At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a close-knit crew, supporting towage operations across UK ports and coastal waters.
- Company: Svitzer, a global leader in marine solutions with a strong safety culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension matching, life cover, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off rotation with no daily commuting.
- Why this job: Experience hands-on maritime work on powerful vessels while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Able Seaman Certification or Navigational Watch Rating required; experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 37117 - 37117 € per year.
Not Everyone Is Cut Out for Tug Work - That’s Exactly the Point.
Svitzer is looking for a Deckhand to join the Ormesby Cross, supporting towage operations across UK ports and coastal waters. This is a role that goes beyond routine harbour work—near coastal towage brings variety, challenge, and the expectation that every crew member is switched on and ready to contribute. This is not a passive role. Tug work demands reliability, awareness, teamwork and pride in doing things properly. You’ll live onboard, work hard during your time on, and be a key part of a crew where everyone pulls their weight and standards matter.
If you want hands-on maritime work on powerful vessels, in real operations—not just ticking boxes—this could be the right step for you.
This Is What the Job Really Looks Like
- Working as part of a close-knit crew onboard the Ormesby Cross in dynamic, real-world operations
- Supporting the Master to deliver safe and efficient towage operations across UK ports and coastal routes
- Taking ownership of deck operations, safety routines and vessel standards
- Carrying out planned maintenance and ensuring the vessel remains clean, safe and operationally ready
- Getting involved in both deck and engine-room tasks when required
- Adapting to a varied operational environment beyond a single fixed port
- Committing to ongoing training and professional development
If you take pride in your vessel, your crew, and your work, you’ll fit in well here because tug work deserves to be done properly.
What You Get
- Competitive salary of £37,117.84 per annum
- Permanent, time for time contract
- Pension matched up to 10%
- Life Cover (4x pensionable salary) and Single Private Medical Insurance
- 7 days leave after 3 years’ service
- Employee Assistance Programme
What You Bring
- Able Seaman Certification or Navigational Watch Rating Certificate (including EDH)
- Harbour, terminal or coastal towage experience preferred
- Valid ENG1 medical and STCW Basic Safety Training (minimum six months’ validity)
- Full UK Driving Licence
- The legal right to live and work in the UK
- A strong work ethic, good communication skills, and a professional attitude
- Willingness to live and work onboard during your two-week rotation
- Flexibility to operate across UK locations (not tied to a single home port)
If you want to build real experience, earn trust, and develop your career in professional towage, this could be the move that defines your next step.
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 qualification? Research has 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!
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.
Svitzer is a people company. Offering uninterrupted marine solutions requires not only the best equipment but also the best people. Our ambition is to attract and continuously develop the industry’s best craftsmen. Both at sea and on land - worldwide, wherever our customers do business. We are driven by skilled, professional and dedicated people and we work together as one company to provide safe, reliable and efficient services to our customers. We support and develop our people’s skills and capabilities and we care for the development of both teams and individuals. To best serve our customers, we strive to ensure the right people and the best teams for the job, every time and we believe diversity is a strength.
Deckhand - Coastal Towage employer: Svitzer Americas
Svitzer is an exceptional employer for those seeking a hands-on maritime career, offering a unique opportunity to work onboard modern vessels while supporting vital towage operations across UK ports and coastal waters. With a strong emphasis on safety, teamwork, and professional development, employees enjoy a structured 2 weeks on/2 weeks off rotation, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits, all within a diverse and inclusive work culture that values every crew member's contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deckhand - Coastal Towage
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Svitzer and understand their values, especially their commitment to safety and teamwork. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their crew.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role as a Deckhand. Personal connections can make a huge difference in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Tug work is all about practical skills, so be ready to demonstrate your abilities during interviews. Brush up on your deck operations and safety routines to impress the hiring team with your knowledge and readiness.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about joining the Svitzer team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Deckhand - Coastal Towage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Tug Work:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for tug work! Share why you’re excited about the role and how you can contribute to the crew. We want to know what makes you tick!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous experience in coastal towage or similar roles. If you've got your Able Seaman Certification or Navigational Watch Rating, shout about it! We love seeing candidates who are ready to hit the ground running.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond just your qualifications. Show us your professional attitude and strong work ethic!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website by clicking the 'Apply Now' button. It’s the best way to manage your application and stay updated with the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Svitzer Americas
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of coastal towage operations and the specific responsibilities of a Deckhand. Familiarise yourself with Svitzer's values and safety culture, as showing that you understand their commitment to high operational standards can really set you apart.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role is all about teamwork, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Highlight your ability to communicate well and adapt to different roles within a crew, as this will demonstrate that you're ready to pull your weight onboard.
✨Emphasise Your Work Ethic
Svitzer is looking for candidates who take pride in their work. Be sure to share stories that showcase your strong work ethic and reliability. Talk about times when you went above and beyond to ensure safety and efficiency in your previous roles.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the company. Inquire about training opportunities or how the team handles challenges during operations. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
