At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a crew and ensure safe, efficient tug operations in confined waters.
- Company: Join Svitzer, a global leader in towage with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension matching, life cover, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Diverse workplace valuing all backgrounds; apply even if you don't meet every requirement.
- Why this job: Take command with real responsibility and make a difference every day.
- Qualifications: Master <500GT Certificate, valid certifications, and harbour towage experience required.
The predicted salary is between 70722 - 70722 £ per year.
Lead From the Wheelhouse. Svitzer is looking for an experienced Tug Master to join our Felixstowe operation. This is not a ceremonial command. It’s a hands-on role at the sharp end of towage, where judgement, leadership, and ship-handling skill are tested every day.
If you take pride in running a safe, well-prepared tug, leading a crew that trusts your decisions, and working in close cooperation with pilots and port authorities, you’ll understand exactly what this role demands.
What the Role Really Involves
As Tug Master, you are accountable for the safe, efficient operation of your tug—every movement, every evolution, every decision. That means:
- Handling assisted ships safely and decisively in confined waters
- Setting the safety standard on board and making sure it’s lived, not laminated
- Leading and developing your crew, creating a culture of trust and professionalism
- Maintaining vessel readiness, documentation, and operational reporting
- Working closely with Port Managers, Harbour Pilots, and port stakeholders
- Taking ownership of your vessel—because that’s what command actually means
This is practical seamanship, real responsibility, and leadership that counts.
Why Svitzer?
Because tug command should mean something.
- 1 week rotations – focused work, then proper time away
- Modern, well-maintained fleet – no shortcuts, no compromises
- A company that backs its Masters – trust, support, and clear standards
- Global leader in towage with local teams that know their ports inside out
- We don’t sell an easy job. We offer a professional one.
What You Get
- Competitive salary of £70,722.46 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
- Master <500GT Certificate of Competency (minimum)
- Valid ENG1 and STCW certification (minimum of six months on all certifications)
- Harbour or terminal towage experience – essential
- Experience with ASD and/or Voith propulsion systems
- Strong communication skills and confidence working with multiple stakeholders
- Solid administrative skills and comfort with computer-based systems
- Ideally living locally to the Port of Felixstowe
- UK Driving Licence & Own Car to be able to access the port
- The right to live and work in the UK
This role isn’t about title. It’s about earned authority, calm leadership under pressure, and doing tug work properly. If you’re ready to command with responsibility—not just rank—this could be the right 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 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!
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.
Master - Felixstowe employer: Svitzer
Svitzer is an exceptional employer that prioritises operational excellence and commercial growth while fostering a diverse and high-performance culture. Located in the UK, employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes pension and health plans, alongside ample opportunities for professional development and strategic leadership within a safety-critical environment. Joining Svitzer means being part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to sustainable growth and strong internal relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Master - Felixstowe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the maritime industry, especially those who know Svitzer. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral that could give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your ship-handling skills and leadership examples. Be ready to share specific stories that showcase your experience and how you’ve led a crew under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for safety and professionalism. During interviews, emphasise how you prioritise these values in your work. It’s not just about the technical skills; it’s about creating a culture of trust on board.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Svitzer team and ready to take command!
We think you need these skills to ace Master - Felixstowe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your relevant experience. Talk about your time as a Tug Master or any similar roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re not just looking for qualifications; we want to know who you are and what drives you. Share your passion for tug work and leadership – it’ll help us get to know you better!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role at Svitzer. Use keywords from the job description and relate your experiences directly to the responsibilities mentioned. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you access to manage your applications easily!
How to prepare for a job interview at Svitzer
✨Know Your Vessel Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the tug you’ll be operating. Familiarise yourself with its systems, capabilities, and any recent upgrades. This will not only show your commitment but also allow you to discuss how you would handle various scenarios confidently.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership style and how you've successfully led a crew in high-pressure situations. Think about times when you had to make quick decisions or resolve conflicts on board. This will help illustrate your ability to create a culture of trust and professionalism.
✨Understand Stakeholder Dynamics
Research the key stakeholders you’ll be working with, such as Port Managers and Harbour Pilots. Be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with them effectively. Showing that you understand their roles and how to communicate with them can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Safety First, Always
Be prepared to talk about your approach to safety on board. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate how you’ve set safety standards and ensured they were followed. This is crucial for the role, so showing your commitment to safety will resonate well with the interviewers.
