At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a close-knit crew, supporting towage operations across UK ports and coastal waters.
- Company: Svitzer, a global leader in maritime services with a strong safety culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension matching, life cover, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: 2 weeks on/2 weeks off rotation with ongoing training and career development.
- Why this job: Experience hands-on maritime work on powerful vessels with real impact.
- Qualifications: Able Seaman Certification and a strong work ethic required.
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 Ayton 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 Ayton 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
Why Svitzer?
Because tug work deserves to be done properly.
- 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off rotation – clear structure and real time off
- Living onboard during your working period – no daily commuting
- Work across UK ports and coastal operations – variety and challenge built in
- Modern vessels, strong safety culture, and high operational standards
- A global company with local teams that look after their people
- Training, development and long‑term career opportunities
We don’t promise an easy job. We promise a worthwhile one.
- 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 & 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)
Ready to Get Started?
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 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!
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Deckhand - Coastal Towage in Southampton 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 Deckhand - Coastal Towage in Southampton
✨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 Deckhand - Coastal Towage in Southampton
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.
