Environment Canterbury welcomes new Harbourmaster

Canterbury has a new Regional Harbourmaster with Captain Jim Dilley joining Environment Canterbury to take over the running of the Lyttleton and Timaru ports.

Jim replaces long serving Harbourmaster Tony Whiteley who is retiring after nearly 12 years with Environment Canterbury.

New Regional Harbourmaster Jim Dilley says he is excited to join the team and is looking forward to overseeing harbour operations.

“I am eagerly anticipating the challenges this job will offer and I am certain that I can meet them drawing on all my experience,” he says.

Jim was Deputy Harbourmaster for the Auckland Regional Council for seven years, following 21 years of sea service which, including a period with the Spirit of New Zealand and brings to the job a wealth of knowledge.

“I enjoy managing the movements and logistics of busy shipping ports and harbours, making sure that everyone’s safety is taken into consideration,” explains Jim Dilley, “and I see my position as the Harbourmaster as an important role in the effective running of Lyttleton and Timaru ports.

The Harbourmaster ensures that processes and systems are fulfilled under Environment Canterbury’s regulatory and statutory responsibilities relating to navigation safety. Jim will also manage the Coast and Waterways Safety Section at Environment Canterbury and acts as the Regional On-scene Commander for marine spills when necessary. He will be based at Environment Canterbury’s Lyttelton Office.