Manager - VTS

Role Overview

Manager - VTS at AD Ports Group. The WMCC-VTS Manager is responsible for managing and coordinating the activities of the WMCC-VTS centre, ensuring compliance with current rules, regulations and legislation, developing and maintaining management standards, and overseeing the training and qualification of all WMCC-VTS Operators in accordance with Abu Dhabi Ports Safety and Quality Management Systems.

Role Purpose

The WMCC-VTS Manager plans, maintains and develops emergency procedures, and records and prepares evidence in response to incidents or accidents within the waterways area of responsibility. The role ensures effective operations of the VTS centre through team leadership, risk management, compliance monitoring, and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Maintain and develop the safety culture.
• Ensure an effective public relations and information service.
• Manage the maintenance of the WMCC-VTS software systems, equipment and hardware.
• Manage and review Standard of procedures manuals, Safety Maps, Risk Assessment and equipment to ensure efficient operations.
• Ensure that the Service Level Agreement (SLA) established between Waterways and its internal or external partners is effectively implemented and monitored, specifically with regard to the operational, safety and performance requirements of the WMCC-VTS.
• Manage operations and traffic in the Abu Dhabi waterways.
• Cover WMCC-VTS in operations preparation meetings for abnormal operations.
• Continue enhancement of internal processes.
• Ensure timely and accurate incident notification and reporting by the team in accordance with established protocols.

People Management

• Manage a team of WMCC Vessel Traffic Service Operators (VTSOs/Supervisor) employed on a continual shift roster.
• Ensure availability of qualified WMCC-VTS operators at all times.
• Conduct appraisals and undertake annual assessments.
• Lead the WMCC-VTS team actively, ensuring that the centre delivers a consistent high-quality service.
• Interview and select new WMCC-VTS candidates.
• Follow, assess and enhance the WMCC-VTS team knowledge and performance.
• Prepare monthly VTS employee rosters.
• Ensure that VTS employees implement their roles and ensure there is no breach to rules and regulations during maneuvering.
• Ensure timely response of the WMCC-VTS team.

Financial and Resource Management

• Manage financial, technical and Human Resources issues such as maintenance of shift rosters.

Strategic Planning and Governance

• Assess the risks of vessel movements and establish cost effective processes and procedures to ensure that risk management is optimized.
• Establish methods, procedures and technological solutions to gather the information necessary to report on and manage vessel movement.
• Place plan to ensure business continuity.
• Cover the WMCC with internal and external Delegates.
• Participate in internal and external Drills.
• Lead, enhance and progress automation of the VTS processes (Management system).
• Build the SOW, raise the request, conduct the technical evaluation and follow the implementation for VTS system upgrades.
• Review monthly reports and send them to Director, Waterways, AD Maritime; provide any other reports required by AD Maritime/ITC.
• Take action against Non-Compliance.
• Provide data to the AD Maritime management.
• Lead the department internal and external audits.
• Conduct benchmarking.
• Make decisions when the waterways director does not respond, where applicable.
• Plan Traffic Management in conflict scenarios.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering (Water Resources), or any relevant management qualification.
• Minimum of 4 years as a VTS Supervisor.
• Experience in leading and managing complex operational teams which have critical importance to organizational objectives.
• Completion of C0103-1 and C0103-2 qualifications.
• Familiarity with maritime communication systems, radar and other navigational aids.
• Knowledge of international and local maritime laws and regulations to ensure compliance and safety within the waterways.

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrate high-level communication skills (verbal and written) to liaise and work collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders to facilitate cooperation in achieving outcomes and to establish and maintain strong effective working relationships.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing in Arabic and English to report adequately to superiors and to form good relations, negotiate and resolve conflicts with stakeholders.
• Maintain fluency in English and Arabic language.
• Work effectively in a team, including the ability to respond to the needs of team members and provide them with assistance when required.
• Demonstrate good working and management knowledge.
• Maintain confidentiality and work with third parties while retaining professional demeanor in confrontational situations.
• Carry out duties effectively and efficiently and according to defined objectives under minimal supervision.
• Monitor the operational and functional integrity of communications equipment, computer and navigational aids.
• Possess knowledge of maritime regulations and terminology.