Master - Southampton

Svitzer; Southampton; On-site; GBP 63,650 - 77,794; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension matched up to 10%

Life Cover (4× pensionable salary)

Private Medical Insurance

7 days leave after 3 years

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Svitzer in Southampton seeks an experienced Tug Master to lead our tug operations with hands-on command, judgement, and a commitment to safety. You’ll work closely with pilots and port authorities to ensure safe, efficient movements and exemplary professional standards.

You’ll manage a crew, maintain vessel readiness, and report on operations, while living within 30 minutes of the Port of Southampton. The role offers a permanent contract, 1-week rotations, and a strong pension/insurance package.

Qualifications

• Harbour towage experience essential.
• ENG1 and STCW certificates valid (minimum six months on all certifications).
• Experience with ASD and/or Voith propulsion systems.
• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Solid administrative skills and comfort with computer-based systems.
• All crew must live within 30 minutes of the Port of Southampton.
• UK Driving Licence.
• Right to live and work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Operate tug safely and efficiently, making sound decisions for every movement.
• Handle assisted ships safely in confined waters.
• Lead and develop your crew, fostering a culture of trust and professionalism.
• Maintain vessel readiness, documentation, and operational reporting.
• Work closely with Port Managers, Harbour Pilots and port stakeholders.
• Take ownership of your vessel and command responsibilities.

Skills

Harbour towage experience

ASD propulsion systems

Voith propulsion systems

Strong communication skills

Administrative skills

UK Driving Licence

Right to live and work in the UK

Education

Master <500GT Certificate of Competency

Job description

Lead From the Wheelhouse

Svitzer is looking for an experienced Tug Master to join our Southampton operation. This is not a ceremonial command. It’s a hands‑on role at the sharp end of towage, where judgement, leadership, and ship‑handing skills are tested every day. If you take pride in running a safe, well‑prepared tug, leading a crew that trusts your decisions, and working in close cooperation with pilots and port authorities, you’ll understand what this role demands.

What the Role Really Involves

As Tug Master, you are accountable for the safe, efficient operation of your tug—every movement, every decision.

That Means

• Handling assisted ships safely and decisively in confined waters
• Setting the safety standard on board and making sure it’s lived, not laminated
• Leading and developing your crew, creating a culture of trust and professionalism
• Maintaining vessel readiness, documentation, and operational reporting
• Working closely with Port Managers, Harbour Pilots, and port stakeholders
• Taking ownership of your vessel—because that’s what command actually means

Why Svitzer?

Because tug command should mean something.

• 1‑week rotations – focused work, then proper time away
• Modern, well‑maintained fleet – no shortcuts, no compromises
• A company that backs its Masters – trust, support, and clear standards
• Global leader in towage with local teams that know their ports inside out

What You Get

• Competitive salary of £70,722.46 per annum
• Permanent contract
• Pension matched up to 10%
• Life Cover (4× pensionable salary) and Single Private Medical Insurance
• 7 days leave after 3 years of service
• Employee Assistance Programme

What You Bring

• Master <500GT Certificate of Competency (minimum)
• Valid ENG1 and STCW certification (minimum of six months on all certifications)
• Harbour or terminal towage experience – essential
• Experience with ASD and/or Voith propulsion systems
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with multiple stakeholders
• Solid administrative skills and comfort with computer‑based systems
• All crew must live within 30 minutes of the Port of Southampton
• UK Driving Licence
• The right to live and work in the UK

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.