Experienced Dredge Tugboat Captain

Curtin Maritime•Norfolk, VA

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring experienced Dredge Tugboat Captains for multiple openings. Applicants must have dredging operations experience. Captains I, II, and III work directly with the Port Captain and apply the company’s values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency while maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. Employees may live anywhere in the United States; the company coordinates and fully pays travel to and from the vessel. The role level determines the required licenses, vessel proficiencies, compliance duties, and leadership responsibilities. Captain I focuses on towing and voyage planning, vessel management system use, recordkeeping, and crew leadership. Captain II adds advanced towing and anchor-handling skills, audit and inspection responsibilities, and ongoing crew training. Captain III is expected to handle complex towing and rigging assignments, lead crews on new jobs, develop procedures, manage vessel commissioning and repairs, and coordinate with customers and shoreside personnel. Listed day rates include a performance bonus. Employees may qualify for a 20% increase on their base day rate for their next scheduled hitch or month of work by meeting the stated Curtin Standard Performance Bonus Checklist criteria. Eligibility and performance are evaluated at the end of a hitch for regular rotations or at the end of the month for local day work; criteria must continue to be met to remain eligible.

Requirements

Experience in dredging operations is required.
Captain I: Minimum 200 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Near Coastal license, or 500 GRT Master Near Coastal with TOAR.
Captain I: Passport and VSO.
Captain II: All Captain I license and requirement qualifications.
Captain III: All Captain I and Captain II license and requirement qualifications, plus a minimum 500 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Oceans Endorsement.
Demonstrate attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to make safe, effective decisions under stressful or potentially dangerous conditions.
Show responsibility, ownership, and initiative; demonstrate mentoring ability and strong communication skills.
Have strong logistical and mechanical reasoning skills and the ability to understand vessel mechanics and movement.
Be able to traverse uneven ground and gangways at varying heights; bend, stoop, squat, and climb high steps or ladders frequently.
Be able to safely lift at least 40 pounds and handle heavy, large, or awkward equipment.
Have the dexterity and strength to handle lines, make up tows with wire rigging, operate deck machinery, and work on difficult-to-access equipment.
Be able to work below decks in darkness and in confined spaces, think clearly during emergencies, and perform emergency duties using vessel equipment.
Maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness, and be able to swim.

Nice To Haves

Captain I: STCW Master 500 GT Near Coastal Oceans endorsement.
Captain II: STCW Med PIC.
Captain II: Anchor handling, ocean towing, tandem towing, bar crossings, ocean voyage preparation, barge rigging, and thorough knowledge of rigging and cordage.
Captain III: Experience creating SOPs, commissioning new vessels, conducting internal and external audits, and developing audit criteria.
Captain III: Experience managing drydockings and repairs, commissioning vessels, and acting as a project manager.

Responsibilities

Work directly with the Port Captain and maintain the Curtin Standard onboard.
Plan and execute voyages and towing operations, including inland, coastwise, and, for higher levels, ocean towing assignments.
Operate and understand vessel systems and equipment, including tow pins, surge chains, tow wire, lines, rigging, deck machinery, and VHF radios.
Use the Vessel Management System (VMS), maintain thorough records, and complete corrective actions and required compliance activities.
Take ownership of vessels, assign projects, hold crew accountable, and maintain professionalism with staff, regulators, customers, agents, and crews.
Coach, mentor, train, and provide constructive feedback to crew members; complete required performance evaluations.
For Captain II, lead crews through audits and inspections, plan strategically, and maintain a continuous onboard training environment.
For Captain III, lead crews on new jobs; identify safe routes, procedures, efficiencies, notifications, and training needs.
For Captain III, design deadship and advanced tandem or triple towing rigging packages, and create procedures and audit criteria.
For Captain III, manage drydockings, repairs, vessel commissioning, and project coordination with customers, agents, and shoreside teams.
Perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard the vessel.