Experienced Tugboat Captain

Curtin Maritime•Jacksonville, FL

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring experienced Dredge Tugboat Captains at Captain I, II, and III levels. Captains may live anywhere in the United States; the company coordinates and fully pays travel to and from the vessel. The role works directly with the Port Captain and applies Curtin Maritime’s core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency while maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. Captain responsibilities and qualification levels vary. Captain I focuses on vessel ownership, inland and coastwise towing, voyage planning, vessel-management-system use, compliance, recordkeeping, and crew leadership. Captain II adds anchor handling, ocean and tandem towing, ocean voyage preparation, audit participation, and strategic operational planning. Captain III is expected to handle complex towing worldwide, lead crews on new jobs, plan and design advanced towing arrangements, support vessel commissioning and audits, manage repairs and drydockings, and coordinate with customers and shoreside teams. Rates include the Curtin Standard Performance Bonus. Employees may earn a 20% increase on their base day rate for a subsequent hitch or month of work when they meet the performance criteria. Eligibility is evaluated at the end of a hitch for regular rotations or at the end of the month for local day work, and criteria must continue to be met. Full program details and eligibility requirements will be provided. Curtin Maritime offers competitive compensation and benefits, including 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 or dependent flexible spending accounts. Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Captain I minimum license: 200 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Near Coastal, or 500 GRT Master Near Coastal with TOAR.
Passport and VSO.
Captain II must meet all Captain I license requirements.
Captain III must meet all Captain I and Captain II requirements and hold a minimum 500 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Oceans Endorsement.
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 operating a Vessel Management System and understanding and complying with the Curtin Standard.
Strong recordkeeping skills.
Strong organizational and communication skills, sound logistical and mechanical reasoning, and the ability to make safe decisions under stress.
Ability to take responsibility and initiative, mentor others, and manage and develop crews.
Ability to traverse uneven ground and gangways, bend, stoop or squat, and climb steps and ladders frequently.
Ability to safely lift at least 40 pounds and handle heavy, large, or awkward equipment.
Physical ability and dexterity to handle lines, make up tows with wire rigging, operate deck machinery, and work on equipment that may be 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.
Must be able to swim and maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness.

Nice To Haves

Captain I: STCW Master 500 GT Near Coastal Oceans endorsement.
Captain II: STCW Med PIC.
Captain II: Skilled anchor handling and operation of assigned vessels; experience with ocean towing, tandem towing, bar crossings, ocean voyage preparation, barge rigging, critical-path planning, and rigging and cordage.
Captain III: Experience with deadship rigging and towing, including designing towing packages and components, and advanced ocean tandem or triple towing and rigging-package design.
Captain III: Experience creating SOPs, commissioning new vessels, conducting internal and external audits, and developing audit criteria.
Captain III: Proven VMS performance and ability to train others in its use and function.
Captain III: Experience managing drydockings and repairs, commissioning vessels, and managing projects.

Responsibilities

Work directly with the Port Captain and uphold Curtin Maritime’s core values and Curtin Standard onboard.
Plan and execute voyages and conduct inland, coastwise, and, at higher levels, ocean towing operations.
Operate assigned vessels and towing equipment, including tow pins, tow wires, lines, rigging, and deck machinery.
Use the Vessel Management System (VMS), maintain thorough records, and comply with applicable company and regulatory requirements.
Take ownership of the vessel, assign projects, maintain professionalism, and hold crew members accountable.
Lead, mentor, train, coach, and provide constructive feedback to crew members; complete required performance evaluations.
Plan operations proactively to improve safety and efficiency, including voyage preparation and resource provisioning.
At Captain II level, conduct anchor handling, ocean and tandem towing, bar crossings, towing preparation, and audit and inspection activities.
At Captain III level, lead crews starting new jobs; identify safe routes, procedures, efficiencies, notifications, and training needs.
At Captain III level, plan and design deadship and advanced ocean tandem or triple towing arrangements.
At Captain III level, create standard operating procedures, support vessel commissioning, and participate in internal and external audits.
At Captain III level, manage drydockings and repairs and coordinate with customers, agents, and Curtin Maritime’s shoreside team.