Guernsey’s new harbourmaster will bring more than 30 years’ maritime experience and significant local knowledge to the role.
Captain Jerome Davis, Guernsey Ports’ Head of Port Operations for the last six years, is succeeding Captain David Barker as Guernsey’s harbourmaster. He joined Guernsey Ports as an assistant harbourmaster in 2015 and was promoted to head of port operations in 2018.
Captain Davis said: “I have fallen in love with Guernsey during my time here and it is an honour to be able to serve the island as its harbourmaster. “The island relies on its harbours for just about everything, from the safe movement of fuel and freight to the smooth flow of passengers, and I am proud to be able to contribute to that.
“While I am well acquainted with the role of harbourmaster, having served as David’s deputy, I will be gleaning as much as possible from him in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth handover. David has been an excellent mentor throughout his time here – I have some big boots to fill!”
Captain Davis started his seagoing career with BP Shipping and then transferred to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. He entered the ports industry in 2005, initially as a dock master at Port of Tilbury, before joining Portsmouth International Port as its operations manager in 2007 and moving to Guernsey in 2015.
He is a certified HM Coastguard Maritime Search Mission Coordinator and has qualifications in Occupational Health and Safety, Strategic Emergency and Crisis Management. He holds a Lloyds Harbourmaster Diploma and a Lloyds Diploma in Port Management. He is also a volunteer Launch Authority for the RNLI.
Outside of work, Captain Davis enjoys spending time outdoors, keeping fit and learning about local history. He also enjoys playing chess and is currently learning Portuguese.
Guernsey Ports chief operating officer Ross Coppolo said: “I am delighted with Captain Davis’ appointment. Captain Davis has over 30 years’ maritime experience across different sectors, including working with a number of port operators, as well as passenger and cargo vessel operators.
“Prior to joining Guernsey Ports in January 2015, he spent seven years with Portsmouth International Port overseeing the safe and efficient working of the port including the allocation of resources, overseeing dock operations, maintaining and continually improving regulatory compliance and ensuring the smooth flow of freight and passengers.
“Since joining Guernsey Ports, Captain Davis has held the roles of assistant harbour master and, more recently, head of port operations which included overseeing all harbour operational activities on a daily basis. Captain Davis will be working closely alongside Captain Barker, who is retiring in mid-August, to ensure a smooth transition.”
The main picture shows David Barker and Jerome Davis.
