Daniel Wade Email & Phone Number

Gravesend, England, United Kingdom

A vessel traffic services officer is like an air traffic controller but for ships. The Port of London covers 92 miles of waterway run by two VTS centres. One at Woolwich and one at Gravesend. The Gravesend centre covers an area from Margate to an area off the coast of Holland haven, up to Purfleet/Rainham. The Woolwich VTS centre then takes over and covers up to Teddington lock. Our primary role is the safety and efficiency of river traffic, the safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment. We interact with vessels via VHF and provide information, advice or instructions to aid onboard decision making. Recently I have been doing a lot of in house training for new staff members and am one of three, who run a VTS simulator for C 103/5 refresher courses, which are held in house.

River Thames

Marine river inspector and captain on the Harbour masters launch. Working as a crew of three initially and then two, covering two river sectors. Southend to Dagenham and Dagenham to Putney. I was in charge of the safe running of the launch and it’s crew. Regular river patrols jetty inspections were carried out, looking for safety and access issues. I would act as the initial on scene investigator for marine incidents and emergencies.

River Thames

Coxswain on the Harbour masters launch based at Gravesend. Working as a crew of three patrolling the Thames between Southend and Dagenham, enforcing bye laws and general directions. I would assist the captain with jetty and ship inspections and any other tasks assigned to me.

River Thames

Deckhand on the Harbour masters launch based at Gravesend. Working amongst a crew of three we would patrol the Thames between Southend and Dagenham. Engaging in search and rescue and enforcing bye laws. My job was to assist the coxswain and captain with the day to day running of the launch. My duties included performing engine checks at the start of each watch, fuelling when required and the general tidying and light maintenance of the vessel

River Thames

Marine apprentice spending time on various PLA craft including the salvage, hydro and Harbour service. Time also spent with port health, Corys, Cleanaways and Bennett’s tugs and catamaran cruises. I covered the whole area of the Thames from the outer estuary to Teddington lock