Working on a tugboat

Want to sail close to home? Then choose a job as a tug master, mate, marine engineer or deckhand at Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Rather not at the helm, but still with a heart that beats faster for everything that sails? Then we also have lots of other nautical positions such as supervising shipping traffic, operating locks and bridges or safely mooring ships at the quay.

Sailing on 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 these type of vessels safely. Would you like to join us on board? Discover our vacancies below!

The Hydrotug, a hydrogen-powered hybrid tug, will be part of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges fleet from 2023.

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.

View the vacancy (in Dutch)

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. 

 

There is currently no vacancy, but be sure to keep an eye on the website!

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.

View the vacancy (in Dutch)
Tug Captain Jurgen Duyvejonck gives a unique insight into his job as a tug captain with the Port Authority.

I came on board as a marine engineer with a captain who taught me the ropes.

Jurgen Duyvejonck, Captain Tug
Foto genomen door Patrick Wouters en gedeeld in de social media whatsappgroep. Mag vrij gebruikt worden.
Deckhand who's managing the ropes at a tugboat of the Port Authority.

Your maritime career with the Port Authority

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:

 

  • Deckhand
    With this entry-level position, 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 sailor or ship's engineer? You can! You will then complete a nine-month training course with the Port Authority or take the exam after about 360 sailing days.
     
  • Mate
    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.
     
  • Sailor or ship's engineer
    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?

There is also a lot going on ashore. Together we ensure smooth and safe shipping traffic: from operating bridges and locks to mooring ships and directing shipping traffic. To cope with the traffic of the future, we look for people with the right drive and offer tailor-made training. Fancy getting started in this unique environment? Discover all our nautical vacancies!

Discover all nautical vacancies
In Belgium, several schools or training centres offer maritime and nautical training to become a captain, sailor or marine engineer.

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. 

Discover all vacancies
Help build some unique infrastructure as an engineer for Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
A job as a tugboat captain, sailor, ship's engineer or deckhand at Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Solliciteer voor kapitein, matroos of scheepswerktuigkundige bij Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Als sleepbootkapitein bij Port of Antwerp-Bruges vaar je met de nieuwste sleepboten.
Kapitein, matroos of scheepswerktuigkundige worden, hoe begin je daaraan?
Werken op een sleepboot als kapitein, matroos of scheepswerktuigkundige.

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