Captain - Harbor Services

Curtin Maritime•Long Beach, CA

1d•$625 - $1,080•Onsite

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is seeking a Captain for their Harbor Services division in Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA. This full-time, shift-based position operates within the San Pedro Bay Port Complex, supporting 24/7 ship-assist and escort operations. Unlike ocean towing, this role is harbor-based and does not typically require extended time away from home. The Captain will work with the Port Captain, upholding Curtin's core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency. Responsibilities include commanding ASD ship-assist and escort tugs to provide docking, undocking, and escort services to deep-draft vessels under the direction of Harbor/State Pilots and in coordination with Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).

Requirements

Master of Towing Vessels, Near Coastal OR 500 GRT Master, Near Coastal w/ TOAR
TWIC Card
Radar Observer Unlimited
MROP FCC License
STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft
CG Medical Certificate – No nighttime restrictions
Pass physical & drug test
Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or during an emergency
Understand and respect the chain of command; ability to take direction no matter how it is given
Attention to detail / excellent organizational skills
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-traffic harbor environment with frequent close-quarters maneuvering around deep-draft vessels, other tugs, and dock structures
Ability to traverse uneven ground and to walk gangways at various heights
Agility to bend, stoop, or squat frequently and climb high steps/ladders several times a day
Ability to lift 100 pounds safely; moving equipment that is heavy, large, or awkward
Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; make up tows and escort bridles; operate deck machinery; work on equipment that is poorly accessible
Ability to work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces
Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard vessel
Must be able to swim
Demonstrate good personal hygiene, always maintain cleanliness
Proficient in operation of the Vessel Management System (VMS), progressing to full utilization across all modules
Working knowledge of Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Los Angeles/Long Beach reporting requirements
Thorough, impeccable recordkeeping
Experienced in auditing and proactively completing corrective actions
Attend and lead crews and vessels through audits and inspections
Advanced crew management skills; ability to coach crew members and provide feedback for improved performance
Experience managing drydockings and repairs; proficient in vessel commissioning
Ability to act as your own project manager; interacting with and managing customers, pilots, agents, and the Curtin Shoreside Team

Nice To Haves

STCW Master Less than 500 GT Near Coastal
STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft
STCW BRM
Prior ship-assist / escort experience in the Ports of Los Angeles & Long Beach (San Pedro Bay Port Complex) or a comparable high-traffic deep-draft harbor strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Command Curtin's ASD ship-assist and escort tugs providing docking, undocking, and escort services to deep-draft vessels.
Work under the direction of Harbor/State Pilots and in coordination with Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Los Angeles/Long Beach.
Apply Curtin's three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard.
Operate in a fast-paced, high-traffic harbor environment with frequent close-quarters maneuvering.
Perform ship-assist and escort towing (direct and indirect methods) aboard ASD/Z-drive tractor tugs.
Utilize VHF radio etiquette and coordinate with Harbor/State Pilots, line handlers, terminal operators, and agents.
Provide docking and undocking assistance for deep-draft vessels, considering currents, wind, and traffic patterns.
Independently operate assigned ASD/Z-drive ship-assist and escort tugs in high-traffic harbor conditions.
Plan jobs to maximize efficiency across multiple ship-assist jobs in a shift.
Understand escort rigging, bridles, and cordage.
Lead crews when starting new ship-assist or escort contracts, identifying safe routes, SOPs, efficiencies, and proper notifications/training.
Serve as the primary point of operational contact with Harbor/State Pilots and terminal operators for complex or emergency assists.
Operate the Vessel Management System (VMS).
Adhere to Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Los Angeles/Long Beach reporting requirements.
Comply with the Curtin Standard.
Maintain thorough and impeccable recordkeeping.
Audit and proactively complete corrective actions.
Understand Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements.
Attend and lead crews and vessels through audits and inspections.
Create SOPs and commission new vessels.
Train others in the use and function of the VMS.
Take ownership of the vessel, assign projects, and hold everyone accountable.
Provide real-time insight into waterfront operations to the Dispatch team.
Maintain professionalism with Curtin staff, regulatory bodies, customers, pilots, agents, and crews.
Manage crews, coach members, and provide feedback for improved performance.
Complete required performance evaluations.
Act as a leader and mentor by example, capable of performing basic duties of all other crew onboard.
Plan shifts strategically, maintaining rest requirements, coordinating relief crews, and utilizing downtime for vessel needs.
Maintain a constant training ground on board the vessel.
Manage drydockings and repairs.
Commission vessels.
Act as a project manager, interacting with and managing customers, pilots, agents, and the Curtin Shoreside Team.