As the Statutory Harbour Authority, our skilled harbour office team oversee the arrival and departure of around 4,100 vessels on the River Tees and Hartlepool each year.
Here, Assistant Harbour Master, Aidan Osmialowski tells us more about his role in the office…
What does your job role involve?
I work within the Harbour Master’s Office, located next to the Transporter Bridge. We operate a 24 hour service, based around a 12 hours shift pattern, 365 days a year.
Predominantly, the role involves providing Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) to all commercial vessels, entering, leaving and operating within the vicinity of the Port Authority area.
The objective of a VTS is to:
- Enhance the safety of navigation on the river
- Efficiently plan and monitor all vessel traffic movements
- Safeguard against the possibility of marine pollution
- Support port operations
- Protect port infrastructure
- Coordinate an effective response to any marine related emergency
- Liaise closely with local and national emergency and security services, to ensure protection of the river and port incident management.
We work closely with the Tees Bay Pilots, in order to coordinate the safe and efficient movement of all vessels within the Tees and Hartlepool area.
Additionally, we are responsible for enforcing legislation on behalf of PD Teesport, including Acts of Parliament, Port Authority Bye-laws and safe codes of practice.
What is your favourite part about the job?
I enjoy the dynamic nature of the job, as the position provides a wide variety of roles and responsibilities.
What attracted you to the role?
The role of VTS plays an integral part in the management of port services. The chance to work within this capacity, at one of the UK’s major ports, was a great opportunity.
Tell us about your journey to become Assistant Harbour Master
I started my maritime career in 2000, with a Navigation Officer cadetship for P&O Nedlloyd, working onboard container ships. I enjoyed 11 years at sea, working up to the rank of Chief Officer.
Following this, I had the opportunity to work at the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) in Bermuda. I was fortunate to live and work in Bermuda for three years, before returning to the UK to resume a shore based maritime career.
Since then, I have worked in various roles, including ship management and tanker operations, for a company specialising in ship-to-ship transfers of oil and gas.
Prior to my current position, I was employed in a similar role at the Port of Tyne, before commencing employment for Teesport in October 2019.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am a big Rugby Union fan and try to attend as many of the England RFU games as possible.
To find out more about our role as Statutory Harbour Authority, visit https://www.pdports.co.uk/marine-information/statutory-harbour-authority/
