The harbour master heads the harbour master’s office. In Le Havre, this comprises around fifty harbour officers and around thirty auxiliary surveillance staff. The harbour master’s office plans all ship arrivals and departures, monitors and organises traffic within the port, and allocates berths. It contributes to safety and oversees the handling of dangerous goods.

Qualities and skills

• Availability and flexibility
• Attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to make decisions
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good listening skills
• Understanding of and proficiency in management
• Knowledge of: – maritime law – port regulations – freight transport regulations – safety rules on board ships (passengers and cargo)
• Proficiency in planning techniques
• Use of maintenance monitoring tools (sensors, detectors, etc.)
• Use of professional maritime transport software
• Use of navigation equipment
• Proficiency in English as standardised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

Educational and training requirements

Accessible via the Civil Service competitive examination (Category A) Provide evidence of 72 months (6 years) of seagoing service Be a captain, officer or holder of a command certificate from the Merchant Navy and/or the French Navy Have at least 5 years’ seniority in the deputy harbour officer corps

Sectors and organisations

Port facilities, commercial ports, fishing ports and marinas. Depending on the port, the harbour master will work for a private company or within the civil service. In France, in state-owned public ports such as Le Havre, the harbour master reports to the Chair of the port’s Executive Board. In other private or concessioned ports (generally operated by Chambers of Commerce), they are employed by the companies that manage the port.

Source: LH PORT CENTER – Further information at www.lhportcenter.com