Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Nekzad Cama

Hoppers Crossing,Victoria

Summary

Accomplished Master Mariner and Assistant Harbour Master at Ports Victoria, with a Master's degree in maritime studies and expertise in marine navigation and digital maritime operations. Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and fostering stakeholder engagement. Proficient in ECDIS and adept at strategic policy development, significantly enhancing maritime safety and operational efficiency.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistant Harbour Master (Senior VTS Officer)

Ports Victoria
08.2021 - Current
  • Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
  • Maintained strict adherence to industry regulations, minimizing risk exposure for the organization.
  • Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
  • Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
  • Improved department efficiency by streamlining and implementing policies and processes.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex issues, leading to more efficient problem-solving processes.
  • Coordinated operations with other emergency service groups.
  • Spearheaded successful projects from conception through completion, showcasing strong project management abilities.
  • supervise the safe and efficient movement of vessels in the Port of Melbourne in accordance with
    Ports Victoria policies and procedures, VTS standards, safe operating procedures, port operating
    guidelines and Harbour Master’s Directions (HMDs);
    • provide overall supervision of the duty Melbourne VTS and Lonsdale VTS staff;
    • conduct the day-to-day responsibilities of the duty Assistant Harbour Master as delegated under the
    provisions of the Marine Safety Act 2010 for the Port of Melbourne;
    • coordinate the provision of requisite marine services to shipping;
    • liaise with ship’s agents and owners on day-to-day matters relating to their vessels; and
    • minimise the risks of interactions between commercial and recreational vessels in port waters.

· Led a team of navigation, communication, and distress alerting experts in developing and advising on policies and plans for safe ship navigation in Melbourne waters.

· Provided subject matter expertise on internal developments in navigation safety and, radiocommunication.

· Managed resources and developed work plans aligned with the local and Australian Maritime Safety Authority's (AMSA) goals and mission.

· Oversaw the preparation of submissions, reports, and briefs for internal and external stakeholders.

· Spearheaded the introduction of digital maritime services SMS pilot information, ensuring smooth implementation and user adoption.

·

VTS Opeator

Victorian Ports Corporation
06.2018 - 08.2021
Duties and Responsibilities: Assistant Harbour Master (Melbourne)

Vessel Traffic Management (VTM):

  • Oversee the safe and efficient movement of vessels in the Port of Melbourne, adhering to:Ports Victoria (PV) policies and procedures
    Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) standards
    Safe operating procedures
    Port operating guidelines
    Harbour Master's Directions (HMDs)
  • Provide overall supervision of the duty Melbourne VTS and Lonsdale VTS staff.
  • Fulfill the day-to-day responsibilities of the duty Assistant Harbour Master, as delegated under the Marine Safety Act 2010, for the Port of Melbourne.

Maritime Services and Communication:

  • Coordinate the provision of essential marine services to incoming and outgoing ships.
  • Liaise with ship agents and owners on daily matters concerning their vessels.
  • Minimize the risk of interactions between commercial and recreational vessels within port waters.

Emergency Management and Security:

  • Act as the duty Assistant Harbour Master responsible for day-to-day management of shipping movements.
  • Hold delegated powers according to the provisions of the Marine Safety Act 2010.
  • Refer any situations outside of normal port operations or exceeding standard operating procedures to the Deputy Harbour Master-VTS Manager or Deputy Harbour Master-Navigation Services.

Coordination and Monitoring:

  • Coordinate the safe, efficient, and effective movement of vessel traffic within port waters, complying with:PV policies, procedures, and plans (including HMDs)
    VTS Operations Manual
    Associated notices and publications
  • Coordinate and monitor the provision of shipping services (pilots, tugs, lines boats, mooring gangs, bunkering barges, etc.) in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Implement the designated functions and requirements of the Melbourne Port Emergency Management Plan (MPEMP).
  • Ensure day-to-day coordination of emergency response and security-related call-outs within the Port of Melbourne and Port Phillip, adhering to established policies and procedures.
  • Coordinate communication with non-shipping vessel traffic (e.g., recreational vessels).
  • Collaborate with other statutory authorities regarding event management.
  • Coordinate and manage vessel traffic related to dredging, construction, and other restricted activities.
  • Oversee boat patrols as required.
  • Monitor vessel movements using appropriate methods based on prevailing circumstances.

Master Mariner

Stellar Ocean Transport
06.2012 - 06.2018
  • Reduced fuel consumption through effective route planning and optimizing vessel speed.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients by providing exceptional customer service and prompt communication regarding shipment status updates.
  • Maintained detailed records of all aspects of ship operations in accordance with regulatory requirements, facilitating audits by external agencies when needed.
  • Led emergency response efforts during critical situations such as fires or medical emergencies on board, ensuring crew safety and minimal damage to the vessel.
  • Coordinated with shore-based support teams to maintain accurate inventories of provisions, spare parts, and equipment for smooth operation during voyages.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers and service providers to secure favorable terms for the ship''s operational needs.
  • Conducted comprehensive pre-voyage inspections of the vessel''s seaworthiness and ensured compliance with regulatory requirements before departure from port.
  • Collaborated with port authorities to expedite clearance procedures, ensuring smooth passage through international waters.
  • Enhanced vessel safety by implementing rigorous training programs and conducting regular drills for crew members.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Maritime Studies

Blackpool And Fylde College
Blackpool United Kingdom
12.2009

Skills

    Education and Expertise: Possess a Mastersdegree in Appliedscience in maritime studies, complemented by extensive senior-level experience in maritime disciplines such as marine navigation, Vessel traffic services and digital maritime operations Proven track record in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and implementing best practices in maritime safety and operations

    Leadership and Team Management: Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage Melbourne and Lonsdale VTS staff Provide & coordinate training of VTSOs as required, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and adherence to regulatory standards

    Communication Skills: Exceptionalability to communicate information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, essential for conveying critical maritime information and facilitating effective team collaboration

    Technical Proficiency: Proficient in understanding and utilizing modern shipboard navigation aids, including Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), as well as positioning, navigation, and timing systems Skilled in implementing distress alerting and radiocommunication protocols to enhance operational efficiency and safety

    International Awareness: Able to quickly grasp and navigate international developments affecting maritime operations Familiar with the roles and regulations of prominent international organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) in navigation and radiocommunication matters

    Work Coordination

    Report Writing

    Innovation and Creativity

    Strategic Planning and Policy Development

    Stakeholder Engagement

Timeline

Assistant Harbour Master (Senior VTS Officer)

Ports Victoria
08.2021 - Current

VTS Opeator

Victorian Ports Corporation
06.2018 - 08.2021

Master Mariner

Stellar Ocean Transport
06.2012 - 06.2018

Bachelor of Science - Maritime Studies

Blackpool And Fylde College
Nekzad Cama