Port and Vessel Traffic Services Innovation Lead

Can you lead innovation in UK ports, shaping the future of autonomous shipping and alternative fuels?Do you proactively seek out emerging maritime technologies and build strong relationships across industry?

Have you got port industry experience and the drive to influence safety, policy, and innovation in Vessel Traffic Service?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

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.

The Directorate of UK Technical Maritime Services (UKTMS) is responsible for the UK's Flag and Port State function including the survey and inspection operations, the UK's safety, security and environmental regulatory regimes, navigational safety, and civil hydrography programme. The Directorate is responsible for all vessels registered on the UK flag operating anywhere in the world, the UK's domestic passenger ship and fishing vessel fleet, and foreign flagged vessels in UK waters.

The MSS Branch sits within UKTMS and has responsibilities around Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS V), Marine Licensing, Offshore Renewable Energy Installations, the Port Marine Safety Code, Categorisation of Waters, and Vessel Traffic Management, International Maritime Organisation (IMO ) Routing Measures and Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT).

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including

• 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), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at: Maritime and Coastguard Agency - Department for Transport Careers

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.

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to

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.For further information on the role, please read the attached role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

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