We are seeking a qualified and experienced Officer of the Watch (Angolan national) for Svitzer’s marine operations in Soyo, Angola.  This role operates on a 1 month on / 1 month off rotational schedule, living onboard.

As Officer of the Watch, you will play a key leadership role onboard, supporting the Master to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient towage operations while developing and mentoring the deck team. Through your leadership, professionalism, and commitment to safety, you will contribute to the delivery of reliable marine services and strengthen Svitzer’s reputation as a trusted industry partner in Angola. 

 
If you’re looking to build a meaningful and rewarding maritime career with a leading global towage and marine services provider that values its people, fosters development, and promotes teamwork, we encourage you to apply.

What you can look forward to:

At Svitzer, you will be part of a global organization that takes pride in delivering high-quality marine services that keep ports moving and communities connected.  

Svitzer operates across 37 countries with a fleet of more than 440 vessels and over 4,000 employees. We are committed to growing local talent and building a workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. This includes meaningful opportunities for Angolan nationals to build skills, develop their careers, and contribute to a strong and sustainable local maritime industry.

Here’s what you can expect: 

Industry Leadership: Work with a global leader backed by almost 200 years of maritime expertise, committed to safety, quality, and operational excellence.  

Career Opportunities: A work environment that offers challenges, development, and genuine opportunities for growth. We are big enough to provide diverse opportunities but small enough to know your name and celebrate your success. 

Diversity and Inclusion: We believe that everyone belongs. At Svitzer, diversity of background, thought, and experience makes us stronger. We welcome people from all backgrounds and foster an environment where you can bring your whole self to work. 

Community Impact: Take pride in meaningful work that keeps goods and essential services moving, supporting businesses and connecting communities locally and globally.

Safe and Supportive Environment: Safety isn’t just a priority at Svitzer – it’s our culture. From comprehensive training to state-of-the-art equipment, we ensure you feel confident, secure, and supported every day on the job.

What will you do:

• Perform navigational watches when on duty in compliance with International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea. 

• Support the Master in executing HSEQ preventive actions, and implementation of Svitzer and other relevant internal or external customer safety policies. 

• Ensure that work instructions are carried out competently and safely according to international and national regulations, as well as Svitzer standards. 

• Act as vessel Safety Officer. 

• Overall responsible for the supervision and administration of the deck department in accordance with STCW95. In Svitzer, the Chief Officer is the first line of supervision of personnel and work. 

Your key objectives will be:

• Safe operations: Support the Master in fostering a safety focused culture onboard. Support an effective drill program and promote adherence to fatigue and rest hour regulations. Contribute to safe and efficient deck operations. Maintain operational flexibility 

• Advocate for crew leadership & development: Support an onboard environment which is focused on continuous professional development. Train and mentor junior ranks in agreement with the Master. Foster a culture of feedback as applicable. Promote crew welfare, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment. Actively engage with and advocate for the organization. 

• Operational excellence: Support the Master in achieving operational excellence by delivering safe, efficient, and customer-centric towage services that reliably meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. 

• Vessel maintenance & compliance: Efficient system utilization, including Sertica and HMS, ensuring the Master is supported in maintaining vessel and crew certification compliance. Upholding high maintenance standards to keep the vessel in an optimal condition in support of maintaining Svitzer’s DOC - Document of Compliance. Support audit processes as delegated by the Master. 

• Cost effectiveness & operational efficiency: Contribute to operational excellence by promoting a cost-conscious approach. Support the Master by minimizing unplanned out of service time, and adopting sustainable, cost-saving practices. Contribute to 'Aim for 8' efficiency targets as applicable to the role. Support the Docking with Discipline approach by ensuring well-planned maintenance and cost-effective docking preparations. 

Essential qualifications, skills, experience requirements

To be considered for this opportunity you must be an Angolan national and meet the capability requirements below: 

• Valid Certificate of Competency (CoC) II/1 Unlimited  

• Valid Seaman Book 

• Valid GMDSS and GOC 

• Valid Seafarer Medical Certificate 

• Experience sailing up to 3 Years  

• Proven experience in harbor towage operations including ASD propulsion handling is preferred. 

• Strong knowledge of safe navigation, vessel handling, and marine operations on towing vessels of 3000 GT or above is preferred 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs. 

• Proficiency in written and spoken English 

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

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