Lead From the Wheelhouse.

Svitzer is looking for an experienced Tug Master to join our Southampton 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.

If that sounds like your kind of command, read on.

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

• All crew must live within 30 minutes of the Port of Southampton

• UK Driving Licence

• 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.