Coastal State Service Lead

Job Title: Coastal State Service Lead
Location: Southampton, UK
Job Type: Full-time contract, 12 Months
Work Model: Hybrid (3 days office/2 days stakeholder engagement)

Summary:
A senior maritime professional to lead a 12-month strategic project addressing knowledge gaps in emerging coastal state technologies.
The role will focus on research, stakeholder liaison, regulatory analysis, and production of a comprehensive recommendation report to inform the UK's regulatory position at international level.

Strategic Context
The Client represents the UK at international maritime forums, including the:
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
United Nations maritime discussions

A range of new navigation and positioning technologies are being introduced globally to replace Legacy systems. The UK must determine:
What technologies are suitable for UK coastal state services
What regulatory positions should be adopted
What infrastructure and service implications exist
How to influence international direction to the UK's advantage

Failure to act would:
Leave knowledge gaps unaddressed
Limit the UK's influence at international forums
Restrict development of coastal state systems
Increase risks in increasingly congested and complex maritime environments

Core Objectives:
Conduct in-depth research into emerging maritime navigation technologies
Liaise with Lighthouse Authorities and other maritime stakeholders
Engage with international regulatory developments
Analyse service delivery implications for UK coastal state infrastructure
Produce a high-quality strategic report with recommendations
Advise on the regulatory direction the UK should advocate internationally

Essential Criteria (Non-Negotiable):
Professional Certificate of Master Mariner (Class 2.2 Unlimited) - MUST HAVE
Proven Command Experience
Strong Project Experience
Senior-level Navigation Experience
Experience working within Government or Public Sector

Required Experience:
Organisational experience within Coastal State Services
Experience liaising with Lighthouse Authorities
Regulatory or policy environment exposure
Strong research and analytical capability
Exceptional written reporting skills
Experience working both onboard vessels and within state/government maritime structures

Desirable Experience:
Regulatory setting experience
Programme/Project Management exposure
Experience within or alongside:
- Royal Navy
- Senior military/naval leadership roles
- UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO)
- Cruise ship command structures