Vessel Master

Job Overview

The primary responsibility of the Vessel Master is to manage the daily operations of port tug vessels, ensuring all activities are conducted on schedule and meet safety regulations. The role requires active supervision of crew, maintenance of vessel conditions, and prompt reporting of incidents within the port.

Core Duties

• Assume full accountability for the safety of the vessel and its crew at all times.
• Oversee daily inspections of safety equipment, deck machinery, and firefighting apparatus to confirm operational readiness.
• Report all daily operational matters, mechanical faults, equipment failures, crew issues, and incidents to the Port Captain or Superintendent.
• Maintain the vessel’s cleanliness and overall condition in line with prescribed standards.
• Immediately report any defects or malfunctions in navigation aids, deck equipment, or machinery to superiors.
• Ensure proper manning of the vessel at all times with trained and capable crew ready to handle emergencies according to approved contingency plans.
• Understand the operation of all vessel navigation aids, fire-fighting, and oil spill dispersal systems.
• Secure all deck equipment, cargo, and materials and take necessary safety measures during adverse weather.
• Advise the Port Captain/Superintendent on training programs aimed at reducing operational downtime and improving vessel and crew performance.
• Be fully trained in operating vessel equipment such as radar, echo sounders, GPS, and GMDSS, and capable of mentoring staff on these systems.
• Ensure compliance with international and local maritime regulations including SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, ISPS, and MLC at all times.
• Demonstrate knowledge of international radio telephony procedures and distress signaling.
• Keep the vessel’s certificate register current and report updates regularly.
• Manage food quality and rationing standards aboard the vessel.
• Maintain a fully stocked and serviceable medical chest and monitor crew health continually, including verifying medical histories and allergies for new crew members.
• Regularly calculate and record vessel stability to ensure it remains within safe limits.
• Coordinate with the Chief Engineer to guarantee ongoing compliance with MARPOL conventions.
• Conduct Master’s Management Reviews following company policies.

People Management Responsibilities

• Perform regular assessments of crew competencies and document evaluations in the system.
• Train newly recruited trainee tug masters.

Strategic Duties

• Represent the owner’s interests to protect the company’s reputation and support achieving key performance indicators.

Educational and Experience Requirements

• Minimum secondary education with a valid Tug Master certificate from an authorized Maritime Authority.
• Proficient in written and spoken English; Arabic language skills are preferred.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience operating similar vessels.
• Experience in vessel handling, ship maintenance, vessel stability and construction, crew management, and navigation using radar, GPS, and echo sounders, including operating in reduced visibility conditions.