Get to Know Us

For more than 190 years, Svitzer has relied on skilled tug crews to support the safe movement of vessels through our ports. Whether you’re on the lines, in the engine room, or at the helm, your work matters. Join a team that values safety, professionalism, and the kind of pride that comes from doing a job well.

We are inviting expressions from qualified and skilled Deckhands to be considered for potential future opportunities within our towage team in Melbourne/Westernport.  Please note this is not a current vacancy - you’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is submitted, but we may only be in touch if your experience aligns with future requirements.

Why You’ll Want to Join Us

Joining our candidate pool offers the chance to build on your skills and gain hands-on experience across a range of harbour environments, all while working with supportive and highly experienced crews. Given the local nature of our operations, we’ll prioritise candidates who are based in the region and available to work at short notice.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Tug Deckhand, you’ll play a key role on deck and help keep the vessel running smoothly. Reporting to the Tug Master, your responsibilities will include:

• Carrying out routine checks, basic maintenance, and minor repairs on deck equipment and machinery
• Handling and securing lines during towage, mooring, and general vessel movements
• Inspecting and maintaining lines, including splicing and general rope care
• Managing stores and deck gear, ensuring everything is in good condition and ready to use
• Using computer-based systems to support maintenance and safety checks
• Following company procedures and marine regulations to ensure safe operations
• Supporting environmental compliance, including waste handling and pollution control
• Participating in drills, training, and operational improvement activities

What You’ll Bring

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• A minimum General Purpose Hand Near Coastal Certificate of Competency or equivalent
• A valid AMSA Medical that matches your Certificate of Competency
• Current Provide First Aid and Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates
• A genuine interest in deck operations and getting involved in all aspects of towage work
• Experience handling ropes, lines, or operating winches is highly regarded
• A strong focus on safe work practices, procedures, and doing things the right way
• The ability to stay calm, think clearly, and adapt when conditions change
• The ability to work well with others, take direction, and contribute to a positive onboard culture
• The right to live and work in Australia

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.