Get to Know Us

Since 1833, Svitzer has helped keep trade moving through trusted towage services. Our tugboat crews are at the heart of that work, delivering safe, reliable and sustainable support on the water. If you value teamwork, take pride in your skills, and want to be part of a company that does things properly - we’d love to have you aboard.

Thanks to our continued success in Darwin, we’re looking to welcome additional Tug Deckhands to our team on an 80% part-time, unrostered basis. If you’re passionate about working safely as part of a close-knit marine crew, this could be the ideal opportunity. The role requires a minimum of 145 working days per year (equivalent to 80% of full-time) and may involve short-notice call-ins, so preference is given to those living locally or willing to relocate at their own expense.

You’ll receive a fortnightly salary based on an 80% pro-rata structure, with the full-time equivalent set at $151,552 per annum. Additional rates apply for working over 145 days. Two leave options are available: five days off per month with one 30-day block annually, or seven days off monthly without block leave.

Why You’ll Want to Join Us

Located at the crossroads of Asia-Pacific trade routes, Darwin is a key hub for harbour towage, terminal towage, and naval operations, offering exciting opportunities in dynamic and high-stakes maritime environments. As a Tug Engineer, you’ll be a key part of a three-person crew, responsible for operating and maintaining engines, deck machinery, and other essential equipment.

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.