Coastal Tug Master: Lead & Command Onboard

Svitzer; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension matched up to 10%

Life Cover (4x pensionable salary)

Private Medical Insurance

7 days leave after 3 years’ service

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Svitzer is seeking an experienced Tug Master to command the Victory, leading a tight crew on real-world towage across UK ports and coastal waters.

You will live aboard during a two-week rotation, maintain vessel readiness, and uphold high safety standards while coordinating with port authorities for smooth operations.

This permanent role offers structure, ongoing training, and long‑term career opportunities within a global company with strong local presence.

Qualifications

• Master <500GT Certificate of Competency required.
• Harbour, terminal or coastal towage experience essential.
• Eng1 medical and STCW certification valid.
• Experience with ASD/Voith propulsion systems preferred.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Solid administrative and IT literacy expected.
• UK driving licence and right to live/work in the UK.
• Willingness to live aboard during two‑week rotations.

Responsibilities

• Taking command of the Victory and leading a close‑knit crew in dynamic, real‑world operations
• Handling assisted ships safely and decisively across UK ports and coastal routes
• Setting the safety standard on board and making sure it is lived, not laminated
• Leading and developing the crew, creating a culture of trust, professionalism and accountability
• Maintaining vessel readiness, documentation, operational reporting, hours of rest and onboard standards
• Working closely with Port Managers, Harbour Pilots, port authorities and other operational stakeholders
• Taking ownership of vessel husbandry, planned maintenance, stores and bunkering to keep the Victory operationally ready
• If you take pride in your vessel, your crew and your decisions, you’ll fit in well here

Skills

ASD propulsion systems

Voith propulsion systems

Coastal towage

Leadership

Calm under pressure

Communication

Stakeholder management

Administrative skills

Education

Master <500GT Certificate of Competency

Job description

Svitzer is seeking an experienced Tug Master to command the Victory, leading a tight crew on real-world towage across UK ports and coastal waters.

You will live aboard during a two-week rotation, maintain vessel readiness, and uphold high safety standards while coordinating with port authorities for smooth operations.

This permanent role offers structure, ongoing training, and long‑term career opportunities within a global company with strong local presence.