The Port of Inverness is delighted to announce the appointment of Capt. Stephanie Smith as Deputy Harbour Master. Stephanie took up the position at the beginning of August, and commenting on her appointment, Sinclair Browne Port Chief Executive said: “We are pleased to welcome Stephanie to the Port team. We undertook a comprehensive recruitment campaign to which we received an excellent response. Stephanie brings a wealth of experience and I am sure that she will play an important role in the Port’s continued development.”
Stephanie started her seagoing career in 2007, completing a cadetship with James Fisher & Sons on oil product tankers. Once qualified, she moved into the Offshore sector, joining seismic acquisition company Polarcus DMCC. She spent ten years working on DP2 survey vessels, gaining her Master Unlimited license in 2019. At the end of 2020 she moved ashore to join the Port of London Authority as Deputy Harbour Master. Joining the team in Inverness, Stephanie is particularly enjoying being back onboard vessels for pilot training. In her spare time, she is working towards a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Maritime Operations.
Gordon Mackenzie, the current Deputy Harbour Master, will retire in December this year and Sinclair further commented: “Gordon decided earlier this year that he wanted to retire and we are very grateful and appreciative of the considerable notice period he provided that has allowed us to undertake a wide-ranging recruitment campaign. He will also be on hand to ensure a smooth transition and help Stephanie settle in.”
The photo shows Capt. Smith at the Port of Inverness with the tanker Solway Fisher in the background, a ship that Capt. Smith served on board during her cadetship.