Vessel Master

Role Overview

Vessel Master at AD Ports Group. The role is responsible for the day-to-day running of all port tugs, ensuring vessel operations activities are carried out on a regular basis as per schedule, conducting HSE activities, maintaining vessel availability, and ensuring that any incident occurring within the port is promptly reported to the concerned authority.

Role Purpose

To command and operate port tugs safely and efficiently, maintaining full compliance with international and local maritime regulations, ensuring crew competence and vessel readiness, and safeguarding the company's reputation and operational standards at all times.

Key Responsibilities

Safety and Compliance

• Own full responsibility for the safety of the vessel and the crew in all respects at all times
• Delegate and monitor daily inspection of all safety gear, deck machinery, and firefighting equipment for their functioning condition
• Report any defect or breakdown of navigation aids, deck equipment, or machinery to the Port Captain/Superintendent upon taking over and as and when it occurs
• Ensure that all equipment, cargo, and materials on deck are properly secured at all times, and take all necessary safety precautions to protect the crew, the tug, and its operations during adverse weather conditions
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge and proficiency in all applicable international and local maritime regulations, including SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, ISPS, and MLC, and ensure that the vessel remains fully compliant with all such regulatory requirements at all times
• Liaise with the Chief Engineer to ensure the vessel remains fully compliant with the MARPOL Convention at all times
• Ensure that the Vessel's Certificate register is kept updated and communicated to the Port Captain/Superintendent on a regular basis

Operational Management

• Monitor and maintain the general condition and cleanliness of the vessel at the prescribed standard level at all times
• Report to the Port Captain/Superintendent on all daily operational activities, including mechanical defects, engine or generator failures, crew-related issues, and any incidents or accidents
• Understand and familiarize with the operation of all navigation aids, firefighting systems, and oil spill dispersing systems fitted on the vessel
• Plan and recommend to the Port Captain/Superintendent the implementation of training programs designed to minimize operational delays, enhance performance, and improve the overall productivity and efficiency of all vessels and crew members

Equipment and Systems

• Demonstrate thorough training and proficiency in the operation of all vessel-specific equipment and capable of training and mentoring other personnel in the use of such equipment, including radars, echo sounders, Global Positioning System (GPS), GMDSS equipment, and other navigational and communication systems
• Maintain proficiency with International radio telephony, its procedures, and distress signals
• Ensure that the vessel's stability is always within safe limits and regularly calculated and logged

Crew and Health Management

• Ensure that the vessel is adequately manned at all times and that all crew members are properly trained, competent, and prepared to respond effectively to any emergency in accordance with the approved Contingency Plan
• Ensure that food quality and rationing is properly controlled and kept at a high standard
• Ensure that the vessel's Medical Chest is maintained in a fully stocked and serviceable condition at all times, and that the overall health and fitness of the crew are regularly monitored
• Verify each crew member's medical history, existing medical conditions, and known allergies upon joining the vessel, and ensure that accurate records are maintained and readily available on board
• Carry out regular Crew Competence Assessments and record the same in the System
• Conduct training of newly appointed trainee Tug Masters

Management and Company Representation

• Carry out Masters' Management Reviews as per Company Policies
• Act as the Owner's Representative, ensuring the Company's reputation is safeguarded at all times and supporting the achievement of established KPIs

Qualifications & Experience

• Secondary School education
• Valid Tug Master certificate issued by an approved Maritime Authority
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience on vessels of similar type and size
• Demonstrated experience in vessel handling, ship husbandry and maintenance, vessel construction and stability, crew management, visual and instrument navigation, and application of radar, GPS, and echo sounder in restricted visibility

Skills & Competencies

• Written and spoken English
• Arabic (preferred)
• Proficiency in operation of radars, echo sounders, Global Positioning System (GPS), GMDSS equipment, and other navigational and communication systems
• Thorough knowledge of International radio telephony, its procedures, and distress signals
• Expertise in vessel stability calculations and logging
• Knowledge of SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, ISPS, and MLC regulations
• Crew management and training capabilities
• Emergency response and contingency planning