The world's oldest and largest professional harbour masters association has announced a new president from Forth Ports and its first woman leader.
The UK Harbour Masters Association (UKHMA) has welcomed Forth Ports' senior harbour master Ashley Nicholson as its new president. She was previously the UKHMA's vice president and president-elect of the organisation which has almost 500 professional and commercial harbour master members.
Ms Nicholson has worked for Forth Ports for nearly 12 years starting her career with the port group in 2008 as VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) Operator. She joined Forth Ports after graduating from Strathclyde University with a BSc in Nautical Science in 2007 and a brief spell at sea with Saga Cruises.
Ms Nicholson was one of the initial group of harbour masters in the United Kingdom to achieve the MCA Acknowledged Harbour Masters Certificate of Competency. She is also part of the certificate management group who continue to support this industry's lead qualification.
Of her appointment Ms Nicholson said: 'I look forward to my time as President of the UKHMA and will strive to continue the excellent work of my predecessors in representing the Harbour Masters of the UK and shall promote, encourage and grow the association whilst continuing to provide a valuable return to the UKHMA membership and the Harbour Mastering community in general.'
Ms Nicholson has held her present role of senior harbour master since 2017 and currently manages all the Ports on the River Forth, now focusing on the Ports of Grangemouth, Rosyth, Kirkcaldy & Burntisland.
The prestigious Scottish Engineering / Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow Award is also among her gongs for the role she played in managing the marine operations during the construction of the new Queensferry Crossing in the River Forth. More recently she also received the Women in Industry award for the first time at the CeeD (Centre for Engineering Education and Development) Industry Awards 2020 for her continued efforts to drive the change required to ensure a more gender diverse workforce within the maritime sector.
Ms Nicholson succeeds out going Association president Julian Seaman (Harbour Master /Marine Director Shoreham Port) on 10 June.
Tags
More articles
Union urges Condor Ferries to engage over proposed redundancies
Nautilus has urged Condor Ferries to engage with it over planned crew redundancies on its high-speed services between the UK, Guernsey and Jersey.
Empress of Ireland crew remembered 106 years after sinking
Tributes have been paid to Merchant Navy crew and passengers ahead of the 106th anniversary of the sinking of steamship ocean liner Empress of Ireland in what is often described as 'Canada's Titanic'.
ICS seeks real-time crew change data from ships masters
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is collecting information on the ability of ships to conduct crew changes during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Shipmasters join urgent calls for crew changes
Shipmasters caught up in the Covid-19 pandemic have made an urgent call to governments for crew changes to be allowed.
New Stella Maris rose reminder for charity's centenary year
As the 2020 RHS Chelsea Flower show goes virtual due to the Covid-19 pandemic, gardeners looking for plant inspiration are reminded they can still buy the new variety of rose developed for maritime welfare charity Stella Maris.
Union welcomes first meeting with shadow shipping minister
The UK shadow maritime minister has promised to support Nautilus raising vital concerns and issues in Parliament follow a meeting with the Union's general secretary.