Experienced Dredge Tugboat Captain

Curtin Maritime•Norfolk, VA

2d•$750 - $1,100•Onsite

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring experienced Dredge Tugboat Captains at Captain I, II, and III levels. Dredging operations experience is required. Candidates may live anywhere in the United States; Curtin Maritime coordinates and fully pays for travel to and from the vessel. Captains work directly with the Port Captain and are responsible for applying Curtin Maritime’s values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency while maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. The role involves vessel operation and voyage planning, crew leadership and development, compliance, recordkeeping, and safe, efficient execution of towing and dredging operations. Duties and required proficiencies vary by captain level, from inland and coastwise towing to advanced ocean towing, vessel commissioning, and project management. Day rates, including the Curtin Standard performance bonus, are $750 for Captain I, $750–$850 for Captain II, and $850–$1,100 for Captain III. Employees may earn a 20% increase on their base day rate for a subsequent hitch or month of work by meeting the performance criteria. The position includes a benefits package and paid, company-coordinated travel to and from the vessel.

Requirements

Dredging operations experience.
At least a 200 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Near Coastal license or a 500 GRT Master Near Coastal license with TOAR for Captain I; Captain II requires the Captain I licenses; Captain III requires the Captain I and II licenses plus a minimum 500 GRT Master of Towing Vessels license and Oceans endorsement.
Passport and VSO.
Proficiency in inland and coastwise towing and voyage planning, including tow wire, push, hip, and working in current.
Knowledge of tow pins, surge chains, tow wire etiquette, VHF radio etiquette, lines, and rigging.
Proficiency in operating the Vessel Management System and understanding and complying with the Curtin Standard.
Thorough recordkeeping.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills; ability to make safe decisions under stressful or potentially dangerous conditions.
A proactive, responsible approach and ability to mentor and develop others.
Strong communication, logistical reasoning, and mechanical reasoning skills.
Ability to plan and execute voyages and understand vessel mechanics and movement.
Ability to walk on uneven ground and gangways at various heights; bend, stoop, squat, and climb steps and ladders frequently.
Ability to safely lift at least 40 pounds and handle heavy or awkward equipment.
Strength and dexterity to handle lines, make up tows with wire rigging, operate deck machinery, and work on poorly accessible equipment.
Ability to work below decks in darkness and in confined spaces, perform emergency duties, and use emergency equipment onboard.
Must be able to swim and maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness.

Nice To Haves

STCW Master 500 GT Near Coastal and an Oceans endorsement for Captain I.
STCW Med PIC for Captain II.
For Captain II: anchor handling; skilled operation of assigned vessels; ocean towing, tandem towing, and bar crossings; ocean voyage preparation and barge rigging; critical-path planning; thorough knowledge of rigging and cordage; experience auditing and completing corrective actions; knowledge of Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements; and experience leading audits and inspections.
For Captain III: ability to tow varied vessels and loads across worldwide operating conditions; experience leading crews on new jobs and identifying routes, procedures, efficiencies, notifications, and training needs; deadship rigging and towing; advanced ocean tandem or triple towing and rigging-package design; experience creating SOPs, commissioning vessels, conducting audits, and training others on VMS; drydocking and repair management; and project management experience.

Responsibilities

Work directly with the Port Captain and maintain the Curtin Standard onboard.
Plan and execute voyages and towing operations, applying safe and efficient vessel practices.
Operate and maintain assigned vessels and understand their mechanical systems and movement.
Lead, mentor, train, and evaluate crew members; provide feedback and hold crew accountable.
Maintain professionalism when working with Curtin staff, regulatory bodies, customers, agents, and crews.
Operate the Vessel Management System (VMS), maintain thorough records, and comply with applicable requirements.
Prepare for and lead crews through audits and inspections, and complete corrective actions as needed.
Plan operations proactively, including voyage preparation, rigging, logistics, and use of downtime for provisions, fuel, water, and supplies.
For senior-level assignments, develop safe routes and operating procedures, support new job starts, and design towing and rigging packages.
For senior-level assignments, create procedures, support vessel commissioning, manage drydockings and repairs, and coordinate projects with customers, agents, and shoreside teams.