Name: Phil Gadd
Job: Ferry port manager, Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port

Job description: I have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and operation of the Continental Ferry Port. The port is a complex organisation and no two days are the same. Most days I will have some meetings, sometimes all through the day.
This is necessary in order to meet customers' expectations and ensure that the port is running well both operationally and technically. Throughout the working week there are staff issues and maintenance problems to deal with. The range is from the simple granting of permission to film at the port, to a major mechanical breakdown which affects the port's ability to service the ferries. Obviously, the port works on a 24/7 basis, so it's vital I keep on top of things to ensure that it all runs smoothly.

How long have you been working at the port? I have been working at the port for 22 years, the past 14 as Ferry Port manager.


How did you get into this job? I was working in Avonmouth when I saw the job of assistant harbour master advertised at Portsmouth. Before that I was a master in the merchant navy.
I worked as assistant harbour master and then senior assistant harbour master until I took over as ferry port manager in September 1994 when the previous one retired.

What do you enjoy about it…and not like about it?
I enjoy the variety of the challenges that I am faced with, and also we have a great team working here at the port. There is nothing really to dislike – that's why I have been here for 22 years!