Company overview
The Port of Inverness, a Trust Port, sits at the heart of the Highland Capital – Inverness, where
the River Ness meets the Inverness Firth. The Port serves as a vital economic gateway for the
region and is a founder member of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.
Managed by the Inverness Harbour Trust, it stands out as one of Scotland’s most weathersecure, naturally sheltered harbours, offering vessels near guaranteed year-round access. The
port features six commercial quays, handling approximately 750,000 to 800,000 tonnes of
cargo annually, including timber, fuel oil, road salt, and logs. Over the last decade it has
evolved into a key hub for onshore renewable energy projects, successfully handling hundreds
of wind turbines due to its specialized abnormal load capability and direct links to the regional
road network. Additionally, the site hosts smaller cruise ships and features an adjacent 150-
berth marina for yachts. Future developments are linked to regional pumped storage hydro
schemes and opportunities for trade via the neighbouring Caledonian Canal.
Purpose of Job
This is a full-time post for a maritime professional based at the Port of Inverness. The role forms
part of a small marine operations team responsible for supporting safe navigation, port
operations, security, Health & Safety compliance and cover at a busy harbour office.
Following extensive training and examination, the principal duties will be those of an
Authorised Pilot for the Port, with the postholder also acting as Deputy to the Harbour Master.
The role offers potential career progression within the port team.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure the safe navigation of ships in the Port and port area.
- Board and safely pilot ships in and out of the Port.
- Oversee the daily operation of the Port in the absence of the Harbour Master, including
the management and safe setting to work of the Port Operatives, Relief Port Operatives
and the Maintenance Engineer.
- Maintain life-saving appliances relating to Port pilot vessels and facilitate statutory
surveys of pilot vessels.
- Act as Deputy PFSO and support maintenance and exercising of the Port’s International
Facility Security Plan, Emergency Plan, Oil Spill Contingency Plan and Waste
Management Plan.
- Chair the Port Security Committee meetings.
- Balance commercial business needs with environmental and ecosystem considerations.
- Enforce statutory, transport and security regulations relating to the Port in the absence
of the Harbour Master.
- Undertake port-related administrative duties and liaise with shipping agents, port users,
HMRC, Maritime and Security Resilience Division and Border Force as required.
- Attend and contribute positively to regular Port team H&S meetings, Executive team
meetings and general staff meetings.
- Take an active role in project groups for relevant business projects, as required.
- Actively support and promote health, safety and environmental compliance, including
development of risk assessments, audits, inspections and incident investigations.
- Maintain the Port’s HSE Management System by actively updating documentation to
reflect changing circumstances, legislation, and industry best practices.
- Actively contribute to the safe management of contractors on the port estate,
including carrying out inductions, issuing permits to work and ensuring adherence to
port policies and procedures.
- Assist with the inspection and maintenance of port infrastructure.
- Undertake any other duties which may reasonably be required.
Previous Experience
- Piloting or command experience would be highly beneficial but is not essential.
- Previous experience in marine operations, port operations or a similar maritime
environment would be advantageous.
- Previous experience of health and safety management would be useful.
Skills & Qualifications
Essential
- Good management, organisational, reporting and computer skills.
- Full UK driving licence and own transport required.
- Any offer of employment will be subject to obtaining an ENG 1 medical examination
and Counter Terrorism Clearance. An Occupational Health Assessment for pilotage
duties may also be required.
Personal Qualities
- Highly motivated and professional.
- A good communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
- Able to work effectively as part of a small team.
- A self-starter, able to work with minimal direct supervision.
- Committed to safe working practices and the safety of colleagues, contractors, port
users and visitors.
- Able to respond flexibly to operational demands, emergencies and deadlines.
- Demonstrates sound judgement, attention to detail and a commitment to legal and
business ethics.
Working Arrangements
- This is a full-time post based at the Port of Inverness.
- The port operates 24/7 and this role has a non-negotiable roster which covers night
tides Mon- Fri and 4 weekends in every 9 (including Sunday).
- In the event of there being no shipping on a rostered night shift, there is a requirement
to be on site at the Harbour Office for an agreed period during the evening or during
normal office hours. Nighttime and weekend working are a fundamental requirement
of this role.
- The postholder must live within reasonable commuting distance of the Port.
- The role requires flexibility to respond to operational demands, deadlines and
emergencies.
Salary and Benefits
- Competitive and attractive salary with excellent benefits.
- Private healthcare provision.
- Holiday entitlement is 7.4 weeks, including statutory entitlement.
- Enrolment in the company-nominated pension scheme.
Pay: From £25,420.00 per year
Work Location: In person
