Mooring Master

The position of Mooring Master is offered by SBM Offshore, the global specialist in deep‑water ocean infrastructure. The company focuses on delivering cleaner, more efficient energy and supports the blue‑economy through its True Blue Transition strategy, which combines decarbonising traditional production with pioneering new offshore solutions. In this role you will be the primary authority for all berthing, mooring and un‑mooring activities on the FPSO. You will keep the floating hose and tandem hawser systems ready, supervise their connection and disconnection, and train crew members on tandem off‑loading procedures. Daily tasks include planning and executing marine and cargo operations for off‑load tankers, coordinating arrivals and departures with vessel masters and agents, handling documentation for clients, and ensuring compliance with the company's safety management system, class surveys and statutory regulations. You will also lead emergency response actions, monitor pollution control measures, and support senior administrative duties when mooring work is not underway. The job requires at least five years of sea service on very large crude carriers, with a minimum of three years served as Master. Candidates must have three years of proven berthing experience as a Mooring Master at open‑sea SPM (mooring buoy, FPSO or FSO) locations, or five years as a Port Pilot with at least twelve documented SPM berths. An additional eighteen months as an Assisting Mooring Master with SBM, including twelve tandem‑mooring operations, is mandatory. Holders of the STCW Regulation AII/2 Master Mariner Unlimited certificate with an Oil Tanker endorsement, a GMDSS unlimited General Operator Certificate, and a current offshore medical fitness certificate (or equivalent such as OGUK) are required. Completion of a tandem off‑load simulator course, experience handling vessels of 150,000 DWT or more, and a solid background in FPSO/FSO marine utilities are also essential. Preferred attributes include internal qualification as a Berthing Master, demonstrated by witnessing and assessing berthing operations, and a broad understanding of offshore FPSO or FSO processes. The role reports to the Offshore Installation Manager and works closely with the cargo superintendent and an Assistant Mooring Master. The position is based on an FPSO unit, offering a dynamic offshore environment where safety, teamwork and continuous improvement are central. What the role asks for: - Minimum five years sea service on VLCCs - At least three years served as Master rank - Three years berthing experience as Mooring Master at open‑sea SPM berths - Or five years as Port Pilot with twelve SPM berths - Eighteen months as Assisting Mooring Master with SBM - Twelve tandem‑mooring operations completed - STCW Reg. AII/2 Master Mariner Unlimited with Oil Tanker endorsement - GMDSS unlimited General Operator Certificate - Current offshore medical fitness certificate (< 1 year) or OGUK equivalent - Completion of tandem off‑load simulator training - Experience berthing vessels of 150,000 DWT or greater - Nice‑to‑have: Internal Qualified Berthing Master status - Nice‑to‑have: Extensive knowledge of FPSO/FSO operations and marine utilities