At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle powerful tugs in busy waters and support the Master with real responsibilities.
- Company: Join Svitzer, a leader in professional seamanship with a commitment to crew support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension matching, life cover, and generous leave after three years.
- Other info: Diverse workplace culture that values all backgrounds and encourages applications from everyone.
- Why this job: Earn your command in a challenging role that truly values skill and judgement.
- Qualifications: STCW II/3 OOW Deck certification and a professional mindset are essential.
The predicted salary is between 54605 - 54605 £ per year.
Not Everyone Is Cut Out for Tug Work - That’s Exactly the Point. Svitzer is looking for an Officer of the Watch to join our Felixstowe operation. This is not a seat-warming role. It’s a stepping stone to command in one of the most demanding and respected areas of professional seamanship.
You must be comfortable working in a busy, unpredictable environment, thrive on close-quarters ship handling, real responsibility, and working as part of a crew where skill, judgement and trust truly matter.
If you want challenging ship-handling work, modern vessels, and a genuine pathway to Master, Svitzer offers a career—not just a contract.
This Is What the Job Really Looks Like
- Working powerful tugs in confined waters, in all conditions
- Supporting the Master—and stepping up when it matters
- Managing safety, crew routines and vessel readiness
- Taking ownership of your tug
- Being relied upon by pilots, port authorities and fellow professionals.
If that excites you, you’re already closer to the right fit than most.
Why Svitzer?
- 1 week on / 1 week off rotation – work hard, then properly switch off
- Modern, well-maintained fleet – no shortcuts, no compromises
- A clear route to Tug Master – many of our Masters started here
- A company that backs its crews – training, mentoring and trust
- We don’t promise an easy job. We promise a worthwhile one.
What You Get
- Competitive salary of £54,605.71 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
- Minimum STCW II/3 OOW Deck 500GT Near Coastal (Unlimited preferred)
- Valid ENG1 and STCW certification (minimum of six months on all certifications)
- Harbour towage experience preferred (but ambition matters too)
- A professional mindset and pride in safe operations
- The right to live and work in the UK
- Full UK Driving Licence & Own Vehicle as the Port of Felixstowe is only accessible by car.
- Ideally crew should be living within a 60-minute commute of the Port of Felixstowe
If you want to earn your command—not wait for it—this could be the move that defines your career.
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.
OOW - 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 OOW - Felixstowe
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Svitzer.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Svitzer. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace OOW - Felixstowe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Svitzer, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Svitzer and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Svitzer. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Svitzer
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Svitzer.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Svitzer.
