In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Jamie Faulkner, deputy harbourmaster at Belfast Harbour
What was your first job?
My love for all things maritime related goes back to my youth. As a teenager I was a dinghy sailing instructor in holiday resorts in Greece - best summers ever.
What qualifications do you have?
Master Mariner Unlimited Certificate, BSc Marine Operations Management, plus a myriad of certificates in navigation, medical care and firefighting, to name a few. I have obtained an Executive Commander in Oil Spill Response Certificate, and as a deputy harbourmaster, I am currently working towards a UK Harbourmaster Certificate.
What do you attribute your success to?
I’m always working towards the next qualification, and throughout my career various employers have been willing to fund and allow me the time to earn qualifications. BP funded my cadetship to become an officer, and gave me study leave for a Bachelors Degree. Belfast Harbour is sending me on a General Stevedores Council management Course, affording me the opportunity to visit other ports around the world, including Antwerp, Rotterdam and Barcelona.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
I like to think I am honest and authentic. I’d be terrible at poker - you can always read what I’m thinking on my face.
Who do you look up to in business?
I have learnt a lot from managers in my career, both from the many ship captains and in my current role at Belfast Harbour. I work alongside people in a variety of roles each day, and I feel like you can learn something from every single person you work with, no matter what stage they are at in their career.
What’s the secret to successful team working?
If I compare any team to the bridge team of a ship; safe and effective work is not a job for only one person, but the role of a whole team. In this industry, people should be able to spot an issue and communicate it to the team effectively, with authority and without causing friction or offence – communication around safety is crucial.
What’s your favourite thing about working in Northern Ireland?
It’s a very small world here, so great relationships stand you in good stead and can transverse various roles. If there is 6 degrees of separation to anyone in the world, in Northern Ireland it is two max.
What website or app could you not do without?
Ventusky- my favourite weather app.
What was the last book you read?
The Death of Kings by Conn Igguldon - holiday read.
What car do you drive?
A Skoda.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
For someone whose job revolves around the water, I can’t stand sand. Sandy beaches are not for me.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
The pandemic drew me towards the fantastic world of home brewing beer. It’s incredibly satisfying coming home to enjoy your own delicious hoppy ale at the end of a long day.
