Operations Supervisor - Port Of Tyne - Port Of Tyne
(2023-11)
Experienced and safety‑driven Operations Supervisor with a strong track record leading teams in the safe, efficient handling of bulk, conventional, and unconventional cargo. I combine confident operational leadership with advanced proficiency in port systems, documentation processes, and heavy machinery, ensuring full compliance with the IMO BLU Code, DVSA regulations, and all port safety frameworks. I deliver clear, practical Toolbox Talks and live demonstrations of life‑saving equipment, embedding a proactive safety culture and ensuring consistent adherence to safe working practices.
With specialist lifting‑operations expertise, I have identified and quarantined defective equipment, collaborated with lifting specialists to redesign training serials, and contributed to improved lifting‑equipment training now adopted across the organisation. My technical capability spans SharePoint (lifting plans, SOPs, RAs, PTWs), Evotix, Engica, Cascade, HR systems, Comtrac V4, and work‑order management for facilities, maintenance, and machinery faults. A trained Slinger/Banksman/Rigger and qualified operator, I have support the training and competency assessment of forty personnel of Liebherr 55
- Operational Planning — Proactively plan, organise and supervise day‑to‑day port operations, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods, containers and bulk cargo.
- Cross‑functional Support — Work flexibly across multiple business areas, taking on additional operational tasks as required to maintain smooth service delivery.
- Vessel Scheduling — Manage digital systems to plan vessel arrivals and departures, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant scheduling.
- Load & Discharge Planning — Develop optimised loading and discharge plans to maximise productivity and minimise turnaround times.
- Team Leadership — Lead, motivate and develop operational teams, fostering a high‑performance, inclusive and safety‑focused culture.
- Port Operations Management — Oversee cargo handling, vessel planning and the deployment of operational plant and equipment.
- Health & Safety Management — Maintain a safe working environment by enforcing safety standards, conducting checks and promoting safe working practices.
- Customer Coordination — Collaborate with customers on day‑to‑day operational requirements, ensuring service expectations are met and issues resolved quickly.
- Flexible Working — Work flexibly across day shifts, night shifts and weekends to support 24/7 operational requirements.
- Equipment operation — Operate a wide range of heavy equipment, including cranes and plant machinery, both on‑vessel and on land, ensuring safe and efficient performance in all conditions.
- Cargo handling — Work across all operational areas to support the safe, timely, and efficient movement of goods, including containers and bulk cargo.
- Loading and discharge — Execute loading, discharging, and restow operations for various cargo types in line with operational requirements and safety standards.
- Crane operations — Operate cranes for loading and unloading container vessels and bulk/cargo ships, maintaining precision, safety, and efficiency.
- Load coordination — Coordinate cargo movements in alignment with vessel schedules and dock sailing times to maintain operational continuity.
- Warehouse liaison — Collaborate with on‑site warehouse personnel to organise storage, product movement, and inventory flow.
- Manage resources — Staffing, and equipment allocation across varied shift patterns including nights and weekends.
Petty Officer / Chief Petty Officer Deck - Royal Fleet Auxiliary
(2023-03 - 2023-11)
- Lead deck operations, daily tasking, and workforce planning, ensuring vessels remained fully prepared for military commitments.
- Managed all deck personnel, setting KPIs, overseeing safety, and ensuring all evolutions were carried out to required standards.
- Advanced to Chief Petty Officer Deck, taking full departmental responsibility and coordinating operational planning with the Captain and Chief Officer.
- Managed maintenance planning, certification, and servicing of heavy machinery, MHE, boats, and lifting equipment in line with LOLER/ACOP.
- Managed contractor support, monitored progress, prioritized work requests and completed post‑inspection sign‑off using SCPM/UMMS systems.
- Maintained compliance for hazardous waste, documentation, and audit readiness (MCA/Lloyds).
- Chaired safety committee meetings, identifying hazards and implementing MARPOL‑aligned solutions.
- Delivered high‑standard training on deck machinery, anchoring, winches, cranes, lifeboat davits, and emergency procedures; certified crew competence.
- Development performance reviews, mentoring personnel, identifying strengths, improving departmental capability.
- Progression, rapidly advanced through five promotions, including temporary CPO, recognised for strong work ethic, safety focus, and leadership ability.
Leading Hand Deck - Royal Fleet Auxiliary
(2004-11 - 2023-03)
- Leadership of deck teams in excess of 50 personnel across a wide range of operations including RAS (Replenishment at Sea), fast rescue boat drills, helicopter operations, and passenger transfers.
- Management paperwork, SOPs, risk assessments, and permits to work, ensuring all safety protocols were followed.
- High, Fast Performance- environments, including deployments in conflict zones, requiring disciplined, calm, and logical decision‑making.
- Maintained strong inter‑departmental communication to ensure operational readiness and personnel competence (SQEP).
- Promoted a "walk, crawl, run" training approach, improving safety & work culture, supporting apprentice schemes, less‑experienced, foreign & non-departmental crew.
- Responsible, demonstrating flexibility and reliability, often becoming the first point of contact for operational issues.
- Development reports for each deployment, evidencing consistent high performance and readiness for advancement.
Senior Deck Rating - PD Tees Port
During my time at PD Tees Port, I progressed rapidly through multiple promotions, ultimately leaving as a Senior Deck Hand. I became fully multi‑skilled across all vessel types and gained extensive hands‑on experience with a wide range of platforms and mechanical operations.
- Deck operations on survey craft, police and harbour master vessels, pilot launches, suction and grab dredgers, buoy tenders, and the river clearer.
- Developing strong vessel‑handling skills across both conventional and unconventional craft.
- Supporting marine operations with a high level of adaptability, technical competence, and safety awareness.
- Building broad mechanical knowledge through daily operational tasks and equipment handling across multiple vessel classes.
Dual Rating – Able Seaman - B. Marshalls Marine / Fisheries Protection
Worked both Deck and Engine Rating on a 28‑metre multi‑drop anchor vessel, holding full watchkeeping qualifications.
- Conducted anchor‑handling operations and safely embarked dive teams for storm‑drain rectification tasks.
- Ship's husbandry, hotel services, and mechanical maintenance on deck and in the engine room.
- Carried out diesel generator changeovers, oil‑level monitoring, and black/grey water discharge procedures.
- Maintained ancillary equipment and supported safe vessel operations during temporary leave‑rotation contracts.
