Experienced Dredge Tugboat Captain

Curtin Maritime•Oakland, CA

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring experienced Dredge Tugboat Captains at Captain I, II, and III levels. Dredging operations experience is required. The role works directly with the Port Captain and applies the company’s values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency while maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. Applicants may live anywhere in the United States; the company coordinates and pays for travel to and from the vessel. Responsibilities and qualifications vary by captain level. Captain I focuses on vessel ownership, safe towing and voyage planning, compliance, recordkeeping, and crew leadership. Captain II adds advanced towing and anchor-handling capabilities, audit and inspection leadership, proactive planning, and ongoing crew training. Captain III is expected to handle complex worldwide towing operations, lead crews on new jobs, develop towing packages and procedures, support vessel commissioning and audits, manage drydockings and repairs, and coordinate with customers and shoreside teams. The 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 local day work by meeting the criteria in the Curtin Standard Performance Bonus Checklist. Eligibility is evaluated at the end of a hitch or month, as applicable, and continued eligibility requires continued satisfaction of the criteria. The company offers a benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match.

Requirements

Dredging operations experience.
Captain I: Minimum 200 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Near Coastal, or 500 GRT Master Near Coastal with TOAR.
Captain II: All licenses and requirements listed for Captain I.
Captain III: All licenses and requirements listed for Captain I and Captain II, plus a minimum 500 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Oceans Endorsement.
Experience and proficiency appropriate to level in towing, voyage planning, vessel operations, compliance, recordkeeping, and crew leadership.
Ability to make safe and effective decisions under stressful or potentially dangerous conditions.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, responsibility, communication, logistical reasoning, and mechanical reasoning.
Ability to understand vessel mechanics and movement and to plan and execute voyages.
Ability to traverse uneven ground and gangways at varying heights; frequently bend, stoop, or squat; and climb high steps or ladders several times a day.
Ability to safely lift at least 40 pounds and handle heavy, large, or awkward equipment.
Physical dexterity and strength to handle lines, make up tows with wire rigging, operate deck machinery, and work on poorly accessible equipment.
Ability to work below decks in periods of darkness and in confined spaces.
Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard; must be able to swim.
Ability to maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness.

Nice To Haves

Captain I: STCW Master 500 GT Near Coastal Oceans endorsement.
Captain II: STCW Med PIC.
Captain III: Experience creating standard operating procedures and commissioning new vessels; experience with external and internal audits and developing audit criteria; demonstrated VMS performance and ability to train others; drydocking and repair management experience; vessel commissioning experience; and ability to act as a project manager.
Captain I: Proficiency with inland and coastwise towing and voyage planning, tow wire, push and hip towing, working in current, tow pins, surge chains, tow wire etiquette, VHF radio etiquette, and lines and rigging.
Captain II: Anchor handling; operation of assigned vessels; ocean and tandem towing, bar crossings, ocean voyage preparation, barge rigging, critical-path planning, and strong understanding of rigging and cordage.
Captain III: Advanced ocean tandem and triple towing, towing-package design, deadship rigging and towing, and ability to lead crews on new jobs.

Responsibilities

Work directly with the Port Captain and maintain the Curtin Standard onboard.
Plan and conduct towing voyages and operations, including inland, coastwise, and ocean towing as applicable to captain level.
Operate vessel equipment and rigging, including tow pins, surge chains, tow wires, lines, and deck machinery.
Maintain vessel records and use the Vessel Management System (VMS); follow applicable company and regulatory requirements.
Take ownership of vessels, assign projects, and hold crew members accountable.
Manage, coach, mentor, and train crew; provide performance feedback and complete required evaluations.
Lead crews through audits and inspections and complete corrective actions as applicable to captain level.
Plan operations proactively to maximize efficiency and maintain crew rest requirements.
At the Captain III level, lead crews starting new jobs; identify safe routes, procedures, efficiencies, notifications, and training needs.
At the Captain III level, develop deadship towing and rigging plans, create standard operating procedures, support vessel commissioning, and manage audits, drydockings, and repairs.
At the Captain III level, coordinate and manage customers, agents, and Curtin shoreside personnel.