Deckhand - Float Pool

Svitzer; Felixstowe; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension 10%

Life Cover 4x pensionable salary

Private Medical Insurance

7 days leave after 3 years

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Svitzer in the United Kingdom is seeking a Deckhand to join our Tug Float Pool, serving across our UK operations. You will be part of a close-knit crew, supporting safe and efficient operations and taking ownership of deck duties and vessel standards.

This role involves onboard duty, ongoing training, and the opportunity for long-term professional development within a global company that looks after its people.

Qualifications

• Eligible seafarer with appropriate deck certifications.
• Safety training and medical certificates in date.
• Ability to operate in demanding tug operations.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a tug crew to support safe operations.
• Assist Master and officers in vessel procedures.
• Maintain vessel standards and undertake deck tasks.
• Participate in routine vessel maintenance.
• Be prepared for onboard rotations and training.

Skills

Able Seaman Certification

Navigational Watch Rating Certificate

STCW Basic Safety Training

ENG1 Medical

UK Driving Licence

Strong communication skills

Professional attitude

Towage experience

Job description

Not Everyone Is Cut Out for Tug Work - That's Exactly the Point.

Svitzer is looking for a Deckhand to join our Float Pool, working across our UK operations.

This is not a passive role. Tug work demands reliability, awareness, teamwork and pride in doing things properly. You'll live onboard, work hard during your time on, and be a key part of a crew where everyone pulls their weight and standards matter.

If you want hands-on maritime work on powerful vessels, in real operations—not just ticking boxes—this could be the right step for you.

This Is What The Job Really Looks Like

• Working as part of a close-knit tug crew in busy, high-pressure environments
• Supporting the Master and officers to ensure safe, efficient operations
• Taking ownership of deck operations, safety routines and vessel standards
• Carrying out planned maintenance and keeping the vessel clean, safe and ready
• Getting involved in both deck and engine-room tasks when required
• Committing to ongoing training and professional development
• If you take pride in your vessel, your crew, and your work, you'll fit in well here.

Why Svitzer?

Because tug work deserves to be done properly.

• 2 week rotations - clear structure and real time off
• Modern vessels, strong safety culture, and high operational standards
• A global company with local teams that look after their people
• Training, development and long-term career opportunities

We don’t promise an easy job. We promise a worthwhile one.

What You Get

• Competitive salary of £37,117.84 per annum
• Permanent, time for time contract
• Pension matched up to 10%
• Life Cover (4x pensionable salary) and Single Private Medical Insurance
• 7 days leave after 3 years' service
• Employee Assistance Programme

What You Bring

• Able Seaman Certification or Efficient Deckhand Certification with a Navigational Watch Rating Certificate
• Harbour or terminal towage experience preferred, but not essential
• Valid ENG1 medical and STCW Basic Safety Training (minimum six months' validity on all certificates)
• Full UK Driving Licence
• The legal right to live and work in the UK
• A strong work ethic, good communication skills, and a professional attitude
• Willing to work captive onboard during two-week rotation

Ready to Get Started?

If you want to build real experience, earn trust, and progress in professional towage, this could be the move that defines your next step.

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!