Tug Master United Arab Emirates Full-time

At a major port operator in the UAE, you will command tugboats that manoeuvre the world’s largest vessels – from container ships and tankers to bulk carriers and LNG carriers – safely in and out of one of the busiest ports in the Middle East. Every docking and undocking operation you lead will protect multi‑million dollar assets, ensure just‑in‑time cargo flow, and uphold the port’s reputation for zero‑incident marine services. This is a high‑stakes role for an experienced mariner who thrives on precision, teamwork, and situational awareness.

Key Responsibilities

• Take command of tugboats during vessel berthing, unberthing, and harbour manoeuvres, ensuring safe and efficient operations at all times.
• Interpret pilot orders and execute towage plans precisely, maintaining constant communication with vessel pilots, mooring gangs, and port control.
• Perform pre‑departure checks on tug machinery, engines, navigational equipment, and towing gear, reporting any defects immediately.
• Operate tug controls to deliver thrust, speed, and heading as required, using azimuth drives or conventional propellers to exert the correct bollard pull.
• Ensure compliance with port regulations, COLREGS, ISM Code, and company safety policies, including the use of personal protective equipment and safe manning.
• Supervise the deck crew during line handling, fendering, and towing operations, providing clear commands and maintaining a safety‑first attitude.
• Maintain the tug’s logbook, engine room records, and daily reports, including fuel consumption, hours run, and any incidents or near misses.
• Participate in emergency drills (fire, man overboard, abandon ship) and support oil spill response activities as part of the port’s contingency plan.
• Liaise with port control, pilots, and vessel traffic services (VTS) to ensure smooth coordination of all tug movements within the harbour limits.
• Carry out routine maintenance checks and assist engineering staff with minor repairs to keep the tug mission‑ready.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Valid STCW II/2 Certificate of Competency (Master on vessels of 500 GT or more) or national equivalent recognised by the UAE Federal Transport Authority.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Tug Master or senior deck officer in harbour towage, terminal operations, or offshore support.
• Proven experience with ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) or Voith Schneider tugs, including ship‑assist and escort operations.
• Valid STCW Basic Safety Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid, and Bridge Resource Management certificates.
• Excellent command of English (spoken and written) for communication with pilots, port control, and crew; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
• Physical fitness and ability to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, as port operations are 24/7.
• Clear medical fitness certificate for seafarers, including colour vision and hearing.
• Valid UAE driving license and ability to commute to port locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Sharjah.

What You’ll Gain

• Competitive tax‑free monthly salary of AED 20,000 – AED 28,000 (based on experience and vessel type) plus accommodation allowance, transport, medical insurance, and annual flight ticket.
• Access to company‑sponsored training programmes, including ASD simulation and STCW refresher courses, with clear career progression to Harbour Master or Marine Superintendent.
• Opportunity to work with state‑of‑the‑art tugboats at a world‑class port, contributing to the UAE’s maritime trade leadership.