Job Overview:

The Dock Master at a Ship Repair Yard is responsible for overseeing the safe and efficient operations of the dry docks and wet berths within the shipyard. This role ensures the smooth coordination of vessel docking, undocking, and movements, while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols and operational procedures. The Dock Master works closely with vessel captains, shipyard personnel, the Port of Gibraltar, and sub-contractors to ensure timely and secure docking operations, as well as the effective maintenance of dock equipment and facilities.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Production Manager under the supervision of the Operations Director.

Key Responsibilities:

• Docking & Undocking Operations – Coordinate and supervise the docking and undocking of vessels, ensuring the use of proper procedures for safe entry and exit
  from dry docks or wet berths. Direct pilots, tugs, banksmen, and shipyard crew to position vessels securely.
• Safety Compliance – Enforce all yard safety regulations and procedures related to docking and undocking operations. Ensure health & safety of yard personnel involved in any of these operations is always treated with paramount importance.
• Technical Knowledge – Prepare detailed docking proposals for the client when required ensuring all technical calculations have been proficiently accounted for. Analyse and interpret any docking  proposals supplied by the client to ensure we can accommodate their requirements effectively, liaising with the clients’ technical team to make necessary adjustments if required.
• Maintenance Oversight – Oversee the maintenance, repair, and inspection of docks, including dry dock flooding valves, dock blocks, winches, and fender systems.
• Tide & Weather Monitoring – Monitor tides, weather conditions, and water levels to plan and execute safe docking and undocking operations. Co-ordinate with production management to adjust schedules and operations as necessary to mitigate risks.
• Team Supervision – Lead a team of dockworkers and support personnel involved in vessel docking operations. Provide performance evaluations and daily task assignments to ensure smooth workflow of your team.
• Communication & Coordination – Act as the primary point of contact between the Port of Gibraltar, shipyard management, vessel pilots and captains, and repair project teams to ensure clear communication of docking schedules, requirements, and any operational challenges.
• Emergency Response – Implement and lead emergency response protocols in case of incidents such as flooding, equipment failure, or accidents and ensure your team is ready to handle critical situations in a professional and coordinated manner.
• Environmental Compliance – Ensure that all dock activities comply with environmental regulations regarding water quality, waste disposal, and pollution prevention. Address any incidents related to fuel or hazardous material spills immediately.
• Record Keeping – Maintain detailed records of all docking operations and vessel movements. Ensure all required documentation pertaining to the yards operational processes and procedures are completed in a timely manner.

Desired Qualifications / Requirements:

• Extensive experience in a shipyard or marine operations environment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or Dock Master role, particularly in a ship repair or construction yard.
• Marine engineering or naval architecture background is highly beneficial.
• Fluent in English is necessary, additional fluency in Spanish is desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of docking, undocking, and vessel handling procedures for large vessels.
• Familiarity with dry dock operations, shipyard equipment, and maintenance practices.
• Strong understanding of maritime safety regulations and environmental laws.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret docking plans, vessel specifications, and technical documents.
• Proficient in using shipyard management software and standard office applications such as Excel and AutoCAD.
• Medically and physically fit to work in a shipyard environment, including going to dock bottom and up cranes when necessary.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and respond to operational needs during weekends, holidays, and after hours when required.
• Strong understanding of tides, weather patterns, and their impact on docking operations.

This job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities of the QHSE Manager, which are subject to change based on organisational needs and discretion of the management.