Master - UK Wide

Svitzer; Leeds; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

1 or 2-week rotations providing work‑l

Modern fleet

Industry-leading safety culture

Opportunities across multiple UK ports

Ongoing professional development

Job summary

Svitzer UK is seeking an experienced Tug Master to command harbour towage operations at some of the UK's busiest ports. You will lead a professional crew, execute complex manoeuvres, and ensure safety, readiness and compliance across each shift.

This hands-on role requires strong ship handling, decision-making under pressure and excellent stakeholder management to deliver safe, efficient marine services daily.

Qualifications

• High-standard ship handling and leadership required.
• Experience in harbour towage operations is essential.
• ENG1 and STCW certificates with at least six months remaining.
• UK Driving Licence held (or equivalent).
• Right to live and work in the UK in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ship assist and harbour towage operations safely and efficiently.
• Execute complex manoeuvres in confined waters and challenging conditions.
• Lead, develop and motivate a professional crew.
• Maintain vessel readiness and operational compliance.
• Manage onboard safety and reporting requirements.
• Build strong relationships with Harbour Pilots, customers and port stakeholders.
• Take ownership of your tug and promote high professional standards.

Skills

Ship handling

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Safety mindset

UK Driving Licence

Right to live and work in the UK

Education

Master <500GT Near Coastal CoC (minimum)

Valid ENG1 and STCW Certification

Tools

ASD propulsion systems

Job description

Lead From the Wheelhouse

Svitzer is looking for experienced Tug Masters to join our UK operations.

This is not a stepping-stone role. It's a hands-on command position at the sharp end of harbour towage, where judgement, leadership, and ship-handling expertise are tested every day.

You'll be trusted to operate modern harbour tugs in some of the UK's busiest ports, working closely with pilots, customers, and port authorities to deliver safe and efficient marine services.

If you take pride in ship handling, leading professional crews, and making sound decisions under pressure, you'll understand what this role demands.

If that sounds like your kind of command, read on.

What The Role Really Involves

As a Tug Master, you are accountable for the safe and efficient operation of your vessel. Every movement, every assist and every decision matters.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Conducting ship assist and harbour towage operations safely and efficiently
• Executing complex manoeuvres in confined waters and challenging conditions
• Leading, developing and motivating a professional crew
• Maintaining vessel readiness and operational compliance
• Managing onboard safety and reporting requirements
• Building strong working relationships with Harbour Pilots, customers and port stakeholders
• Taking ownership of your tug and promoting the highest standards of professionalism

Why Svitzer?

• 1 or 2-week rotations providing excellent work-life balance
• Modern, well-maintained fleet
• Industry-leading safety culture
• Opportunities across multiple UK ports
• Ongoing professional development and progression opportunities
• A company that backs it’s Masters with trust, support and clear operational standards

What You Bring

• Master <500GT Near Coastal CoC (minimum)
• Valid ENG1 and STCW Certification (minimum six months remaining)
• Harbour or terminal towage experience
• Experience operating ASD propulsion systems
• Strong ship handling and navigational skills
• Proven leadership in a commercial maritime environment
• A safety-first mindset
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• UK Driving Licence
• Right to live and work in the UK (Overseas candidates will be considered as well)

What matters most is your ability to safely command a tug, lead a crew and consistently deliver exceptional harbour towage operations.

If you're looking for a role where your experience is trusted, your judgement is valued and your skills are challenged every day, we'd love to hear from you.

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!