Tug Master

Svitzer Australia Pty Ltd; City Of Greater Geraldton; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

15.5% superannuation

Novated leasing

Discounted gym/pool/leisure access

Discounted private health insurance

Service recognition program

EAP support

Job summary

Svitzer Australia Pty Ltd is seeking a Tug Master for our WA port operations. You will lead a safety-focused crew on tug operations, ensure vessel readiness, and maintain compliance with maritime regulations while supporting ongoing training and development of the team.

This permanent, part-time role requires a minimum of 137 working days per year and prioritises candidates living within two hours of the port or willing to relocate.

Qualifications

• Minimum Master <45m Near Coastal COP or equivalent.
• LROCP or equivalent.
• AMSA Medical valid.
• First Aid and CPR certificates are required.
• Strong safety orientation and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Take command of the tug and lead a safety-focused crew.
• Ensure vessel readiness and compliance with operating procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and report to the Port Manager.
• Provide on-the-job training, inductions and safety leadership to the crew.

Skills

Strong leadership

Safety-focused

Calm under pressure

Adaptability

Tech-savvy

Education

Master <45m Near Coastal COP

Long-Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP)

AMSA Medical

Provide First Aid & CPR certificates

Job description

Get to Know Us At Svitzer, we keep ports running and global trade moving and that starts with our crews on the water. Our tug masters, engineers and deckhands play a vital role in delivering safe, reliable towage every day. If you’re someone who takes pride in doing things properly and being part of a tight-knit crew that looks out for each other, this could be the role for you.

Why You’ll Want to Join Us

This is a permanent, part-time role requiring a minimum of 137 working days per year (equivalent to 75% of a full-time schedule). As the role may require stepping in at short notice, preference will be given to candidates who live within two hours of the port or are willing to relocate at their own expense.

We also offer:

• 15.5% superannuation
• Access to novated leasing, offering a tax-effective way to finance your next vehicle
• Discounted gym, pool and leisure centre access across Australia for you and your immediate family
• Discounted private health insurance to help you and your family stay healthy
• Service recognition program that celebrates your milestones and contributions
• Free and confidential EAP support for you and your immediate family

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Tug Master, you’ll take the lead onboard - guiding your crew and delivering safe, reliable towage every day. Reporting to the Port Manager, your responsibilities will include:

• Taking command of the tug and leading a capable, safety-focused crew
• Ensuring the vessel is operationally ready - from stores and crew attendance to daily checks
• Maintaining compliance with safety procedures and maritime regulations
• Supporting crew performance and development, and escalating issues when needed
• Assisting with vessel maintenance and keeping operational records accurate and up to date
• Leading safety onboard through inductions, drills, and ongoing training
• Sharing your knowledge and helping build capability across the team

What You’ll Bring

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• A minimum Master <45m Near Coastal Certificate of Competency or equivalent
• A Long-Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) or equivalent
• A valid AMSA Medical that matches your Certificate of Competency Current
• Provide First Aid and Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates
• A supportive leadership stye that builds trust and brings the crew together
• A strong focus on safety and following procedures to get the job done right
• The ability to stay calm, think clearly, and adapt when conditions change
• A willingness to embrace technology and support sustainable ways of working
• The right to live and work in Australia

Building a Diverse Workplace

In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that members from some under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification.

At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you!

Svitzer is a people company. Offering uninterrupted marine solutions requires not only the best equipment but also the best people. Our ambition is to attract and continuously develop the industry’s best craftsmen. Both at sea and on land - worldwide, wherever our customers do business. We are driven by skilled, professional and dedicated people and we work together as one company to provide safe, reliable and efficient services to our customers. We support and develop our people’s skills and capabilities and we care for the development of both teams and individuals. To best serve our customers, we strive to ensure the right people and the best teams for the job, every time and we believe diversity is a strength.

Building a diverse workplace In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.