VTS Operators

Job Title: VTS Operators (3 roles available)

Location: Dublin Port, Dublin, Ireland 

Reporting to: VTS Manager 

About Us 

Dublin Port is one of Ireland’s most essential pieces of national infrastructure, handling €165bn of trade and 1.7mn passengers annually. As Ireland's largest and busiest port, Dublin Port plays a critical role in the country's economy and international connectivity, supporting exporters and ensuring homes and businesses across Ireland have what they need for daily life. 

Overview 

Dublin Port is seeking 3 VTS Operators to join the team.The Vessel Traffic Services Operator is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient and compliant movement of vessel traffic within Dublin Port’s area of jurisdiction. 

The role contributes to the provision of Vessel Traffic Services by m aintaining situational awareness, monitoring vessel movements, processing information from multiple operational sources, providing timely and relevant information, and responding appropriately to developing operational or unsafe situations. 

The VTS Operator operates the Vessel Traffic Management and Information System and associated communications, surveillance, recording and information systems. The role requires clear communication, sound judgement, procedural discipline, resilience, and the ability to operate effectively in a safety-critical maritime environment. 

The role is aligned with Dublin Port Company procedures, Harbour Bye-Laws, applicable Irish maritime legislation, SOLAS requirements, IMO Resolution A.1158(32), IALA Standard S1040, IALA Recommendation R0103 / C0103, and relevant IALA guidance, including IALA G1156 and IALA G1200. 

Why Join Us? 

• Work in an inclusive, values-driven organisation committed to diversity and sustainability. 

• Access to professional development and growth opportunities. 

• GP Refund Scheme for employees. 

• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme. 

• On site parking. 

Key Responsibilities 

Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Situational Awareness 

• Maintain effective situational awareness of vessel traffic, marine activities, environmental conditions and operational constraints within Dublin Port.  
• Monitor vessel movements using VTMIS and associated systems, including radar, AIS, CCTV, VHF, telephone, alarms and operational displays.  
• Recognise and escalate developing risks, anomalies, non-routine situations and unsafe conditions.  
• Support the safe and efficient coordination of vessel movements in accordance with approved procedures.  

Communications and Coordination 

• Communicate effectively with vessels, pilots, tugs, terminals, marine operatives, the Shipping Desk and other stakeholders.  
• Provide timely, relevant and accurate operational information to support safe marine decision-making.  
• Maintain clear, concise and professional VHF, telephone, digital and written communications.  
• Support pilotage, towage, berth movements, marine works, restricted visibility operations and emergency response activities.  

Operational Systems, Records and Reporting  

• Operate VTMIS and associated VTS equipment in accordance with training and approved procedures.  
• Maintain accurate logs, vessel movement records, reports, handover notes and operational data.  
• Report equipment defects, system degradation, communication issues and operational technology failures.  
• Preserve relevant operational information to support continuity, audit readiness, investigation and learning.  

Incident and Emergency Support  

• Support Dublin Port’s response to incidents, emergencies, marine casualties, pollution events, severe weather and other contingency situations.  
• Escalate abnormal or emergency situations in accordance with Dublin Port procedures.  
• Participate in emergency exercises, drills, debriefs and post-incident reviews.  

Training and Competence  

• Hold, obtain and maintain the required VTS qualifications, local authorisations and operational competence.  
• Complete Dublin Port VTS centre-specific On-the-Job Training and local competence assessment before undertaking unsupervised VTS duties.  
• Participate in classroom, blended, hybrid or remote training, including refresher, recurrent, adaptation and professional development training as required.  
• Participate in operational assessments, communications assessments, simulation exercises and feedback processes.  
• Contribute to safe working practices and human factors awareness within the VTS environment. 

Qualifications and Experience 

Essential 

• IALA C0103-1 / V-103/1 VTS Operator Certificate, or ability to obtain before unsupervised duties.  
• Experience in maritime, port operations, marine traffic, emergency services, transport control or another safety-critical operational environment.  
• Strong communication, decision-making and interpersonal skills.  
• Ability to maintain situational awareness and prioritise competing operational demands.  
• Good IT and operational systems competence.  
• Ability to work rostered shifts in a safety-critical environment.  
• Medical, visual and hearing fitness appropriate to VTS operational duties.  
• English language competence sufficient for VTS communications, operational reporting and approved VTS training. 

Desirable 

• STCW Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency or equivalent maritime qualification/experience.  
• Previous VTS, port control, pilotage support or marine operations experience.  
• Experience using radar, AIS, CCTV, VHF/DSC, meteorological or similar operational systems.  
• IALA C0103-2 / V-103/2 VTS Supervisor qualification, or willingness to undertake if selected for future supervisory duties.  
• Incident reporting, emergency response, operational risk or marine safety experience.  
• Knowledge of Dublin Port operations, Harbour Bye-Laws, pilotage, towage and berth planning processes.  

Working Requirements 

• Participation in a 24/7 roster system, including nights, weekends and public holidays as required.  
• Ability to work in a safety-critical operational control room environment.  
• Ability to maintain concentration during periods of both high and low operational activity.  
• Compliance with Dublin Port Company policies, procedures, safety requirements and training obligations.  
• Maintenance of required qualifications, local authorisations and competence standards.  

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Dublin Port Company is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating a workplace that promotes diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.