Dock Operator/Apprentice Dock Master

Join Our Team as a Dock Operator

About Us

Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam (DSR) is part of the Damen Shiprepair & Conversion group. Our shipyards in Rotterdam (locations in Botlek and Schiedam) are characterized by unique (dry dock) facilities and capabilities for preventive and corrective maintenance. We perform a wide range of maintenance work, installations, and conversions for all kinds of maritime clients and types of ships and (offshore) installations.

The Role

We are looking for an aspiring Dock Operator. Someone who wants to grow in this field to eventually work as a Dock Master.

Dock Operators work in teams to guide the docking (dry docking) and undocking of ships. The Dock Master leads the docking team in tasks associated with docking ships and other floating objects. This involves working with both dug and floating docks.

This is a special and unique profession that is not taught in school, requiring physical fitness, availability outside regular working hours, the right attitude, precision, and serious safety awareness.

Key Accountabilities

• As a Dock Operator, you assess how the dock should be adjusted/prepared for docking based on trim, draft, and weight of the ships to be docked.
• You assist in the correct setup and height of keel and side blocks (the dock bed).
• The docking team you are part of provides guidance for the entry (and exit) of ships, including the operation of dock installations (e.g., doors/hydraulics, generators, compressors, and pumps).
• Contribute to providing lighting in the docks and connections for fire extinguishing and ballast water from the dock to the docked ships.
• Consult with ship crew regarding, among other things, how and when to ballast.
• As a Dock Operator, you also contribute to performing daily first-line maintenance on docks and tools.
• Maintain and make the docks and their installations operational.
• In addition to the responsibilities mentioned above, various technical and supportive tasks are performed.

Skills & Experience

• You can read drawings and are sufficiently technically proficient to master operating the docks in a short period, including making relevant calculations.
• You have the learning ability to become a Dock Operator and eventually a Dock Master.
• Your oral expression skills are good, also in English and, if possible, German for correct communication with ship crews.

Candidates may have diverse backgrounds. We are thinking of nautical personnel, people who have sailed (as machinists/mechanical engineers or officers) but also metalworkers, riggers, and ambitious rowers are invited to apply. The starting point is to start as an aspiring Dock Operator.

What We Offer

• At Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam, you will work in an attractive no-nonsense shipyard environment, close to the work we are proud of.
• At Damen, we highly value supporting and guiding talented professionals. Therefore, we continuously invest in your development and offer you:

• A dynamic and international working environment with an informal atmosphere.
• A competitive salary (CAO Metalektro).
• 27 vacation days and 13 ADV days based on a full-time employment.
• Travel allowance (compensation for a maximum of 40 km one way).
• Profit-sharing and pension allowance.
• Continuous focus on professional and personal development through our Damen Academy.

Recruiter: Emmy Faure

Email: emmy.faure@damen.com