Studying at sea for a move ashore

Chief officer Jamie Lovell recently became the first person to qualify with the UKHMA Harbour Master Certificate while working full-time at sea. He tells Sarah Robinson how he did it and what he plans to do next

Jamie Lovell has been in the maritime industry for over 25 years, having started out in 1998 as a cadet at Glasgow College of Nautical Studies.

His seagoing experience covers an impressively wide range of vessels, including offshore construction, heavy lift, towing, dredging, ro-ro passenger, fishery protection, scientific survey and general cargo.

'I've been lucky enough to work on some of the largest offshore vessels in the world, such as the AllSeas vessel Solitaire,' he says, and he has recently been working as a chief officer on the giant heavylift, pipelay and construction vessel Timas 1201.

He clearly likes his work, but in common with many seafarers, he has given careful thought to the work he might do when he eventually decides to come ashore – including the study that may involve.

Planning a move ashore

'I wanted to be a strong position for future job opportunities,' Jamie says, 'so the first thing was completing the National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (NEBOSH) course in 2021, which I enjoyed doing. I then looked around for a longer-term course which appealed to me.'

That course turned out to be the Harbour Master Certificate awarded by the UK Harbour Masters Association (UKHMA). The certificate was launched in 2012 after a standard-setting process by UKHMA and the industry body Port Skills and Safety, and over 50 certificates have been awarded to date.

'When it is time for me to come ashore, I want to be in a job where a can use some of knowledge and experience I have accrued over my years working at sea,' says Jamie. 'This certificate seemed a good fit for any type of shore job related to the shipping industry.'

Contents of the harbour master course

The certificate is entirely by studied by distance learning, which includes Zoom meetings and webinars. Candidates must demonstrate capability, knowledge and understanding of the current National Occupational Standards for Harbour Masters (NOS). There are 16 units, which are all mandatory, irrespective of the background or working environment of the candidate.

Topics studied include Conferred Powers, Reporting and Investigating Marine Incidents, Need for Port Pilotage, Manage Port Vessel Traffic, Manage Conservancy and Managing Port Security.

A challenging choice

Although he found the material interesting, Jamie says the course could be difficult and time-consuming, especially as he was not in the port industry and was still working at sea. 'I was forewarned this would be the case,' he admits. 'Remote studying whilst in your 40's was tough to say the least. Factor into that 12-hour shifts whilst on the vessel and sometimes poor weather and internet connection.

'Nonetheless, I like a challenge and enjoyed clearing the units one by one. Part of each unit on the course is evidence-based, and I had to work hard to get what's required from large ports such as London or small ports such as Berwick.

'However, there was always support whilst on the course from a mentor (an experienced harbour master) to assist when required.'

The final hurdle

Jamie completed all the units – 'after two years of hard work' – in April 2024. There was then a face-to-face oral examination conducted by two examiners, moderated by a port training representative and witnessed by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).

He was finally presented with his certificate in November 2024 at the UKHMA autumn conference in London.

What's next?

Jamie says he plans to gain some more master experience at sea before coming ashore. Somewhat surprisingly, he adds: 'I'm interested in starting another course whilst still working at sea to further improve my chances of getting a good job shoreside.'

So what would he say to other experienced seafarers looking to change direction through further study? 'Choose a topic or subject that you are genuinely interested in and that would also be beneficial to you with regards to any future job prospects. Set realistic goals and study in a way that works for you.

'Do not underestimate any course you decide to undertake and be under no illusions how difficult it will be to get through it. Take into account your working hours onboard your vessel, the quality of your internet connection and family commitments whilst at home.'