Senior Vessel Master (Adelaide Based)

We are seeking a highly experienced and respected Senior Vessel Master to join our marine operations team. This is a senior leadership role for an individual who not only demonstrates exceptional seamanship, but who is passionate about setting standards, mentoring crews, and driving a strong safety‑first culture across our harbour tug fleet.

Joining our team means becoming part of a highly skilled group of marine professionals, delivering complex marine infrastructure projects across Australia, while fostering a supportive, family‑first workplace.

About Us

We are a specialist marine contractor uniquely positioned to self‑perform the full range of marine construction and engineering disciplines. Our capabilities span design, construction, and commissioning of complex marine infrastructure, including:

• Jetties and wharves

• Bulk loading facilities

• Dredging and reclamation

• Navigation aids and marinas

• Underwater pipelines

We deliver work in Australia and overseas, often in pristine coastal and riverside environments.

Why Work With Us?

• Competitive hourly rates with overtime and allowances

• Paid R&R

• Family‑first culture

• Diverse and interesting projects

• Highly skilled, professional marine teams

• Work in unique and scenic marine environments

About the Role

As a Senior Vessel Master, you will have ultimate responsibility for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of assigned harbour tugs while also providing leadership across the wider marine crew.

In addition to day‑to‑day vessel command, this role plays a key part in developing people, setting operational standards, and supporting consistent best practice across projects and locations.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and competence of all crew members

• Maintaining the seaworthiness, compliance, and operational readiness of vessels

• Leading by example to promote a strong safety, performance, and learning culture

• Coaching, mentoring, and supporting less experienced Masters and crew

• Planning and managing voyages, including staffing, equipment, fuel, provisions, and work requirements

• Monitoring and forecasting weather to ensure safe operations at all times

• Supervising crew and vessels across operational, maintenance, and safety activities

• Ensuring all statutory requirements, safety documentation, certifications, and service records are compliant and up to date

• Working closely with Business Unit Managers, Project Managers, and Project Supervisors to meet project and client requirements

• Supporting project operations through consultation with internal teams and clients

• Actively contributing to continuous improvement in marine operations and crew capability

A full position description is available upon request.

About You

You are a highly capable and respected Vessel Master who thrives in leadership roles and understands the importance of culture, accountability, and professional development. You take pride in your seamanship and are committed to mentoring the next generation of marine professionals.

You will also bring:

• A proactive, solutions‑focused approach

• Strong professional conduct and decision‑making skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities

• A genuine commitment to QHSE compliance and shipboard safety

• Flexibility and adaptability, including the ability to live onboard while working away

• Availability to work weekends (essential due to dynamic marine and weather conditions)

• Extensive knowledge of legislative and regulatory requirements for vessel operation and management

• Proven experience working in high‑risk marine environments

You must be willing and able to pass a full pre‑employment medical, functional capacity evaluation, and drug and alcohol screening.

Skills & Qualifications

Essential:

• AMSA issued Master 5 (minimum)

• MED 2 (minimum)

• Current First Aid Certificate

• Construction White Card

• Current Driver’s Licence

Desirable:

• High‑risk tickets (dogging, rigging)

• Marine construction industry experience

• Experience towing barges and operating in close‑quarters around marine structures

This is an Adelaide‑based position offering long‑term opportunity, variety, and the chance to play a key leadership role within a respected marine contractor.

If you are a Senior Master looking to make a lasting impact through leadership, mentoring, and operational excellence, we would like to hear from you.