Tow Master (Freelancer / Subcontractor)

ABL; Malaysia; On-site; MYR 277,000 - 646,000; Full time

Job summary

ABL – an Aqualis Group company is seeking experienced Tow Masters / Rig Movers to support offshore rig move projects on a freelance, project-specific basis. You will provide independent marine warranty and rig moving expertise, overseeing operations to ensure compliance with approved procedures, industry standards, client requirements, and ABL guidelines.

You will work on offshore mobilisations, wet tows, and jack-up relocations across Malaysia and APAC, ensuring safety and quality at every step.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years' offshore marine operations experience.
• Valid offshore medical certification and survival training.
• Proven experience as Tow Master, Rig Mover or similar role.
• Rig Move / Tow Master certification desirable.
• Experience across multiple geographic regions desirable.
• Knowledge of offshore oil and gas marine assurance beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and execution of offshore rig moves, including jack-up relocations and wet/dry transports.
• Review and verify rig move procedures, engineering calculations, and docs.
• Attend project meetings, risk assessments and operational reviews.
• Provide on-site oversight of marine operations during mobilisation and transit.
• Monitor compliance with procedures, warranties and regulations.
• Identify and elevate operational risks, deviations and non-conformances.
• Provide independent technical advice to stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit project reports, observations and updates.
• Deliver services per agreed scope, upholding QHSE requirements.
• Comply with ABL's Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental standards.

Skills

Offshore ops

Rig move supervision

Master Mariner

Education

Master Mariner (STCW II/2) or equivalent

Job description

ABL – an Aqualis Group company - is a leading global independent energy and marine consultant working in energy and oceans to de-risk and drive the energy transition across the renewables, maritime, and oil and gas sectors, offering the deepest pool of expertise across marine and engineering disciplines in more than 300 locations globally. ABL is seeking experienced Tow Masters / Rig Movers to support offshore rig move projects on a freelance, project-specific basis. You will provide independent marine warranty and rig moving expertise, overseeing operations to ensure compliance with approved procedures, industry standards, client requirements, and ABL guidelines.

What will you be doing?

• Support the planning and execution of offshore rig moves, including jack‑up relocations, wet tows and dry transportation projects.
• Review and verify rig move procedures, engineering calculations and operational documentation.
• Attend and contribute to project meetings, risk assessments and operational reviews.
• Provide on‑site oversight of marine operations during mobilisation, transit, installation and related activities.
• Monitor compliance with approved procedures, Marine Warranty Survey requirements and relevant industry regulations.
• Identify, assess and elevate operational risks, deviations and non‑conformances as required.
• Provide independent technical advice and recommendations to ABL and client stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit accurate project reports, observations and operational updates.
• Deliver services in accordance with the agreed project scope, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.
• Comply with ABL's Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) requirements at all times.

What are we looking for?

• Master Mariner (STCW II/2) or equivalent marine qualification.
• Minimum of five years' offshore marine operations experience.
• Valid offshore medical certification and survival training relevant to project requirements.
• Proven experience operating as a Tow Master, Rig Mover or in a similar offshore marine leadership role.
• Extensive experience supporting and supervising jack‑up rig moves, offshore towing operations and/or semi‑submersible unit movements.
• Demonstrable track record of safely delivering complex marine operations in challenging offshore environments.
• A recognised Rig Move / Tow Master certification from a reputable Marine Warranty Survey organisation is desirable.
• Experience across multiple geographic regions and operating environments is desirable.
• Knowledge of offshore oil and gas marine assurance and consultancy practices is beneficial.
• Experience with self‑elevating units, semi‑submersibles and heavy transportation projects is desirable.

Further Information

Our freelancing opportunities support clients in Malaysia and across the APAC region.

The job holder will be expected to undertake onshore and offshore client assignments.

You can learn more about our team and what we do here: https://aqualis-group.com/

Our Commitment To D&I

At Aqualis Group, we are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive, regardless of background, identity, or role. As a global company, we believe that diversity drives innovation and inclusion strengthens our teams. We support flexible working, accessible environments, and employee wellbeing. Even if your experience doesn’t match every requirement, we encourage you to apply—your unique perspective could be just what we need.