From deckhand... to Acting Harbour Master

Thursday 20 July 2023

An islander who started out as a deckhand six years ago has risen up the ranks to become Jersey's latest Acting Harbour Master.

Joe Lewis was recently sworn in by Jersey’s Royal Court, allowing him to carry out day-to-day oversight of the harbours and exercise legal powers as needed.

His appointment takes the total number of Harbour Pilots to four – all of whom are sworn in as Acting Harbour Masters, who are responsible for upholding the local maritime laws and regulations when the Harbour Master is absent or not on duty.

Joe started working with Ports of Jersey in 2017 as a deckhand in the Marine Services team.

He gained experience and qualifications, rose through the ranks from Deckhand to Duty Master, and in 2022 started his training to become a Harbour Pilot.

After having successfully completed his training, Joe will now join the Duty Pilot roster. 

Pictured: Joe Lewis started working with Ports of Jersey in 2017 as a deckhand in the Marine Services team, and has worked his way up the ranks.

Joe said: “I am proud to have been qualified as a Harbour Pilot and look forward to the challenges of this new role.

"Ports of Jersey has been generous in its investment in my career, and I will do my best to justify the confidence shown in me.”

Jersey’s Harbour Master Captain Bill Sadler said: “I am delighted to see local talent continuing to be recognised by our maritime sector and I wish Joe every success in his new role.”