Deck Master

Job description

Job Level: Field / Specialist
Work Location: Mexico City (with travel to offshore vessel assignments as required by project)
Department: Marine / Subsea Installation Operations

Purpose of Role
The Deck Master is accountable for leading and supervising all deck operations aboard the offshore installation vessel during subsea cable, umbilical, flowline, or pipeline lay, handling, and recovery activities. This role directs the deck crew and equipment operators, ensuring that lifting, rigging, and lay/handling operations are carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the vessel's operational and project plans.
The Deck Master works closely with the Master/OIM, Offshore Construction Manager, and shore-side teams (including the Beach Master during landing operations) to ensure deck activities are properly sequenced and coordinated across the full installation campaign.

Areas of Accountability & Responsibility
* Lead and supervise the deck crew during cable/umbilical/flowline lay, handling, and recovery operations aboard the vessel.
* Coordinate and oversee the safe and compliant use of rigging, lifting, tensioning, and lay equipment on deck.
* Manage daily deck operations, including equipment setup, maintenance, and readiness checks ahead of each operational phase.
* Direct crane and winch operators during lay, pull-in, and recovery operations, ensuring load and tension limits are respected.
* Coordinate deck activities with the Master/OIM and Offshore Construction Manager to align with the vessel's overall operational sequence.
* Liaise with the Beach Master and shore team during shore pull and landing operations to ensure smooth vessel-to-shore coordination.
* Lead toolbox talks and safety briefings for the deck team ahead of each operational task.
* Ensure full compliance with HSE requirements, permits to work, and site-specific risk assessments for all deck activities.
* Report operational progress, delays, defects, and incidents to vessel management and the project team in real time.
* Support pre-operation planning, including method statements and risk assessments specific to deck and lay operations.

Critical Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Technical Skills
* Proven experience supervising deck operations aboard cable lay, pipe lay, or offshore construction/installation vessels.
* In-depth knowledge of rigging, lifting, and cable/pipe lay handling equipment.
* Strong understanding of load dynamics, tensioning systems, and safe working loads during marine lay/recovery operations.
* Familiarity with international maritime rules, vessel safety management systems, and offshore permit-to-work processes.

Non-Technical Skills
* Strong hands-on leadership with the ability to direct a multi-disciplined deck crew under time-sensitive conditions.
* Confident communicator, able to coordinate effectively with vessel command, project management, and shore-side teams.
* Sound judgment and composure during live, weather-dependent marine operations.

Professional Experience
* Typically 5+ years of operational offshore experience, including prior experience in a Deck Master, Deck Foreman, or similar deck supervisory role.
* Experience aboard cable lay, pipe lay, or marine construction/installation vessels, ideally on subsea or offshore energy projects.

Certifications
* Valid STCW certificates and current offshore medical fitness certificate.
* Offshore safety certifications as required by project (e.g., BOSIET/HUET or regional equivalent).
* Recognized rigging/lifting certification (e.g., Banksman/Slinger or equivalent).

Education
* No formal degree required; maritime or technical trade training preferred.

Language
* Spanish: Native or fluent preferred for coordination with Mexico-based project teams.
* English: Working proficiency required for vessel operations and international crew coordination.

Reports To
Master / Offshore Installation Manager (OIM), with functional coordination to the Offshore Construction Manager