Tug Chief Officer

Amentum, a global leader in advanced engineering, technical, and professional services serving the US government, allies, and critical infrastructure sectors, is seeking an experienced Tug Chief Officer to support a unique US Navy program on the island of Diego Garcia. The Tug Chief Officer will provide leadership and operational oversight for the safe and effective execution of all tug operations. This position is critical to ensuring the safety, efficiency, and compliance of crewmembers and vessel operations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Act as the second in command aboard the tug, supporting the Master with all vessel operations, navigation, and crew management.
• Safely execute day-to-day marine operations such as towing, docking, undocking, and assisting with vessel mooring operations in accordance with established procedures and international standards.
• Oversee and participate in the planning, coordination, and supervision of all deck activities, ensuring safety and operational readiness.
• Ensure that the deck crew operates in compliance with safety procedures, maritime regulations, and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
• Supervise cargo operations, making sure proper load and ballast distribution is maintained during towage, fuel transfers, or port entry operations.
• Monitor and maintain safety and firefighting equipment, ensuring systems are operational and accessible at all times.
• Conduct regular emergency drills for fire, man-overboard, abandon ship, and other emergencies, ensuring the crew is trained and prepared.
• Oversee proper upkeep of deck logs, voyage data, reports, and documentation to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and contract requirements.
• Implement the routine maintenance, cleaning, and testing of all deck equipment, including mooring winches, hawsers, and towing gear.
• Coordinate with the Chief Engineer to ensure vessel operational readiness and maintain close communication regarding the mechanical and technical status of the vessel.
• Assist in the navigation of the tug to ensure safe passage, including maintaining situational awareness while underway, at anchor, or during ship-to-ship activities.
• Serve as the primary safety officer for onboard deck operations, identifying and mitigating risks while monitoring compliance with environmental and pollution prevention standards.
• Manage inventories of safety, navigation, and operational equipment, coordinating resupply as required.
• Step into the role of acting Captain if required, in the absence of the Master.
• Collaborate and liaise effectively with crewmembers, port authorities, and other stakeholders involved in towing and dockside operations.

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid certification as Chief Mate (unlimited) or equivalent license as required under STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers).
• 3–5 years of relevant experience onboard tugs or other similar vessels, including towage, docking, and port services.
• Strong knowledge of maritime rules and regulations, including ISM Code, SOLAS, MARPOL, and local/international navigation standards.
• Experience in rigging, deck operations, mooring, and towing procedures.
• Proficiency in managing emergency situations, including firefighting, man overboard recovery, and damage control.
• Strong leadership, team coordination, and organizational skills, including managing deck crews and work processes.
• Thorough knowledge of vessel safety management systems, pollution control, and environmental protocols.
• Ability to maintain detailed logs, records, and reports as required by company policy, flag-state, and port-state control inspections.
• Must be in possession of a valid passport and capable of traveling internationally.
• Passport must be valid for a minimum of one (1) year at the time of hiring.
• Ability to successfully pass contract medical requirements and maintain compliance for duty aboard a vessel for the duration of deployment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working in an austere OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) location or aboard U.S. government or military vessels.
• Familiarity with U.S. Navy procedures and operations, particularly relating to towage, port operations, and naval support.
• Proficiency in onboard operations using advanced navigational systems, including ECDIS, radar, and electronic chart systems.
• Training or certification in ship handling, bridge resource management, or electronic navigation.
• Knowledge of DoD standards for port and naval vessel operations.
• Experience working with multi-national crew members and overseeing cross-cultural teams.
• Tanker endorsements and experience with fuel/tank/barge movements or operations.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Safety: Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. Employees are responsible for fulfilling all self-aid/buddy-aid responsibilities, completing required training, and participating in emergency response tasks as appropriate.

Quality: Quality is the foundation of our business and the keystone of our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Each employee is required to conduct activities in compliance with Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts.

Procedure Compliance: All employees must read, understand, and adhere to the general and specific operational, safety, quality, and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures, and policies pertaining to their job.