Port and Vessel Traffic Services Innovation Lead 15 views

461718 Port and Vessel Traffic Services Innovation Lead

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 4th June 2026

📍 Location: Southampton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)

💷 Salary: £44,241 – A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

🕘️ Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

🏆️ Available Positions: 1

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a Port and Vessels Traffic Services Innovation Lead. This role will be working within Ports and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) in the Marine Safety Services (MSS) Branch, which sits within the UK Technical Maritime Services directorate of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

As a Port and Vessel Traffic Services Innovation Lead, you will lead MCA’s input on emerging port technologies, driving their integration into UK safety frameworks and VTS operations. You will shape policy on alternative fuels and digitalisation, monitor international developments, and ensure UK alignment with IMO and International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities standards. You will represent MCA in key forums, providing expert advice, developing guidance, and supporting Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) health checks, audits, and industry compliance across UK ports and marine facilities.

Top Responsibilities

• Monitoring and influencing policy development for emerging technologies in ports, including alternative fuels, digitalisation, and PNT initiatives.
• Drafting guidance and legal documentation for port and VTS developments, including Marine Information Notices (MINs), Marine Guidance Notes (MGNs), Statutory Instruments (SIs), and Codes of Practice.
• Providing strategic advice on integrating autonomous shipping (MASS) into UK port safety frameworks and VTS operations.
• Supporting the development of standards and guidance for smart ports, digital platforms, and data-driven navigation systems such as S-100.
• Liaising with industry and international bodies to ensure UK policy keeps pace with global innovation in port operations and vessel traffic management.
• Shaping and evolving MCA’s role in port and marine facility safety policy, aligning with stakeholder needs and emerging technologies.
• Advising and representing on port safety matters, including regulatory frameworks, Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) recommendations, and national/international working groups.
• Supporting and delivering PMSC health checks, VTS audits, and steering group input, ensuring alignment with UK legislation and international standards.

Benefits

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About You

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

• A maritime professional with experience of working within Marine Operations in the ports industry
• A good working knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code and an understanding of VTS. Additional training for VTS may be provided for a successful candidate, if required.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and improve outcomes, as you will be required to conduct both PMSC health checks and VTS audits

Essential licenses:

• A valid passport for international travel
• A full UK driving license

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential licenses at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

How to Apply

👉 Read the full description and apply here: https://bit.ly/49oIaAm

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Thursday 4^th June 2026