Working on a tugboat
Do you want to sail close to home? Then choose a job as a tugboat captain, sailor, ship's engineer or deckhand at Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Working in a team of three, you will ensure the smooth and safe performance of towing tasks.
The latest tugboats
At Port of Antwerp-Bruges, you will get the chance to sail on the latest tugboats. The energy-efficient RSD tugs have been sailing around Antwerp since 2021. The Hydrotug, a hydrogen-powered hybrid tugboat, will be part of the Antwerp fleet from 2023.
With these ships, we are maximising our efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. Of course, you will receive the necessary training to sail this type of vessel safely.
Captain
As captain of a tug-boat, you are responsible for the ship's crew and for performing a variety of towing tasks in the port area smoothly and safely. Does that sound like something for you?
As a captain, you need a sailing licence, radar certificate and marine VHF radio certificate. We expect about three years of sailing experience and a language level C1 (reading and listening) and B2 (speaking and writing) for prospective tug-boat captains.
Ship's Engineer
Are you skilled in mechanics and electricity? Then you can get started as a marine engineer. You will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of all installations on board a ship. A fun challenge you will never face alone!
As a ship's engineer, you have language level B2. As soon as you are employed, you will undergo thorough training at Technical Fleet.
Sailor
As a sailor, you will help out on dredgers and tugs. You will operate the winches and perform towing or dredging tasks safely. You will also be jointly responsible for the maintenance of the machinery.
Do you want to become a sailor? Then you need language level A2, a service record for inland navigation with a minimum qualification of sailor, a sailing licence or Rhine licence to participate in the selection process.
I came on board as a marine engineer with a captain who taught me the ropes.
Maritime and nautical training
Becoming a tugboat captain, sailor, ships's engineer or deckhand – how do you get started? In Belgium, several schools or training centres offer maritime training:
- Higher Naval College Antwerp
- Maritime Institute Mercator Ostend
- VDAB - Maritime training
- SYNTRA - Transportation and logistics
You can also opt for a nautical education as early as secondary school. In The Shipping school Cenflumarin, around 100 pupils choose their dream in shipping.
Would you like to jump right in and gain experience in the field? At the Port Authority, there are several career paths to get your maritime dream job. Discover them below!
Your maritime career with the Port Authority
At Port of Antwerp-Bruges, you can follow different career paths:
- With the entry-level position deckhand, you will discover life on board. From captaining ships to thoroughly cleaning the kitchen cupboards, gaining experience is what it's all about. You always start with the ‘safety for deckhands’ course. Would you like to become a deckhand? You can! You will then take a nine-month course at the Port Authority or, after about 360 days of sailing, you will take the exam to become a sailor or ship's engineer.
- Do you dream of one day becoming a captain on a tugboat? Come aboard as a mate and take a two-year course to become a tugboat captain. With theoretical lessons, training in our tug simulator and onboard training with an experienced trainer, you will learn the tricks of the trade. You can also obtain the ‘skipper and radar’ qualification certificate during the course.
- Are you already a sailor or ship's engineer, do you have enough sailing hours and do you have what it takes to become a captain? Then you can be trained as a tugboat captain at Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Still looking for something else?
Are you the captain, sailor or ship's engineer who knows how to get things done? Then we are looking for you! Our tugs are the backbone of port operations. Whether you are a starter or an experienced old hand, we have a place for you at the Port Authority.
Don't want to be at the helm of a tugboat right away, but does anything that sails make your heart beat faster? At Port of Antwerp-Bruges, there are a great many other nautical or maritime jobs, in both Antwerp and Zeebrugge. These include directing shipping traffic, operating locks and bridges, or safely securing vessels at the dock.
Jobs in the spotlight (in Dutch)
Other vacancies
Still looking for something else? At the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, there is a whole host of other vacancies. Take a quick look or make a spontaneous application.
