Dock Master (Relocation Considered)

We are currently hiring for a Dock Master position with a leading Marine Engineering & Shipyard organization for their operations at Port Khalifa, Abu Dhabi.Position: Dock MasterLocation: Port Khalifa, Abu Dhabi, Department: Facility & DockingReporting To: Yard Manager / Operations ManagerKey ResponsibilitiesLead the end-to-end planning, preparation and safe execution of vessel docking, undocking, shifting and afloat-support operations.Manage floating dry dock operations, including dock preparation, vessel entry, positioning, pumping, dewatering, ballasting/de-ballasting and safe landing on blocks.Review vessel particulars, GA plans, docking plans, hull contours, tank conditions, structural information and underwater appendages before docking.Prepare, review and verify docking calculations, block arrangements, vessel clearances, load distribution and stability requirements.Determine and verify the quantity, size, location and arrangement of keel, bilge, side and special dock blocks in accordance with approved docking plans and dock structural/load limitations.Assess vessel stability, draft, trim, heel, tide/water level and load conditions throughout docking and undocking operations.Coordinate mooring operations, vessel centering, line handling and tug movements during vessel entry, docking, undocking and shifting.Coordinate with pilots, tug masters, vessel Masters, bridge teams and harbour control to ensure safe vessel movements.Monitor ballast/de-ballast and pumping operations throughout the docking process and immediately address any abnormal draft, trim, heel, movement or equipment condition.Ensure critical underwater appendages—including propellers, rudders, thrusters, sonar domes, transducers, sea chests, stabilizers and echo sounders—are protected and adequately supported/accessible.Inspect dock floor, gates/caissons, pumps, valves, capstans, bollards, cranes, communication systems, blocks, emergency equipment and other dock infrastructure before operations.Verify dock structural capacity, load limitations, block loading and permissible operating conditions before commencing docking activities.Lead and supervise dock teams, riggers, crane operators, mooring teams and other support personnel, ensuring clear allocation of responsibilities.Conduct pre-docking meetings, toolbox talks and operational briefings covering the docking sequence, communication protocols, exclusion zones, emergency procedures and contingency arrangements.Maintain clear VHF/marine communication with vessel bridge teams, pilots, tugs, dock personnel and relevant stakeholders throughout critical vessel movements.Prepare and implement docking method statements, risk assessments, checklists, dock schedules, manpower plans and equipment requirements.Monitor vessel movement and block contact during landing and dewatering and ensure docking is completed without damage to the vessel, dock, blocks or equipment.Stop, suspend or modify operations when unsafe conditions, unexpected vessel movement, communication failure, equipment malfunction or technical deviation is identified.Coordinate emergency response during docking/undocking operations and ensure contingency arrangements are available for equipment failure, loss of communication, excessive vessel movement or other critical events.Conduct initial and final underwater hull inspections with clients, vessel representatives, Class Surveyors and production teams.Maintain accurate docking records, calculations, checklists, photographs, soundings, permits, logs, inspection reports and handover documentation.Support dock maintenance, emergency drills, audits and continuous improvement initiativesKey Technical RequirementsMinimum 8 years of relevant shipyard/marine experience, including at least 4–5 years of hands-on Dock Master / docking and undocking experience.Strong practical experience in floating dry dock operations and/or graving dock, ship lift or comparable docking systems.Proven hands-on experience in vessel docking/undocking, ballast/de-ballast operations and vessel positioning.Strong knowledge of docking calculations, vessel stability, hydrostatics, load distribution and dock block arrangements.Ability to interpret General Arrangement, Docking Plans, Lines Plans, Shell Expansion, Structural and Tank Plans.Understanding of dock structural/load limitations, permissible loading and block stresses.Practical experience in mooring operations, tug coordination, pilotage and ship-handling support.Strong VHF/marine communication skills and ability to coordinate vessel bridge teams, pilots, tugs and dock crews.Proven ability to lead docking teams, riggers, crane operators and support personnel during critical operations.Strong knowledge of shipyard HSE, risk assessment, permit-to-work, lifting/rigging and emergency response procedures.Proficiency in MS Office and AutoCAD; MS Project knowledge is an advantage.Ability to work in shipyards, docks and onboard vessels, including shifts, weekends and emergency operations.Preferred ExposureExperience working with Classification Societies, Flag/Port Authorities, vessel owners, ship managers, pilots, tug operators and shipyard production/engineering teams will be highly valued.