Falmouth’s Deputy Harbour Master Ifor Pedley has become one of the few harbour professionals in the country to gain a UK Harbour Master Certificate for excellence in his operations role within the busy Trust Port.

As a consummate man of the sea with a background in Operations Management and port marine safety, Ifor undertook the rigorous eighteen month certification and assessment process with Port Training Ltd. Less than 45 certificates have been issued nationally.

Port Training Ltd deliver the course and accreditation on behalf of the UK Harbour Masters’ Association and Port Skills & Safety and while not compulsory for UK Harbour Masters it is becoming more important as Harbours look to improve services and safety.

It is the only certificate officially recognised by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Department for Transport and demonstrates a candidate’s knowledge, understanding and practical experience required in a Harbour Master’s demanding role.

Ifor says, “Undertaking the Harbour Master Certificate programme has been both challenging and time consuming, but the knowledge I have gained and consolidated through the 17 modules has given me a grounding on all aspects of Harbour Mastering. I look forward to putting everything into practice and ensuring that Falmouth is a safe and enjoyable harbour for all of its users.”

Ifor has worked with Falmouth Harbour for over 4 years including serving as Assistant Harbour Master for Operations and on the Pilot Boats – and he is now Deputy to Falmouth Harbour Master Miles Featherstone, who also holds the UKHM Certificate.

No stranger to independent study he holds a Masters Degree in Business and as a keen yachtsman has competed in international sailing events. Ifor is also an accomplished scuba diver and has been on and around the harbour all his life.

“Ifor was already an amazing asset to the Harbour Master team in Falmouth Harbour,” says FH CEO Miles Carden. “I know Ifor worked incredibly hard to gain this Certificate, which will now give him the technical backing to an extensive sailing and boating CV. Falmouth Harbour is an incredibly diverse and increasingly busy port so to have the certificates to endorse practical knowledge and experience is critical as we work hard to keep Harbour users safe.”