Deputy Harbour Master

Role overview

The Deputy Harbour Master is a senior marine leadership position within the Harbour Master Team, working alongside the Harbour Master, two Deputy Harbour Masters and two Assistant Harbour Masters. The role combines operational control, regulatory responsibility and emergency readiness, while also supporting long-term planning, organisational resilience and succession development in line with Dublin Port Company’s Masterplan 2040 and changing Irish and EU requirements.

This position covers daily marine operations, strategic input and participation in an on-call rota as Duty Harbour Master.

About Dublin Port Company

Dublin Port Company is a State-owned commercial organisation responsible for the development and operation of Dublin Port. As Ireland’s largest port for freight and passengers, it manages close to half of the country’s trade. The port operates in a competitive environment as a Tier 1 port under National Ports Policy and forms part of the EU TEN-T Core Network. Situated in Dublin City and linked to the wider country through a strong route-to-market system, it plays a central role in Ireland’s economy and logistics network. The company is advancing its Masterplan to 2040 with major investment in infrastructure, sustainability and digital transformation.

Key responsibilities

The role carries statutory authority, marine operational oversight, compliance accountability and team leadership duties.

• Serve as Duty Harbour Master when on call, exercising delegated legal powers under the Harbours Acts.
• Step in as Harbour Master when required, taking full responsibility and authority in the Harbour Master’s absence.
• Oversee the safe movement of commercial and leisure vessels within the port area.
• Issue and enforce Harbour Bye-Laws, Notices to Mariners and operational instructions.
• Monitor vessel traffic through VTS and other port systems.
• Coordinate berthing, unberthing and berth allocation with marine and terminal teams.
• Supervise pilotage, towage and port craft activities.
• Ensure compliance with Dangerous Substances laws, including oil jetty operations.
• Work with the Harbour Master to direct marine emergency response, pollution response and incident handling.
• Maintain, test and review the marine parts of the Dublin Port Emergency Management Plan.
• Ensure compliance with ISPO, IALA guidance and VTS governance requirements.
• Support delivery of EU Critical Entity Resilience, Port Reception Facilities and ISPS Code obligations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the Marine Survey Office and other regulators.
• Assist with audits, inspections, investigations and ongoing improvement activity.
• Coach, guide and develop teams to strengthen safety culture, operational performance and employee wellbeing.
• Support workforce planning, succession development and competence assurance.
• Take part in informal and formal industrial relations processes when needed.
• Help keep the Harbour Function aligned with Masterplan 2040 priorities.
• Contribute to service development, system enhancements and organisational change.
• Work across Engineering, Operations, IT, HR and Commercial teams to support joined-up delivery.
• Participate in a 1-in-4 on-call rota with the second Deputy Harbour Master and two Assistant Harbour Masters.
• Remain available outside standard working hours to manage marine operations, incidents and emergencies affecting critical national infrastructure.

Essential requirements

• Valid STCW II/2 Unlimited Master Mariner’s Certificate of Competency, recognised for service in the Irish Mercantile Marine.
• Substantial experience as a Ship’s Master or in a Harbour Master / senior marine management setting.
• Strong working knowledge of pilotage, PECs, ship handling and marine risk management.
• Proven leadership background in managing operational teams in a 24/7 environment.
• Ability to understand and apply maritime legislation and regulatory obligations.
• Experience carrying out investigations, preparing reports and driving corrective actions.
• Good judgement, communication skills and decision-making capability.

Desirable background

• Third-level qualification in maritime studies, management, safety or a related field.
• Experience using safety management systems, audit processes and compliance frameworks.

Competencies and personal attributes

• Strong focus on safety leadership.
• Sound approach to risk management.
• Ability to identify stakeholders, keep them informed and manage expectations.
• Analytical thinking and structured problem solving.
• Ability to influence others and present ideas effectively for agreement.
• Clear and effective communication across written and verbal channels.
• Ethical, resilient and professionally courageous.
• Calm under pressure when dealing with complex operational risk.
• Approachable, fair and compassionate in style.
• Confident engaging with senior leaders, regulators and frontline staff.
• Proactive, adaptable and solutions-oriented.

Equal opportunity statement

Dublin Port Company is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates.