Sailor / Deckhand (Able Seaman / Ordinary Seaman)

Position Summary

The Sailor/Deckhand executes essential deck, mooring, and maintenance operations to ensure the safe navigation, berthing, and handling of vessels, tugboats, and marine craft. This role involves physical deck work, lookout duties, and maintaining strict safety compliance during port and open-water maneuvers.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Efficiently secure and handle mooring lines, berthing ropes, and wires during vessel arrivals, departures, and shifting maneuvers at the pier or jetty.
• Perform regular deck upkeep including chipping rust, painting, lubricating winches, cleaning deck areas, and maintaining safety gear.
• Serve as an alert lookout or helmsman when required, maintaining constant communication with the duty officer or skipper.
• Assist in securing cargo, lashing containers, and checking gangways to guarantee stability and security while docked or underway.
• Actively participate in mandatory safety drills (fire, man-overboard, abandon ship) and properly operate life-saving and firefighting equipment.
• Always work within Port Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) parameters, ensuring proper usage of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Qualifications & Requirements

• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of active sea-service or deck experience on commercial vessels, harbor tugs, or port service craft with a reputable organization. Prior experience onboard KPA tugs or marine vessels is a distinct advantage.
• Certificate in Efficient Deck Hand. Valid STCW basic safety training certificates.
• Valid Seafarer’s Medical Fitness Certificate (issued by a recognized maritime authority like KMA).
• Valid Seaman’s Record Book / Discharge Book.
• Documented ability to swim, high physical fitness, and basic IT skills.

How to Apply: Send your CV and cover letter only to careers@oildrop.co.ke Applications reviewed on a rolling basis, early applications encouraged.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Oildrop Africa Limited is an equal opportunity employer. All positions require deep commitment to a zero-harm safety culture.

Important Notice: Oildrop Africa Limited (OAL) never charges candidates any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. If you are asked to make a payment for a job opportunity claiming to be from OAL, it is a scam.

*Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted*