CUTTER CAPTAIN at NMDC Group

NMDC Group; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

NMDC Group is seeking an experienced Vessel Master for the Self-Propelled Cutter Suction Dredger (SPCSD) to oversee dredging, navigation and safety during complex operations in UAE waters. You will command in accordance with STCW, ISM, COLREGs and company policies, plan movements, supervise bridge and crew, and coordinate with dredging, engineering and port authorities to ensure project success.

The role requires a Master unlimited license, advanced STCW trainings, a medical certificate and at

Qualifications

• Master(unlimited) license per STCW.
• Advanced STCW trainings.
• Basic STCW trainings.
• Medical certificate as per MLC.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for safe command and navigation of SPCSD during dredging, sailing, maneuvering, berthing and unberthing.
• Ensure overall command of the vessel in accordance with policies, flag/state requirements and ISM/COLREGs.
• Plan and execute vessel movements, dredging transits and operational activities with project teams.
• Maintain bridge watchkeeping, navigational safety and passage planning, including chart management.
• Take direct command during critical maneuvers, poor visibility, heavy traffic and complex dredging-area movements.
• Coordinate with dredge master, chief officer, engineers and dredging teams for safe system integration.
• Supervise propulsion, steering, thrusters and anchoring operations to ensure safe maneuvering.
• Monitor stability, draft, loading and compliance with dredging plans and site constraints.
• Maintain safety equipment, records and certifications; liaise with authorities during inspections.
• Mentor deck officers and crew; ensure adequate manning and watchkeeping.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions as needed.

Education

Master(unlimited) license per STCW

Advanced STCW trainings

Basic STCW trainings

Medical certificate as per MLC

Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the safe, efficient and compliant command and navigation of the Self-Propelled Cutter Suction Dredger (SPCSD) during dredging, sailing, maneuvering, berthing and unberthing operations.
• Ensure overall command of the vessel in accordance with company policies, Flag State requirements, Class rules, ISM Code, COLREGs and applicable local/international maritime regulations.
• Plan and execute vessel movements, dredging transits and operational activities in coordination with the Dredging Superintendent, Project Management and Marine Operations teams.
• Maintain effective bridge watchkeeping, navigational safety and passage planning, including electronic navigation, chart management, position monitoring and route assessment.
• Take direct command during critical maneuvers, restricted visibility, adverse weather, heavy traffic, close-quarter situations and complex dredging-area movements.
• Coordinate closely with the Dredge Master/Chief Officer, Chief Engineer and dredging/technical teams to ensure safe integration of marine, propulsion and dredging systems.
• Supervise the vessel's self-propulsion, steering, thruster and anchoring operations, ensuring that maneuvering capabilities are fully understood and safely utilized.
• Ensure safe positioning and movement of the SPCSD during cutter-head deployment, dredging, swing operations, spud/anchor handling and relocation between dredging areas.
• Monitor vessel stability, trim, draught, freeboard and loading conditions throughout dredging and transit operations, taking corrective action where required.
• Ensure compliance with project-specific dredging plans, exclusion zones, underwater obstructions, pipelines, cables, structures, navigation channels and other site constraints.
• Maintain continuous situational awareness of surrounding traffic and coordinate with VTS, port authorities, pilots, tugs, support vessels and other project craft as required.
• Lead emergency preparedness and response onboard, including fire, flooding, collision, grounding, man-overboard, loss of propulsion/steering and abandon-ship situations.
• Ensure effective implementation of the vessel's Safety Management System, Permit-to-Work procedures, toolbox meetings, risk assessments and Stop Work Authority.
• Conduct regular inspections of navigation equipment, lifesaving appliances, firefighting equipment, communication systems and other critical marine safety equipment.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of deck, bridge, navigation, safety and statutory records, logbooks, checklists, permits and operational reports.
• Liaise with Flag State, Class, Port State Control, Marine Warranty Surveyors, project representatives and other authorities during inspections, audits and certification activities.
• Supervise and mentor deck officers, marine crew and junior personnel, promoting strong safety culture, discipline, teamwork and professional standards onboard.
• Monitor crew competence, certification, familiarization and training requirements and ensure adequate manning and watchkeeping arrangements for all operations.
• Participate in incident, near-miss and non-conformity investigations, identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Review weather, tide, current, sea-state and operational forecasts and determine safe operating limits for dredging, navigation and vessel relocation.
• Maintain close coordination with the Chief Engineer regarding propulsion, power generation, steering, thrusters and other systems critical to safe navigation.
• Ensure effective communication between bridge, engine room, dredging control room, deck teams and shore management during all critical operations.
• Contribute to mobilization, commissioning, sea trials and operational readiness of the SPCSD, including verification of navigation, propulsion, communication and safety systems.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of modern integrated bridge systems, DP/positioning or assisted-positioning systems where fitted, ECDIS, radar/ARPA, AIS, GMDSS and vessel automation systems.
• Ensure operational decisions consistently priorities personnel safety, environmental protection, vessel integrity and compliance while achieving project production and schedule requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Master(unlimited) license as per STCW convention.
• Advanced & Basic STCW trainings.
• Medical certificate as per MLC.
• Minimum 10 years' experience on Cutter Suction Dredgers.

ABOUT US:

DEVELOP YOUR CAREER WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS NMDC Group is always looking for talented individuals to join our team. We know that our people are fundamental to our success as a business, which is why we support their career development and personal wellbeing in every way we can. NMDC Group offers an environment where every employee can thrive and reach their professional potential. Nothing is more important to us than ensuring every employee feels valued and respected in their roles, and able to progress in their career through training, mentorship, and educational opportunities. With a wide range of attractive employee benefits and competitive salaries, we have created a workplace defined by its culture, and made by its people. If you have a passion for EPC and marine construction and want to work on some of the region’s most exciting projects, find your next challenge with us.