Congratulations on your promotion to Deputy Harbour Master (Pilotage). Please share your career journey and what this new role means to you.  

Thank you. I have been sailing since childhood, and when I finished my A Levels, I took the opportunity to spend a summer travelling around Europe, supporting a yacht racing team that was set to take part in a transatlantic sailing race. Once I returned home, I began working for the HM Coastguard at Dover, marking the start of my maritime career.

After about a year as a Coastguard Watch Assistant, I attended Solent University, where I studied Maritime Studies. This course provided a comprehensive understanding of the maritime industry, covering topics such as Maritime Law and Ship Stability.

Upon graduating, I was offered a Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Officer role at Harwich Haven Authority. In this position, I provided traffic information to vessels, overseeing their passage via radar into Felixstowe, Harwich, Ipswich and Mistley ports. Our team also coordinated with the ports regarding vessel berths and arrival and departure times. Additionally, I was involved in planning and providing pilots to vessels, ensuring their safe arrival.

I later advanced to the position of VTS Duty Officer, responsible for planning vessel movements according to port rules and tides while supervising the VTS watch team. I was seconded to the Marine Management team during a major project to upgrade our VTS system, including radar and vessel booking systems. This involvement led to my promotion to Assistant Harbour Master, overseeing VTS operations.

After a year, I was also asked to manage the Marine Pilots responsible for the onboard navigation of vessels within the Harwich Haven Authority area. This additional responsibility then led to my promotion to Deputy Harbour Master.

I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to progress my career at Harwich Haven Authority. While I did not follow the traditional seafaring route, the opportunities, training, and support provided by the Authority have enabled me to achieve the role of Deputy Harbour Master. I am proud to lead a talented group of professionals responsible for safely managing some of the largest and deepest vessels in the world.

You’ve been with the Harwich Haven Authority for over 20 years. What are some of the most significant changes you’ve seen in the marine industry during your tenure? 

One of the biggest changes I’ve seen over the last 20 years is the shift in the traffic pattern of vessels using the Haven, particularly at the Port of Felixstowe. When I first started, the largest vessels calling there were 315 meters long, with maybe one ship of that size arriving per week. Now, we handle up to four 400-meter-long ships daily.

Although fewer vessels are calling at Felixstowe than 20 years ago, the total tonnage has increased significantly. The rise in larger vessels has changed our operations, necessitating extensive prior planning to ensure the safe movement of these ships by VTS. The training for our pilots has also had to adapt; today, we train pilots from day one to handle 400-meter vessels, with the whole qualification process taking around six to seven years.

What aspects of your previous experiences have best prepared you for the challenges of your new position?

The knowledge I’ve built up over the years regarding the rules and regulations for moving vessels safely in the Haven allowed me to hit the ground running when I took on the role of Deputy Harbour Master. I have also been fortunate to work with many of the people I now manage for several years, giving me a thorough understanding of their roles. This has been enormously helpful in leading and advising our team in my new position.

As Deputy Harbour Master, what are your primary goals or initiatives you hope to implement?

Safety is a major focus of my role. I manage 26 pilots who board vessels approximately 15 nautical miles offshore using a pilot ladder – often, this rope ladder has remained unchanged since Nelson’s time. In the first six months of 2023, seven pilots worldwide died during transfer operations. To enhance safety, we collaborated with Lowestoft Marine College to implement a pilot ladder training course for our pilots and employees wishing to onboard vessels at sea. Harwich Haven Authority is part of the UK Marine Pilots reporting system, which reports non-compliant Pilot transfer arrangements to improve Pilot safety. Improving health and safety measures for my team will be a key focus of mine in my new role.

How do you see the role of technology evolving in maritime pilotage, and what innovations are you most excited about?

One area of interest at the moment is exploring the possibilities of remote and autonomous vessels and future fuels. We now have vessels calling at ports within the Haven using methanol. As a Harbour Authority, we are always looking at how these new technologies will affect us and how we can prepare for future changes.

What advice do you have for other women seeking a career in the marine industry?

The marine industry offers many roles that don’t involve long periods at sea. At Harwich Haven Authority, women occupy various positions, from CEO to pilots, VTS staff, launch crew, apprentices and the Marine Management team. While cadetships are the traditional route, apprenticeships are now widely available, providing valuable qualifications and hands-on experience. Engaging with people at all levels and seeking work experience opportunities can provide valuable insights into the industry. The marine sector is dynamic and rewarding, and more women are now represented across all roles than when I started 24 years ago. My advice for women considering entering the industry is not to be deterred by its historically male-dominated environment, as this is changing, and there is a place for everyone.

Are you happy to share a guilty pleasure?

Crisps!

Harwich Haven Authority