Get to Know Us
With over 190 years of maritime experience, Svitzer is a global leader in towage and marine services. Across Australia and Papua New Guinea, our lines boat crews play a key role in helping ports operate safely and efficiently. When you join Svitzer, you join a trusted maritime team that works with discipline, care, and purpose.
Do you have a positive attitude, a good work ethic, and are excited about the thought of working on a small vessel or wharf handling mooring lines? If so, we’re looking for a Lines Deckhand to join our team in Newcastle on a casual basis.
As the role may require stepping in at short notice, preference will be given to candidates who live within two hours of the port or are willing to relocate at their own expense.
Why You’ll Want to Join Us
You’ll be at the heart of harbour operations - handling mooring lines to support the safe berthing and departure of ships. Your work on the lines boat and all wharf locations in the Port of Newcastle is essential to the efficient Port operations in Newcastle. This is a hands-on, team-based role where no two days are the same. Whether it's the variety of work, the strong team culture, or the chance to contribute to critical marine operations, this is a great opportunity to build your skills and take pride in the work you do with Svitzer.
How You’ll Make a Difference
Reporting to the Port Manager, your responsibilities will include:
Handle and transfer mooring lines during vessel arrivals and departures from either lines boat or on the wharf
Work collaboratively with the Pilot to ensure safe, efficient line-handling operations
Assist in maintaining vessel & ute readiness, including stock control, equipment checks, and general housekeeping
Perform routine maintenance to ensure the lines boat remains safe, clean, and operational
Adhere to all safety procedures and actively participate in drills, toolbox talks, and ongoing safety training
Ensure compliance with maritime regulations and Svitzer’s Safety Management System
Support the onboarding and induction of new crew members, trainees, and authorised visitors as required
What You’ll Bring
To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:
A minimum General Purpose Hand Near Coastal Certificate of Competency or equivalent
A valid AMSA Medical that matches your Certificate of Competency
The ability to obtain a Maritime Security Identity Card (MSIC)
Current Provide First Aid and Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates
Experience handling mooring lines is a plus, but not essential
A strong focus on safe work practices, procedures, and doing things the right way
The ability to stay calm, think clearly, and adapt when conditions change
The ability to work well with others, take direction, and contribute to a positive onboard culture. A keen interest in the Maritime Industry
The right to live and work in Australia
Building a Diverse Workplace
In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that members from some under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you!
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.