First UKHMA Harbour Master Certificates awarded

The first certificates were presented to UKHMA Members following a demanding six month assessment programme aligned to the recently adopted National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Harbour Masters. From an initial intake of twelve volunteers, the successful five underwent a rigorous scrutiny of their knowledge, understanding and experience relating to the NOS and the Port Marine Safety Code, including evidence gathering and a face to face interview with the scheme’s assessors.

The successful candidates were drawn from a wide range of professional backgrounds, all of whom are presently holding the position of either Harbour Master or Deputy Harbour Master in a UK port, including:

· Mr Mike Johnson, Harbour Master, Gloucester Harbour Trustees

· Capt Brian Murphy, Harbour Master, Poole Harbour Commissioners

· Ms Ashley Nicholson, Marine Manager, Forth Ports plc

· Cdr David Vaughan, Harbour Master and Chief Executive,
Teignmouth Harbour Commissioners

· Capt Martin Willis, Harbour Master, Port of Blyth

The Harbour Master Certificate, the first such professional maritime qualification in the UK, was developed jointly by the UKHMA and Port Skills & Safety, an organisation funded jointly by the port’s industry bodies, British Ports Association (BPA) and the UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG). The qualification is designed to accommodate both existing harbour masters and those entering the industry, with or without previous seafaring qualifications or experience.

In awarding the Certificates, Sir Alan Massey, chief executive, MCA, commended the UKHMA and supporting agencies for their foresight and diligence in developing a qualification that was both fit for purpose and entirely self financed.

“This qualification will go some way to filling the perceived skills gap in this sector, he said. “By monitoring the assessment process, the MCA is satisfied that this is not simply a ‘tick-box’ exercise but a robust process wholly appropriate to a certificate of this nature. The successful candidates have shown that only hard work and a sound knowledge of their professional responsibilities will lead to the award of the Certificate.”

The Certificate scheme is complemented by a UKHMA developed Continuing Professional Development (CPD) facility for Members which allows all harbour masters, both studying for a Certificate and outside the Certificate scheme, to assess, record, reflect and plan their career development through a simple online resource.

The CPD software also automatically identifies areas in which further training, knowledge or experience may be required and offers a continuous visual record of achievement towards a five year points target. Those users with Harbour Master Certificates may then use the CPD record towards re-validation of the qualification after its initial five year validity period.