Tug & General Deckhand

Port Otago Limited; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

5 weeks annual leave

Superannuation matching

Job summary

Port Otago Limited invites applications for a Tug/General Deckhand to join our Marine and Infrastructure team on a permanent, full-time basis in Dunedin. You will operate on Port Otago vessels, including tugs and pilot launch, performing deckhand and maintenance duties with a 24/7 roster.

Ideal candidates will hold a Skipper Restricted Limits <24m certificate (or equivalent), have some deckhand experience, and demonstrate a strong safety culture, teamwork, and willingness to complete training. A Seafarer's medical is required.

Qualifications

• SRL <24m certificate or equivalent.
• Previous deckhand experience is advantageous.
• Strong safety culture and awareness.
• Good communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to complete required training and certifications.
• Ability to obtain Seafarers Medical.
• Flexibility to work a 24/7 roster.

Responsibilities

• Provide deckhand and maintenance duties on Tug and Pilot Launch vessels.
• Cover 24/7 ship handling work as rostered.
• May relieve on other Port Otago vessels as required.
• Maintain safety standards and execute procedures as directed.

Skills

SRL <24m certificate

Deckhand experience

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Willingness to train

Seafarers Medical

24/7 flexibility

Job description

Port Otago’s business is made up of a regional container terminal, multiple Supply Chain facilities, bulk port activities, cruise and property investment/development. We service South Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, working with customers to streamline their supply chains. Our culture is hands‑on; safety focused and encourages continuous improvement.

About the role:

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a suitably experienced Tug/General Deckhand to join our Marine and Infrastructure team on a permanent, full-time basis, working in a role that offers stunning views of the Otago Harbour.

As a Tug/General Deckhand you will be working on our Port Otago owned and operated vessels, particularly our Tugs and Pilot Launch, responsible for both deckhand and maintenance duties on these vessels. You may also be required to do relief work on other Port Otago vessels as required.

Work allocation:

In this role, you will provide cover for 24hrs/day, attending to all ship handling work required while rostered on. Rostering is based on an equal time roster.

What we’re looking for:

Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• A minimum of a Skipper Restricted Limits (SRL) <24m certificate or equivalent
• Previous experience as a deckhand is an advantage
• Working knowledge of marine equipment and procedures desirable
• A true passion for Health & Safety, including excellent personal safety standards
• A demonstrated strong work ethic, good time keeping skills, and an excellent communicator
• A positive, collaborative attitude that embraces challenges with confidence
• A willingness to complete all required training
• The physical fitness to meet the demands of the role, and the ability to obtain a Seafarers Medical
• The ability to work well as part of a team that requires 24/7 flexibility

What's in it for you?

• Healthinsurance for you, your partner, and dependent children (valued at $8,800 p.a.) and Superannuation matched up to 7% after 6 month's service
• 5weeks annual leave

Why work for Port Otago?

• A collaborative work environment which encourages people to be as great as they can be
• A raft of other benefits, including but not limited to, health checks, fruit boxes on the vessels, free period products and various wellness initiatives throughout the year.
• Contribution towards relocation costs to Dunedin, if you're interested in relocating to Ōtepoti Dunedin for the role

Heads up:

• A full clean NZ Driver's license is essential
• You must be able to pass Ministry of Justice and ACC checks, a Seafarer's medical examination and a drug and alcohol test as part of our recruitment process
• Random drug and alcohol testing as an employee of Port Otago

Applications close 5pm, Monday 16th November 2026.