Harbour Master

The principal and fundamental role of a Harbour Master is:

To manage safely the movement of shipping within his or her area of jurisdiction.

The role will vary dependent upon the size of the harbour and the type of ships using it, but will typically include the management of:

1. People, including vessel traffic services operators, port operators and associated staff
2. Safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound port operations
3. Finances and marine assets
4. The provision of pilotage
5. The leisure use of the harbour

Worldwide there are approximately 3,000 merchant ports and the work of the Harbour Master can vary widely from country to country and from port to port even within the same country.