Job Title

Dockmaster

Grade

RG6

Reports To

Senior Marine Engineer

Number of Vacancies

One (01)

Job Purpose

The Dockmaster is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising daily dock and port operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and timely movement of vessels, cargo, and personnel. The role oversees berthing activities, supervises dock staff, ensures compliance with maritime safety and environmental regulations, maintains operational records, and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to support reliable marine transport operations.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

Dock and Port Operations Management

• Coordinate daily docking, undocking, berthing, and departure activities of marine vessels.
• Allocate berths, docking facilities, and marine resources efficiently.
• Supervise loading, unloading, and movement of cargo and equipment at the dock.
• Coordinate activities between vessel crews, pier staff, cargo handlers, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records of vessel arrivals, departures, cargo movements, and dock operations.

Marine Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with maritime safety procedures, URC regulations, and applicable national and international maritime requirements.
• Conduct routine inspections of docking facilities, safety equipment, and operational areas.
• Ensure emergency preparedness for fire, pollution, accidents, and other marine incidents.
• Report unsafe conditions and recommend corrective actions.
• Promote occupational health, safety, and environmental protection practices.

Staff Supervision and Performance Management

• Supervise dock workers, pier clerks, assistant pier clerks, crane operators, tag men, and other support staff.
• Allocate duties and monitor staff performance.
• Ensure compliance with operational procedures and safety standards.
• Participate in staff coaching, training, and performance evaluations.

Vessel and Asset Coordination

• Coordinate vessel docking schedules and operational availability.
• Monitor the condition and utilization of dock infrastructure, equipment, and marine assets.
• Report equipment defects and maintenance requirements.
• Support implementation of preventive maintenance programmes for dock facilities.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain dock operation records, vessel movement logs, permits, and incident reports.
• Prepare periodic operational reports for management.
• Ensure proper custody of operational documentation.
• Support internal audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with vessel masters, marine engineers, security agencies, customs, immigration authorities, and other port stakeholders.
• Coordinate regional and domestic marine transport activities.
• Promote high standards of customer service and operational efficiency.

Environmental Management

• Ensure compliance with pollution prevention and environmental protection requirements.
• Monitor waste disposal, fuel handling, and environmental management practices.
• Report oil spills, hazardous material incidents, and environmental risks promptly.

Expected Outcomes

• Safe, efficient, and timely vessel berthing and departure operations.
• Effective coordination of cargo handling and dock activities.
• Full compliance with maritime safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Well-maintained dock facilities and marine assets.
• Accurate operational records and reporting.
• Improved stakeholder coordination and customer service.
• Reduced operational delays, incidents, and environmental risks.

Qualifications

Academic Qualifications
Applicants should possess:

• Diploma in any of the following:
  • Marine Operations
  • Maritime Studies
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Nautical Science
  • Port Management
  • Transport Management
  • Or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.

Professional Qualifications

Possession of relevant maritime certifications, including:

• Basic Safety Training in accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements.
• Basic Fire Fighting Certificate.
• Elementary First Aid Certificate.
• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) certification is an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in marine operations, port operations, dock management, shipping, or related transport services.
• Experience supervising marine support teams and coordinating vessel operations.
• Practical experience in cargo handling, vessel berthing, and port safety procedures.
• Experience working with government transport agencies or maritime organizations is an added advantage.

Knowledge & Technical Competencies

• Marine and port operations management.
• Vessel berthing and docking procedures.
• Cargo handling and terminal operations.
• Maritime safety regulations and IMO standards.
• Dock infrastructure and marine asset management.
• Occupational Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE).
• Emergency preparedness and incident management.
• Environmental protection and pollution prevention.
• Operational documentation and reporting.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and supervision.
• Planning and coordination.
• Decision-making.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Customer service orientation.
• Problem-solving.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Attention to detail.
• Accountability and integrity.
• Time management.

Working Environment

• Primarily based at marine docks, ports, and waterfront facilities with regular outdoor operations.
• Requires close coordination with vessel crews, cargo handlers, government agencies, and marine support teams.
• Involves supervising docking, cargo handling, and vessel movements in a dynamic operational environment while maintaining strict compliance with health, safety, environmental, and maritime regulations.

Performance Metrics

• Timeliness and efficiency of vessel berthing and departures.
• Compliance with maritime safety and environmental standards.
• Operational availability and condition of dock facilities.
• Accuracy of operational records and reporting.
• Staff productivity and adherence to operational procedures.
• Customer satisfaction and stakeholder feedback.
• Number of safety incidents and environmental compliance issues.
• Effectiveness of coordination during vessel and cargo operations.