Master- Escort Tug
KOTUG Canada is accepting applications for Escort Tug Masters to join our dynamic team.
Duties and Accountabilities
The Master holds overall responsibility and command for the safe, environmentally sound and efficient operation of the vessel. The Master has overriding authority to make decisions with respect to the safety of the vessel and personnel onboard, the protection of the environment and cargo and to request shoreside assistance as necessary. The Master’s duties include but are not limited to the following;
- Responsible for the health, safety, security, and welfare of all personnel working on the vessel and the marine environment, including the seaworthiness and stability of the vessel
- Responsible for safe navigation and positioning of the vessel, including course adjustments as necessary
- Ensure that the day-to-day conduct of shipboard operations are carried out effectively; Comply with all safety regulations, flag state, coastal state and other applicable rules and legislations
- Coordinate, delegate, and plan activities onboard, including risk assessments and on-hire surveys, and ensure execution of the work scope with minimal loss of time
- Act as the primary company representative onboard to the client/vessel charterer, flag state authorities, and other relevant external parties
- Closely liaise with sub-contracted and project teams onboard to ensure service delivery
- Ensure that the vessel’s crew and emergency equipment are functionally maintained to respond effectively to potential emergency situations; Develop and post muster lists and conduct regular emergency drills to identify areas where improvements can be made
- Accountable for the overall Vessel Security Plan, ensuring crew are trained and familiarized, relevant records are maintained, and inspections and tests of security equipment are carried out
- Ensure that security procedures and arrangements are adhered to at all times
- Prepare written standing orders and give clear instructions to Navigation Officers and other vessel crew on tasks, deliverables, objectives, and expectations
- Ensure proper sign on of all crew and maintenance of Articles of Agreement
- Provide supervision, leadership, and guidance to the vessel’s crew; Manage performance issues as they arise and provide necessary feedback to crew in accordance with the company’s performance appraisal and progressive discipline policies
- Manage interpersonal conflict and support resolution of issues; Manage incidents of workplace violence or harassment and escalate to shore management for support as necessary
- Participate in all investigations of any marine related incidents and the implementation of any corrective actions
- Monitor the vessel’s certification status and maintain and update filing of the vessel’s certificates
- Review IMS and report deficiencies to shore based management
- Work in conjunction with the Chief Engineer to ensure that the planned maintenance program is implemented and executed so that the vessel and its equipment are maintained in proper condition, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, industry practices, and client requirements
- Regularly prepare and submit required management and performance reports
- Work with the Crewing Department to ensure rotation plans, crew changes, travel logistics, and personnel placement is coordinated and approved
- Act as / assume officer of the watch as and when necessary
Certification Requirements:
- Minimum of Master 3000GT Certificate of Competency as issued by Transport Canada
- STCW Basic Safety
- STCW Advanced Firefighting
- STCW proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats
- Marine advanced/basic first aid and CPR
- GMDSS/GOC
- Ship Security Officer (SSO)
- ECDIS IMO 1.27 and vessel specific
- Valid Transport Canada Seafarer Medical
Experience & Qualifications:
- Minimum of one year experience in position
- Minimum of two years previous experience onboard ASD escort/harbour tugs with 60+ bollard pull or vessels of similar size
- Minimum of two yeas previous experience in escort towing
- Must meet the minimum PPA voyage requirements for Area 2 general and Area 3
What we offer
At KOTUG Canada, we offer an opportunity to be part of an innovative forward-thinking company with a strong commitment to safety and sustainability. Here you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future while working in a dynamic, collaborative environment and with cutting-edge technology.
Apply today! A copy of your cover letter and CV can be forwarded to resumes@kotugcanada.ca
Marine Dispatcher, Victoria, BC
We are looking for a Marine Dispatcher
KOTUG Canada is currently seeking a motivated and detail-orientated individual to join our dynamic team as a full-time Marine Dispatcher. This role is vital in our operations being responsible for the safe and effective daily scheduling and planning of both company and third-party resources to meet client requirements.
What you will be doing
As a Marine Dispatcher, you will be coordinating and communicating vessel activities between the vessel Captains, Agents, and Ship Owners. This role plays a key part in ensuring safe, efficient, and client-focused marine operations. The responsibilities of the role include:
- Provide timely responses to client emails and calls. As a client facing role, the Dispatcher is primarily responsible for monitoring and responding to client emails and confirming their bookings based on 24/7 operations. It is critical to acknowledge client orders within an hour of receipt.
- Maintain and communicate the 10 day look ahead of the vessel schedule.
- Confirm Client orders with vessel officers (SAAM Dispatch during interim) and work with vessel officers (SAAM Dispatch) to resolve any scheduling or weather-related conflicts. Escalate any complex issues to KOTUG Operations Manager.
- Track and report operational metrics and dispatch records, includes maintaining requisite information for billing purposes (e.g. activity log, vessel log, fuel burn, delay/cancellation evidence, etc.).
- Ensure proper handover from previous shifts, including summaries of completed tasks, actuals, and any deviations.
- Stay up to date with and perform all job responsibilities in accordance with QHSE system, manuals, and procedures.
- Maintain effective communication with marine vessel personnel regarding safety and the ability to perform duties effectively.
- Ensure all customer requirements are met in accordance with contract obligations and communicating any changes promptly and clearly.
Who are we looking for
We are looking for a highly organized and analytical Marine Dispatcher who is diplomatic, ethical, and can work in a result-oriented environment. You will play a key role in ensuring that all operations are running smoothly and efficiently.
Experience & Qualifications:
- 3-5 years’ experience in local marine operations (shoreside or on a vessel).
- Previous experience in fleet scheduling, transportation, administration, or logistics.
- Strong computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office suite or applications such as Excel, Outlook, and Word.
Nice to Have
- Experience with weather forecasting systems and tide monitoring.
- Marine radio certificate.
Key Competencies:
- Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills with a strong focus on customer service excellence.
- Proven ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships and contribute positively within a team environment.
- Skilled in analyzing situations and making sound decisions under pressure, with a proactive approach to resolving operational issues.
- Familiarity with Transport Canada and other maritime regulations is preferred, with the ability to apply regulatory understanding in day-to-day operations.
- Willingness and ability to perform independent on-call duties, including coverage during evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.
- Must align with KOTUG’s culture and values, where teamwork, innovation, and safety come first.
What we offer
At KOTUG, we offer more than just a job – we offer an opportunity to be part of an innovative forward-thinking marine company with a strong commitment to safety, efficiency and sustainability in the inshore shipping sector. As a Marine Dispatcher, you will help shape the future of inshore marine logistics while working in a collaborative environment that leverages cutting-edge technology to keep operations running smoothly and safely.
Join a dynamic team where your efforts directly impact the success of our business and the satisfaction of our customers while taking your career to new heights.
Apply today and join our team! Send your Cover letter and CV to resumes@kotugcanada.ca quoting “Marine Dispatcher” in the subject line or call (902)-468-2341 ext 313.
KOTUG CANADA HOLDS KEEL LAYING CEREMONY FOR 2XRASALVOR 4400 DFM METHANOL FUELLED TUGS FOR THE TRANSMOUNTAIN EXPANSION PROJECT
On 8 May 2024, KOTUG Canada Inc., a partnership between KOTUG International B.V. and Horizon
Maritime Inc., held a keel laying ceremony for two RAsalvor 4400-DFM dual fuel methanol escort
tugs – Robert Allan Ltd. design – to service the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, at Sanmar
Shipyards Altinova in Yalova, Turkiye.
Laying the keel is a traditional maritime ceremony that signifies the official start of a ship’s
construction. This keel laying ceremony signifies a major milestone for the project enabling it to
proceed to the construction phase to meet the delivery schedule by mid-2025. This milestone was
celebrated in the presence of representatives of KOTUG Canada and Sanmar Shipyards to mark the
commencement of construction of the two revolutionary vessels.
The two innovative tugboats, designed by Robert Allan Ltd., are the first of their kind to be powered
by methanol and are engineered to provide the high bollard pull required for the Trans Mountain
Expansion Project.
Ard-Jan Kooren, President & CEO of KOTUG International: “We are thrilled to collaborate on this
groundbreaking project that not only transforms the maritime sector but also plays a crucial role in
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability in the shipping industry.”
Ali Gürün, Chairman of the Board of Sanmar Shipyards “During the keel laying ceremony, we not
only marked the beginning of the physical construction of the vessels but also the continuation of an
ambitious project that pushes the boundaries of maritime technology and environmental
consciousness.”
The tugs will escort tankers from the harbour limits of the Port of Vancouver to the open Pacific
Ocean through the commercial shipping lanes of the Salish Sea. To provide this service, KOTUG
Canada has partnered with the Sc’ianew First Nation from Beecher Bay, strategically located along
the shipping route.
These two innovative tugs, to be named SD AISEMAHT and SD QWII-AAN’C SARAH in honour of
important members of Sc’ianew First Nation, are scheduled to be the world’s first large purpose-built high bollard pull methanol fuelled tugs when they enter service in 2025. They will provide
significant environmental benefits by further reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and
underwater radiated noise.

Berkay Yilanci (Kotug. Site team) Ozgur Yakut (Kotug. Site team), Marcel van Meel (Kotug), Cem Seven (Sanmar Shipyards), Ali Gürün (Sanmar Shipyards), Ipek Gürün (Sanmar Shipyards), Zoë Kooren (Kotug), Ard-Jan Kooren (Kotug), Maciej Zielinski (Kotug.)







See the backgrounder for more information about the project and the vessel specifications.


