International harbourmaster for Tauranga

Tauranga based harbourmasters Jennifer Roberts and Carl Magazinovic are thought to be the only harbourmasters in the country internationally qualified.
Tauranga Harbourmaster Jennifer Roberts has already received her diploma, with Carl expecting to sit his final exam later in the year.

Jennifer’s diploma, awarded after a year’s work and a three hour exam provides a comprehensive knowledge of the relevant legislation, risk control techniques and navigational management involved in being a harbourmaster.
“It was heavy duty, the whole thing,” says Jennifer. “Every profession has ongoing training requirements. At the moment there are no formal training systems for harbourmasters.
“When the requirement for formal training comes in this might be part of it. It gives me a really good overview of what’s happening world wide and how we fit into that picture.  “It’s made me a better harbourmaster. I’m delighted.”
The prestigious international diploma is part of the Lloyds Maritime Academy.
It involves a year’s study with 2000 word monthly assignments on course modules that include managing marine operations, marine environmental management, vessel traffic services, and all the other requirements that are part of the harbourmasters’ job.
The distance learning course has the final exam in London, but Jennifer was able to arrange the Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard to receive the papers and supervise.
Course director is Rear Admiral Bruce Richardson RN (retd), the former chief harbourmaster for the Port of London Authority.
Unlike at the Port of Tauranga where the port company takes responsibility for commercial operational matters, Bruce had overall responsibility for all operational and navigational matters affecting the PLA including pilotage, vessel traffic management, hydrography, harbour services, regulatory enforcement and emergency management.