International Harbourmaster Association

This page gives general information about Harbour Masters. 'However, a single webpage cannot be expected to do justice to such a varied subject, which can differ not only from country to country but from port to port and also with the size of the port and its type of trade.

For those wishing to become Harbour Masters, there are recognised courses available and links to those IHMA knows about are given below. However, when assessing if the role of Harbour Master in a specific port is for you then there is no substitute for visiting the port and getting to know its particular requirements.

A "Harbour Master" is a person who, whatever may be their local title, holds a managerial position in marine operations and exercises this role at a place and in ways that normally meet one or more of the following criteria :

Jurisdiction is exercised over the water frontage or water area of a port or port approach.

A legal and / or operational responsibility for the movement of shipping may be involved.

In undertaking their role they possess an authority conferred on them by law, regulations or rules.

There is significant involvement in ensuring that port or marine operations within the area of their jurisdiction are carried out safely.

Title may vary according to national or local style and currently (but not exclusively) include:

Harbour Master	Capitaine du Port
Port Captain	Director Nautical Affairs
Commandant du Port	Port Operations Manager
Hafenkapitan	Capitano di Porto
Havnefoged	Port Commander
Port Master	Maritime Co-ordinator
Master Attendant	Capitao do Porto
Capitaine de Port	Traffic Manager
Manager - Marine Operations	Head of Terminal
Maritime Director	Principal Marine Officer
Havenmeester

For those conducting research into Harbour Masters, the IHMA was formed in 1996 and holds no earlier records.

The role of the Harbour Master

The article 'The role of the Harbour Master' was written by a founding member of IHMA and forms the first chapter of the Nautical Institute's book 'The Work of the Harbour Master'(click for link). It deals mainly with a UK perspective but has a generic opening section and is reproduced by kind permission of the author and the Nautical Institute. Would be Harbour Masters are strongly recommended to read the complete book, as it covers specific tasks of a Harbour Master and also gives of view points from other parts of the world.'

Relevant courses

The courses below are believed relevant to those contemplating a career as a Harbour Master but do heed the advice given by Lt Cdr Bradley in his article about what qualifications a port may be looking for and don't rely on a diploma / certificate to be your only (or even a) ticket to success. (read article)

Nautical Institute - Harbour Master Certificate Scheme (click for link)

IBC (Global Academy) - Diploma in Port Management (click for link)

IBC (Global Academy) - Diploma for Harbour Masters (click for link)

World Maritime University - Port Management (click for link)

If you know of any others then please contact secretary.ihma@harbourmaster.org with the details and an appropriate URL.

Return to Top