Marine Consultancy and Designated Person
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (Utility)Estimated Value
Not specified
Deadline
31 July 2026
Published
12 June 2026
Type
services
Overview
Provide expert marine consultancy services covering harbour operations, marine safety, navigational risk assessment, conservancy, aids to navigation, marine governance, incident investigation support, policy and procedure development, operational reviews, harbour legislation advice and support for infrastructure and vessel interface projects. CMAL wish to appoint a sole supplier to provide CMAL with Marine Consultancy support services and a ‘Designated Person’ and to (1) give CMAL Board as the duty holder under the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) independent assurance that the Safety Management System is working effectively and to audit CMAL’s compliance with the PMSC (2). Provide CMAL with professional marine advice, guidance and support services, when required, in order to function as a Harbour Authority.
AI Analysis
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Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is looking for a specialist marine consultant to provide expert advice on harbour safety, operations, and compliance with UK maritime law. The role includes acting as an independent safety auditor and a 'Designated Person' — someone responsible for ensuring CMAL's safety systems meet legal requirements under the Port Marine Safety Code.
Requirements
- Must be able to act as a 'Designated Person' under the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC)
- Must have expertise in harbour operations and marine safety
- Must be able to conduct independent audits of safety management systems
- Must have knowledge of maritime governance and harbour legislation
- Must be able to provide navigational risk assessments
- Must have experience with incident investigation support
- Likely requires professional qualifications in marine engineering, naval architecture, or equivalent maritime discipline (check full tender documents for specific certifications)
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Audit CMAL's Safety Management System to ensure compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code
- Provide independent assurance to CMAL's Board that safety systems are working effectively
- Assess navigational risks at CMAL-operated harbours
- Review and advise on harbour operations and procedures
- Provide expert legal advice on harbour legislation and regulations
- Support the development and review of safety policies and procedures
- Investigate or support investigation of marine incidents
- Advise on aids to navigation (buoys, lights, signage, etc.)
- Provide guidance on conservation and environmental compliance in harbours
- Review operational procedures for vessel and infrastructure interfaces
How to Read This Tender
- 1The 'Designated Person' role is a legal position under maritime law — this is not just advisory work. The successful bidder will have formal responsibility for safety sign-off. Check what professional indemnity insurance and qualifications are mandatory.
- 2Look for the contract duration, contract value, and expected time commitment (days per month). 'Sole supplier' means CMAL will only appoint one consultant — this is likely a longer-term, ongoing retainer rather than a one-off project.
- 3The Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) is the key UK regulation here. Familiarise yourself with what compliance looks like — the tender documents will reference specific PMSC requirements.
- 4Check whether CMAL operates one harbour or multiple harbours, as this affects the scale of auditing and inspection work required.
- 5Look at the evaluation criteria carefully — you'll likely be scored on relevant experience (previous Designated Person roles), knowledge of Scottish harbours (CMAL operates Scottish ports), and understanding of the PMSC specifically.
Tips for Small Businesses
- This is a 'sole supplier' appointment, which means less competition but higher expectations. Only bid if you genuinely meet the Designated Person requirements — if you don't hold the right qualifications or insurance, partnering with a larger marine consultancy as a subcontractor may be a route in.
- CMAL is a public body (Scottish Government-owned), so the tender will likely score 'social value' (local employment, community benefit, supply chain fairness). Emphasise any Scottish connections, apprenticeship or training commitments, or supply chain ties to local businesses.
- The contract may include travel to multiple CMAL harbour sites (potentially in remote areas of Scotland). Make sure your pricing reflects travel costs and that you can commit to on-site visits — remote-only consulting may not be acceptable for safety auditing.
Before you bid, buyers check
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Buyer Profile
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (Utility)Key Dates
Published
12 June 2026
Submission deadline
31 July 2026
Notice type
tender
Source
find a tender
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