0 Cable Layer Seafarer Jobs

Cable Laying Vessels (CLVs) are specialized ships used in the offshore installation of telecommunications, power, and fiber optic cables. Operations may involve subsea surveys, precision positioning, cable deployment and burial, and post-lay inspections. Working on a CLV requires a high degree of technical competence, teamwork, and familiarity with dynamic positioning systems, offshore operations, and specialized deck machinery. All roles support safe and efficient mission execution, whether for inter-array, export, or intercontinental cabling projects.

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

Master

• Overall command of the vessel, responsible for navigation, crew safety, and compliance with maritime law and offshore project requirements.
• Coordinate with offshore project teams, clients, and shore-based management to ensure operational goals are met.
• Lead emergency response planning and conduct regular safety drills.
• Oversee documentation, DP operations, and marine compliance.

Chief Officer / Offshore Installation Manager (OIM)

• Manage all deck and marine operations, including cable laying, mooring, and DP setup.
• Supervise deck crew and cable handling teams during cable loadout, deployment, and burial.
• Monitor cable tension, laying speeds, and deployment angles using cable monitoring software.
• Conduct pre-lay route checks and risk assessments in collaboration with the project team.

Second Officer (Navigation / DP Officer)

• Stand navigational and DP watches; assist with vessel maneuvering and station keeping.
• Monitor positioning systems, weather patterns, and seabed clearance during cable ops.
• Maintain navigational charts, ECDIS updates, and GMDSS compliance.
• Support permit-to-work systems and safety equipment management.

Third Officer

• Perform watchkeeping duties on bridge or during deck ops as assigned.
• Assist in the maintenance of lifesaving and firefighting appliances (LSA/FFA).
• Participate in emergency drills and mooring operations.
• Maintain security watch duties and daily inspection routines.

Chief Engineer

• Manage all mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, including power to DP systems, cable drums, and winches.
• Ensure uninterrupted operation of propulsion, generators, cable engines, and HVAC systems.
• Monitor maintenance schedules using PMS and maintain machinery logs and reports.
• Supervise engine room crew and ensure compliance with environmental and pollution controls.

Second Engineer

• Assist with engine room management, including daily operations of auxiliary systems and cable-related hydraulics.
• Monitor fuel, oil, and cooling systems; ensure backup power readiness for DP operations.
• Perform routine checks on thrusters, power converters, and emergency systems.
• Support Chief Engineer with spare parts tracking and breakdown response.

Third Engineer

• Conduct watchkeeping in the engine room; monitor parameters for cable-lay support systems.
• Assist in the operation and maintenance of deck hydraulics and cooling systems for cable gear.
• Keep records of performance data and assist in troubleshooting faults.
• Support pollution prevention protocols and emergency machinery drills.

ETO / Electrician

• Maintain electrical and electronic systems critical to DP, cable engines, tensioners, and winches.
• Troubleshoot power distribution issues, automation faults, and cable handling interfaces.
• Support survey equipment and communication systems on deck and bridge.
• Maintain lighting, UPS, fire detection, and power systems.

Cable Technician / Cable Engineer (if ship’s crew)

• Operate cable engines, tensioners, and remote monitoring systems during cable deployment and recovery.
• Assist with cable jointing, splicing, testing, and transition to burial tools like ploughs or ROVs.
• Monitor layback distance, seabed contact, and route alignment during operations.
• Record laying data, event logs, and support reporting to project management teams.

Deck Crew (Bosun, ABs, OSs)

• Assist in deployment and handling of cable, deck gear, ploughs, and over-boarding sheaves.
• Maintain deck equipment, hydraulic winches, and cable tanks.
• Participate in mooring, lifting, and DP prep operations under officer supervision.
• Support emergency response, fire drills, and worksite safety.

Engine Ratings (Oilers, Wipers)

• Conduct engine room housekeeping, machinery lubrication, and fuel system monitoring.
• Assist engineers with repairs and regular machinery inspections.
• Support heating/cooling systems used for electronic and cable machinery.
• Maintain cleanliness of engine compartments and perform tank readings.