Experienced Tugboat Captain

Curtin Maritime • Alameda, CA

3d • $725 - $1,320

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring experienced dredge tugboat captains at Captain I, II, and III levels. Captains work directly with the Port Captain and are responsible for applying the company’s values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency while maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. The company provides fully paid, coordinated travel to and from the vessel; employees may live anywhere in the United States.

The role involves vessel command, towing and voyage planning, safe vessel operations, crew leadership, compliance, and thorough recordkeeping. Responsibilities and required proficiencies vary by captain level, from coastwise towing and crew management to advanced ocean towing, commissioning vessels, managing repairs, and leading complex projects.

Rates include the Curtin Standard Performance Bonus. Eligibility is based on meeting minimum criteria in the company’s checklist. Performance is evaluated at the end of a hitch for regular rotation or at the end of the month for local day work. Meeting the criteria earns a 20% increase on the base day rate for the next scheduled hitch or month of work; continued eligibility requires continued performance. Full program details and eligibility requirements will be provided.

Requirements

• Minimum 200 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Near Coastal, or 500 GRT Master Near Coastal with TOAR (Captain I baseline).
• Passport.
• VSO.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to make safe, effective decisions under stress and in potentially dangerous situations.
• Proactive sense of responsibility and ownership.
• Strong communication skills, including communicating with office staff and instructing or training crew members at multiple levels.
• Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning skills.
• Ability to work below decks in areas that may experience darkness and in confined spaces.
• Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard.
• Ability to swim.
• Maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness.
• Captain II: all Captain I licenses and requirements.
• Captain III: all Captain I and II licenses and requirements, plus a minimum 500 GRT Master of Towing Vessels and Oceans Endorsement.
• Captain III: experience creating SOPs, commissioning new vessels, conducting internal and external audits, managing drydockings and repairs, and managing projects.

Nice To Haves

• STCW Master 500 GT Near Coastal.
• Oceans endorsement (Captain I preferred).
• STCW Med PIC (Captain II preferred).
• Captain I vessel proficiency: inland and coastwise towing and voyage planning, including tow wire, push, hip, and work in current; use of tow pins, surge chains, tow wire, VHF radio, lines, and rigging.
• Captain II vessel proficiency: anchor handling; skilled operation of assigned vessels; ocean and tandem towing, bar crossings, ocean voyage preparation, and rigging barges for tow; critical-path and proactive operational planning; thorough understanding of rigging and cordage.
• Captain II compliance proficiency: VMS operation, auditing and corrective actions, Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements, and leading crews through audits and inspections.
• Captain III vessel proficiency: deadship rigging and towing, design of towing packages and components, and advanced ocean tandem or triple towing and rigging-package design.
• Captain III proficiency in developing audit criteria and training others in VMS use and function.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the Port Captain and maintain the Curtin Standard onboard.
• Plan and execute voyages and towing operations, including applicable coastwise, inland, or ocean towing assignments.
• Operate and understand the vessel’s mechanical systems and movement.
• Assign projects, hold crew members accountable, coach and mentor them, provide feedback, and complete required performance evaluations.
• Maintain professionalism with company staff, regulators, customers, agents, and crews.
• Operate and use the Vessel Management System (VMS), maintain records, and support or lead audits and inspections as appropriate to the captain level.
• Plan operations proactively to maximize efficiency and meet applicable crew rest requirements.
• For Captain III assignments, lead crews starting new jobs, identify safe routes and procedures, and coordinate notifications and training.
• For Captain III assignments, manage drydockings and repairs, commission vessels, and manage projects involving customers, agents, and shore-side teams.

Benefits

• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Short-term disability coverage.
• AD&D and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Option to elect additional life insurance for the employee and dependents.
• Option to elect a health or dependent flexible spending account.
• Performance bonus opportunity: meeting the stated criteria earns a 20% increase on the base day rate for the next scheduled hitch or month of work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed