Dredgers

Trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHD), cutter suction dredgers (CSD), backhoe dredgers, and grab / bucket dredgers — maintaining navigation channels, reclaiming land, and supporting marine construction.

Work environment

Project-based work, often close to shore, port-frequent. Crews rotate on 4-on/4-off or 6-on/6-off depending on operator. Major employers: Boskalis, Van Oord, Jan De Nul, DEME, China Communications Construction (CCCC). Strong land-reclamation demand in Middle East and Asia keeps the fleet busy year-round.

Common ranks onboard

• master
• chief officer
• second officer
• chief engineer
• second engineer
• third engineer
• able seafarer deck
• motorman
• dpo

Typical certificates

• BST
• PSCRB
• AFF
• MFA
• Dredge-master endorsement (operator-specific)
• DPO for self-propelled DP-class dredgers

Generate a tailored list with the STCW certificate checker.

Safety risks

• Suction-pipe handling (TSHD)
• Anchor + spud-pole operations (CSD)
• Working close to shore + other vessels in busy waterways
• Hydraulic + abrasive-cargo systems on hopper dredgers

Last verified 14 days ago