Experienced Dredge Tugboat Captain

Curtin Maritime•Long Beach, CA

2d•$750 - $1,100

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring experienced Dredge Tugboat Captains for multiple openings. Applicants must have experience in dredging operations. The position may be at the Captain I, Captain II, or Captain III level. Captains work directly with the Port Captain and are expected to uphold Curtin Maritime’s values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintain the Curtin Standard onboard. Candidates may live anywhere in the United States; the company coordinates and fully pays travel to and from the vessel. The role combines vessel operation, voyage and towing planning, compliance, recordkeeping, crew leadership, and mentorship. Duties and proficiencies vary by captain level, from inland and coastwise towing and voyage planning to advanced ocean towing, deadship rigging, commissioning vessels, audits, and project management. Day rates are $750 for Captain I, $750–$850 for Captain II, and $850–$1,100 for Captain III. Listed rates include a performance bonus; eligible employees may earn a 20% increase on their base day rate for a subsequent hitch or month of work when they meet the stated performance criteria. The company offers competitive compensation and a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, AD&D/life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match. Employees may also elect incremental life insurance for themselves and dependents and health and/or dependent flexible spending accounts.

Requirements

Dredging operations experience.
For Captain I: minimum 200 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Near Coastal, or 500 GRT Master Near Coastal with TOAR.
Passport.
VSO.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to make safe, effective decisions under stressful or potentially dangerous conditions.
Responsibility, ownership, and proactive approach to tasks.
Ability to mentor and support the development of others.
Superior communication skills, including communicating with office staff and training crew members at multiple levels.
Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning, including the ability to plan voyages and understand vessel mechanics and movement.
Ability to traverse uneven ground and gangways at varying heights; bend, stoop, or squat frequently; and climb high steps or ladders several times a day.
Ability to safely lift at least 40 pounds and move heavy, large, or awkward equipment.
Physical dexterity and strength to handle lines, make up tows with wire rigging, operate deck machinery, and work on equipment that is difficult to access.
Ability to work below decks in areas that may be dark and in confined spaces.
Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard.
Ability to swim.
Maintain good personal hygiene and cleanliness.
For Captain II: meet all Captain I licenses and requirements.
For Captain III: meet all Captain I and Captain II licenses and requirements, plus a minimum 500 GRT Master of Towing Vessels license and Oceans Endorsement.

Nice To Haves

For Captain I: STCW Master 500 GT Near Coastal and Oceans endorsement.
For Captain II: STCW Med PIC.
For Captain II: anchor handling; skilled operation of assigned vessels; ocean and tandem towing; bar crossings; ocean voyage preparation; rigging barges for tow; critical-path planning; and thorough understanding of rigging and cordage.
For Captain III: experience towing a wide range of vessels in varied locations and conditions; Pathfinder leadership on new jobs; deadship rigging and towing; design of towing packages and components; and advanced ocean tandem or triple towing.
For Captain III: experience creating SOPs, commissioning new vessels, completing internal and external audits, developing audit criteria, managing drydockings and repairs, and training others in VMS use.

Responsibilities

Work directly with the Port Captain and uphold Curtin Maritime’s core values and Curtin Standard onboard.
Plan and execute voyages and towing operations, including vessel movement, rigging, and safe route selection.
Operate and maintain assigned vessels and use deck machinery and towing equipment as required.
Maintain thorough vessel records and use the Vessel Management System (VMS).
Ensure compliance with applicable company, regulatory, and audit requirements.
Lead, mentor, train, and provide feedback to crew members; complete required performance evaluations.
Assign projects, maintain accountability, and uphold professionalism with company staff, regulatory bodies, customers, agents, and crews.
At the Captain II level, lead crews through audits and inspections, plan operations proactively, and support onboard training.
At the Captain III level, lead crews starting new jobs, identify safe routes and procedures, create standard operating procedures, and support vessel commissioning.
At the Captain III level, manage drydockings and repairs, prepare vessels for work, and act as a project manager coordinating with customers, agents, and shoreside teams.

Benefits

Competitive compensation.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Short-term disability insurance.
AD&D/life insurance.
401(k) with company match.
Option to elect incremental life insurance for the employee and dependents.
Option to elect health and/or dependent flexible spending accounts.
Fully paid, company-coordinated travel to and from the vessel.
Performance bonus based on meeting the Curtin Standard Performance Bonus Checklist.