Dockmaster

Dockmaster (12 Month FTC)

Are you excited by the opportunity to be responsible for operating and controlling the Mersey River entrances, Bridges and Dock Systems, including Liverpool and Birkenhead Enclosed Docks?  Are you an experienced mariner with a strong appreciation of ship manoeuvring?  We are seeking a Dockmaster to join our team at the Port of Liverpool and help us keep the world moving! This role is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract.

Your role

In this role you will plan and control the docking and undocking and movement of vessels within Birkenhead and Liverpool enclosed docks, including operating bridges and locks.  This will include the coordination of vessel bookings by agents and advising on berth availability.  You will respond to VHF communication from vessels within area of responsibility and liaise with colleagues from VTS. You will operate from isolated fall-back locations when directed, responding to emergencies within the dock systems in a timely manner.

You will ensure relevant data entry to the Peel Ports VMS or Online Booking Portal as required, providing a medium for liaison between vessels, tugs, stevedores and/or allied services.  You will manage dock system water levels, operating the dock SCADA system.  You will control the transit of small craft including tugs and workboats which are not subject to the constraints of the Online Booking Portal access through any suitable lock on an ad-hoc basis. You will provide a medium for liaison between vessels, tugs, stevedores and/or allied services.

What you'll bring

You will have experience working in a Port Marine environment, an ex-mariner or officer of the watch with a strong appreciation of ship manoeuvring, berth and docking operations would be beneficial, alongside:

• Excellent communication and listening skills, with the ability to perform all tasks in a structured manner in accordance with agreed procedures
• Experience of working in a Port Marine environment, ex-Seafarer/Mariner or ex-Military/Blue Light background. In addition, a background as VTS/LPS or harbour master related roles would be advantageous.
• RYA VHF Radio Certificate (or higher) would be advantageous; however, training will be provided
• Willing and able to work a shift-based system, including days and nights
• Able to work effective under pressure in a fast moving, operational environment

Who are we

Already one of the UK’s leading port and logistics companies, we are planning substantial capital investment over the next 5 years to achieve our vision of becoming the UK’s leading port operator.  We have ambitious plans to grow and transform the supply chain to benefit our customers.  Our investments are decarbonizing our operations, which in turn is helping us work towards our goal of having Net Zero Port Operations by 2040.  Much of our success depends on our unrivalled facilities and technology. But in our sector, it comes down to having the right talent to enable our organisation to grow.

What we can offer you

In addition to a competitive salary, we have a strong track record of developing our people to expand their skills and experience and develop their careers.  Valuing and rewarding our workforce is important to us which is why we offer a fantastic range of flexible benefits to choose from, such as:

• 27 Days Annual Leave (plus bank holidays)
• Up to 10% Matched Contribution Pension
• Peel Ports Flexible Benefits including salary sacrifice car scheme, healthcare cash plans, Cycle2Work Scheme, Critical Illness insurance, Gym Membership Scheme, Retail Vouchers, plus more!
• Commitment to learning and personal development – Last year we supported over 50,000 hours of training and personal development!
• We promote good physical and mental health and can provide additional support to colleagues via our Employee Assistance Programme when required

An offer of employment for this role will be subject to passing an Enhanced DBS Check

If you believe you have the skills and experience we are seeking and you want to join a thriving and ambitious place to work, we’d really like to hear from you! Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 4th February 2026