Assistant Harbour Master – Rye Harbour (32518)

UK Harbour Masters’ Association; Playden; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A marine operations organization is seeking an Assistant Harbour Master at Rye Harbour to support the Harbour Master in daily operations and ensure safe practices. Responsibilities include acting as duty Harbour Master, maintaining facilities, and leading risk management. Strong marine experience and a commanding presence on a commercial vessel are essential. The role requires flexibility for unsocial hours, with opportunities for training and growth within a diverse workplace.

Qualifications

• Experience managing risks within a marine environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and emergencies.
• Strong adherence to Health and Safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Act as duty Harbour Master on a rotational basis.
• Lead in identifying and reporting marine risks.
• Ensure facilities are maintained and safe for users.
• Prepare and maintain the Port Waste Management plan.

Skills

Seagoing marine experience

Experience in command of a commercial vessel

RYA advanced powerboat commercially endorsed

Full UK driving license

Education

ENG1 or ML5 certificate of medical fitness

Job description

Do you have a passion for marine operations? Do you have experience working at sea? Can you assist the Harbour Master in delivering the safe, efficient and smooth operation of Rye Harbour?

Your role as Assistant Harbour Master at Rye Harbour will include supporting the Harbour Master and Deputy Harbour Master in the day to day running of the Harbour and Pilotage Service.

You will:

• Act as duty Harbour Master on rotational basis
• Lead on identifying, reviewing and reporting marine risks within the Harbour.
• Ensure that the facilities of the Harbour and Harbour estate are correctly maintained and safely available to Harbour users.
• Prepare and maintain a Port Waste Management plan.
• Prepare maintain and exercise the Harbour emergency and oil spill plans.
• Assist the Harbour Master to ensure compliance with the Ports & Marine Facilities Safety Code.
• Ensure the safe berthing of yachts and fishing vessels using Harbour authority moorings.

Other duties include; Harbour patrols, maintenance of navigation aids, and enforcement activities.

You will assist with controlling the public use of the Harbour slipways, fishing berth facilities such as davits and cranes and ensure adherence to Health and Safety regulations.

The role requires the successful candidate to be involved with the safe pilotage of commercial ships working around the tide day and night 365 days per year on a rostered basis. An ability to work flexibly, including unsocial hours around spring tides and working weekends is essential. You will be on call for emergency response when required, that can attract additional payments.

The Team

The Harbour Masters Team, which sits within KSL Waterways Department in Local Operations, is a small team of experienced marine personnel that deliver the safe and efficient running of Rye Harbour. They deliver the pilotage service for commercial ships which use the Harbour to trade at Rye Wharf, welcome visiting yachts in the summer months and administer leisure and fishing berths year-round.

• Seagoing marine experience and experience in command of a commercial vessel.
• RYA advanced powerboat commercially endorsed or a higher-grade certificate of competency.
• ENG1 or ML5 certificate of medical fitness
• Full UK driving license

It would be helpful, but not essential, if you had:

• RYA Day skipper theory
• STCW small ships navigation and radar certificate
• STCW Sea Survival
• RYA First aid
• STCW one day Firefighting
• RYA professional practices and responsibilities
• knowledge of the Ports & Marine Facilities Code

Everyone starting in a new role will be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support needed. As part of your comprehensive induction, you will be provided with all the equipment required for your role. We want to create a diverse workplace where people are respected, valued, and listened to. We’re all different, and by embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal opportunity employer where jointly we all grow and learn together.

Contact and additional information:

You will be based at the Rye Harbour Masters Office, with a requirement to visit the Harbour mooring sites and wider Rye Harbour estate. There is currently no vehicle with this role so you will need your own transport for which business mileage would be claimed.

OPEN DAY – On Wednesday 21st January 2026 between 10am-1pm, you have the chance to come along to the Harbour Masters Office (TN31 7QS), meet the team and find out more about their work and this role. Please contact the Harbour Master to confirm your attendance.

Interviews are planned to be held week commencing February 23rd, 2026, in person at the Harbour Masters Office.