Vessel Traffic Service Operator

About Kongsberg Norcontrol:

For more than 200 years KONGSBERG has made solutions that enable people around the world to deliver extreme performance under extreme conditions. Today, we are a world leader in maritime surveillance, space, defence, aerospace, and maritime operations including Vessel Traffic Services. Kongsberg Norcontrol maritime surveillance systems are in service with some of the world's most successful port authorities and leading maritime coastal organisations.

About HM Coastguard:

As a VTSO working for Kongsberg Norcontrol supporting HM Coastguard at the MRCC in Dover, you will be operating a state-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Service system providing navigational safety to shipping in the CNIS/SUNK area, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

Shift Pattern:

As a qualified VTSO you will be familiar with typical shift working patterns required in this role. You will be required to work within a ‘4 on 4 off’ rotation, working two 12-hour day shifts, followed by two 12-hour night shifts, followed by 4 days off. Each shift will include a 1.5hr break. This includes working on some Saturdays and Sundays when the shift pattern falls over the weekend.

You will work closely with HM Coastguard employees, emergency services and communicate extensively with shipping in the CNIS/SUNK area. This is a highly rewarding role working with the UK’s VTS Competent Authority, which provides attractive benefits including potential career progression within KONGSBERG and into VTS Supervisory and Harbour Master roles.

Key Accountabilities:

• Ensure the safe and efficient delivery of a VTS (as defined by IALA) as appropriate to the area of operation ensuring that all adopted standard operating procedures are adhered to.
• Monitoring and regulating marine traffic to ensure compliance with all local, national and international regulations.
• Operate and monitor equipment for communications, data collection, data analysis and establishment of the VTS Traffic Image.
• Respond to marine incidents and initiate/implement emergency procedures including liaison with emergency and allied services as appropriate.
• Maintain a log of all incidents/accidents and all other relevant events occurring within the area of responsibility.
• Report VTS equipment deficiencies to the Watch Manager as required.
• Undertake/facilitate technical and professional training as required.
• Any other duties assigned by the manager or supervisor from time to time. Such duties will be reasonable in relation to the jobholder’s skills, abilities, and status.
• Carrying out work that is normally carried out by MCA employees.
• Working in the MCA premises at MRCC Dover alongside MCA employees. Being tasked on a day-to-day basis by HM Coastguard management at MRCC Dover and carry out the work activity in accordance with MCA Policies & Procedures.
• Be provided with access to MCA IT equipment for their work at MRCC Dover.
• Adhere to H&S, Security and Behaviour policies, processes, and procedures during the work activities at MRCC Dover.

The above list is not exhaustive and other duties may be required from time to time. Variations may also occur to the duties and responsibilities without changing the general character of the post.

Qualification Requirements:

• IALA VTSO qualification (C0-103-1 or equivalent)
• IELTS level 7.0
• Internationally recognised GMDSS qualification
• Minimum of 6 months experience as a VTSO in a VTS area of comparable complexity to the CNIS and SUNK VTS areas (i.e., busy shipping areas with high volumes of traffic passing through)
• A UK issued VTS certification logbook

MGN 434: “All VTS personnel are required to meet the English Language requirement. Recommended training hours for Module 1 (Language) of the IALA Model Course V-103/1 are set on the assumption that VTS trainees have achieved an International English Language Testing Scheme (IELTS) Level 5 or equivalent prior to commencement of training. It should however be noted that candidates wishing to work in a UK VTS centre and thus requiring a UK VTS
certification log, will be required to demonstrate that they meet IELTS level 7 when applying for their certification log.”

Benefits Package:
Attractive Salary: £44,000 - £50,000 depending on experience.
25 days Annual Leave (excluding Bank Holidays and Off-Shifts)
Competitive Pension
Free Parking

For further information or if you would like to discuss the position, please contact Edward Jamieson, Programme Manager, Kongsberg Norcontrol on edward.jamieson@knc.kongsberg.com.