Svitzer is looking for a Deckhand to join our London Operations.
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 tug crew in busy, high-pressure environments
Supporting the Master and officers to ensure safe, efficient operations
Taking ownership of deck operations, safety routines and vessel standards
Carrying out planned maintenance and keeping the vessel clean, safe and ready
Getting involved in both deck and engine-room tasks when required
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.
Clear structure and real time off
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 Efficient Deckhand Certification with a Navigational Watch Rating Certificate
Harbour or terminal towage experience preferred, but not essential
Valid ENG1 medical and STCW Basic Safety Training (minimum six months’ validity on all certificates)
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.
Ready to Get Started?
If you want to build real experience, earn trust, and progress 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!
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.
Skills Required
- Able Seaman Certification or Efficient Deckhand Certification with a Navigational Watch Rating Certificate
- Valid ENG1 medical certificate with at least six months' validity
- STCW Basic Safety Training with at least six months' validity
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Legal right to live and work in the UK
- Harbour or terminal towage experience
- Strong work ethic, good communication skills, and professional attitude
What We Do
Svitzer is a leading global port and terminal infrastructure provider specializing in towage and marine services. Operating a fleet of 456 vessels, the company serves approximately 2,000 customers in 141 ports and 40 terminals across 37 countries. Their mission is to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable marine solutions, ensuring the efficient movement of goods and enhancing safety within the maritime industry.
