reasons, applications can only be accepted through our online recruitment system.

About Stena Line

Stena Line is one of Europe's leading ferry operators, connecting people, businesses and communities through one of the continent's most extensive route networks.

With over 5,900 colleagues across Scandinavia, the UK and the Baltics, we're dedicated to creating sustainable transport solutions that keep society moving.

At Stena Line, we always put safety first. In all we do, we live and act according to our behaviours: welcoming, caring and reliable.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to thrive. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and celebrate the diversity that makes us stronger.