After spending six years as a Vessel Traffic Services Officer (VTSO), Phil Mogridge brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our harbour office.
Here, he tells us more about what the role involves and what he enjoys most…
What does your role involve?
Working as part of the Harbour Master’s team managing the River Tees and the port of Hartlepool, which includes organising shipping movements, talking to ships and controlling river movements to ensure the safety of ships’ navigation and to prevent harm to the marine environment through preventing collisions and groundings that could lead to the release of harmful cargoes into the environment.
What is your favourite part about the job?
I enjoy working within a small team and having the opportunity to still interact with seafarers. There’s the added bonus of watching ships passing up and down the river.
What attracted you to the role?
From my career in the Royal Navy as a Chief Petty Officer Radar specialist, I had the transferable skills that would help me in the role of VTSO. Plus, it was the chance to move shore side from a seafaring career but still remain involved in the maritime world.
Tell us about your journey to become VTSO
I joined the Royal Navy when I was 16 years and one day old, and had a successful 24-year career which involved working on numerous Royal Navy ships, particularly Type 23 Frigates and Type 42 Destroyers, which gave me the opportunity to sail around the world. I also worked in shore-based establishments, including six months in Basra, Iraq.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy keeping fit by playing squash and running and I am a Royal Navy Reservist (RNR), which PD Ports supports me in. I also like spending time with my family and drinking red wine.
To find out more about our role as Statutory Harbour Authority, visit https://www.pdports.co.uk/marine-information/statutory-harbour-authority/
