Harbour master

A harbour master is the statutory authority responsible for the safe operation of a port and its waters, with legal powers over ship movements, berthing, pilotage, anchorages, and the enforcement of port byelaws. The role coordinates the vessel traffic service, directs the response to incidents and pollution, and can detain or refuse entry to unsafe ships. It is the operational counterpart to the port authority’s commercial and infrastructure functions, and the person who ultimately controls when and how a ship moves within the port.