Master - UK Wide

Svitzer; West of England; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Svitzer is seeking experienced Tug Masters to join our UK operations. This is a hands‑on command role in busy ports, requiring sound judgment, leadership, and expert ship handling.

You will operate modern harbour tugs, working with pilots, customers and port authorities to deliver safe marine services. You will lead professional crews, ensure vessel readiness, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism in demanding operations.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct 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.

Skills

Leadership

Ship handling

Safety mindset

Communication

Stakeholder management

Decision making under pressure

UK Driving Licence

Education

Master <500GT Near Coastal CoC

ENG1 and STCW Certification

Tools

ASD propulsion systems experience

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

This is practical seamanship, real responsibility and leadership that matters.

Why Svitzer?

Because professional tug command should mean something.

Join the world’s leading towage operator and become part of a business that invests in its Masters, vessels and safety standards.

• 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

We don’t offer an easy job. We offer a rewarding one.

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 likelyto 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!