Bursary awarded for Harbour Master Diploma

The UKHMA’s 2011 Training Bursary, done in association with ibc Academy (formerly Lloyd’s Maritime Academy), has already been awarded to Mr Philip Goodhead, Mooring Officer at Salcombe Harbour Authority, Devon.

The award, which is worth some £1,600, covers 50% of the course fees for the one year distance learning course, managed by ibc Academy and leading to the International Diploma for Harbour Masters.

Philip Goodhead (28) is one of four Moorings Officers at Salcombe Harbour, where he has responsibilities for the safe operation of the harbour and where he deputises for the Harbour Master on a rota basis. A graduate with a BSc in Marine Biology, Philip is also an accomplished diver and an RYA instructor.

“This year, the judging panel had a very difficult task, commented UKHMA Secretary Peter Moth. “The quality of applications was first class and the final decision came down to just four short listed candidates. In truth, any one of whom would have been a worthy recipient of the bursary. In the final count, Philip’s application drew the particular attention of the judges by his career aspirations and his proven ability to further his academic and professional qualifications through sheer effort and commitment.”

The Bursary certificate was awarded during the UKHMA’s Annual General Meeting in Southampton during the Seawork exhibition. Unfortunately, due to harbour commitments, Philip was unable to attend the presentation, but was represented by Capt Ian Gibson, Harbour Master of Salcombe.

Commenting later, Philip said, “Looking towards the future, and in particular my career, I believe I will greatly benefit from a formal port/harbour business related qualification, such as the Diploma for Harbour Masters. This course will allow me to broaden my horizons and give me the diversity of knowledge required to progress in my career in the marine industry.”

The second IHMA Bursary closes for applications on 1 July and the lucky recipient will be announced in the near future.

The ibc Academy International Diploma for Harbour Masters distance learning course is popular with both Harbour Masters and Port Captains wishing to update their professional knowledge as well as wider marine department personnel who work in support of a Harbour Master. It attracts students from around the world and is also popular with seagoing personnel looking to prepare for a future move ashore.

Led by Rear Admiral Bruce Richardson, former Chief Harbour Master of the Port of London Authority and past President of the International Harbour Masters’ Association, the course covers all activities for which a harbour master may find himself, or herself, responsible, including the safe management of navigation, the provision of pilotage and VTS services, management of the marine environment, port security, emergency planning and response, and the supervision of recreational navigation.