Takes notice of ambassador heading east toward deserted docks (5)
I believe the answer is:
heeds
'takes notice' is the definition.
'ambassador heading east toward deserted docks' is the wordplay.
'ambassador' becomes 'HE' (His or Her Excellency).
'heading east' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'toward deserted docks' becomes 'ds' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'he'+'e'+'ds'='HEEDS'
'of' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for heeds that I've seen before include "Takes to heart" , "Takes notice of" , "Takes account of" , "Pays close attention" , "Attends to" .)