Ferryboat Captain I

Texas Department of Transportation•Port Aransas, TX

About The Position

Performs as an experienced ferryboat captain of motor ferry vessels transporting crew members, public vehicles and passengers. Has total responsibility for decisions and/or actions affecting the safety and welfare of the vessel, crew, passengers, vehicles and other public properties. Has sole authority for the movement or non-movement of the vessel and the retention or expelling for cause, of crew members and/or passengers and their property from the vessel. Work requires constant contact with private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Requirements

High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.
6 years in marine operations. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).
Graduation from a maritime academy will substitute for 5 years experience.
Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
Must have required US Coast Guard (USCG) certifications an/or documents appropriate for the position and vessel being operated.
Must have or obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
Mandatory: Safety Impact Certificate.
Mandatory: Vessel Crew Member Certificate.
USCG Lic-Mas-S&L Ves-100 Tons (Must have at the time of application).
Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines and specification codes.
Applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Expert skill in: Navigating ferryboats.
Expert skill in: Fire fighting.
Proficient skill in: Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others.
Proficient skill in: Preparing and maintaining confidential and sensitive records, files and reports.
Proficient skill in: Training in a classroom, office, or field environment.
Proficient skill in: Maintaining a safe working relationship.
Proficient skill in: Maintaining a safe working environment.
Ability to: Communicate effectively.
Ability to: Work in varying conditions to include heavy traffic, overhead power lines and underground utilities.
Ability to: Work in cramped spaces (bend, stoop, crawl) and at varied heights.

Responsibilities

Provides general direction to deckhands involved in performance of deck evolutions (loading, unloading, security and minor cleaning and maintenance.)
Provides general direction to marine communications coordinators involved in public relations and land-to-sea communications.
Provides general direction to the watch engineer involved in performance of engineering watch and maintenance duties.
Takes charge of all ferry operations and support functions in the absence of the Ferry Operation Manager/Assistant and/or Ferry Supervisor, when directed.
Ensures strict compliance with the Federal Waters Pollution Control Act and the Federal Communications Commission Communications Act of 1934.
Ensures the daily inspection and report of the operating condition of all emergency fire fighting, lifesaving and childbirth equipment on the vessel.
Leads and trains ferry operations personnel as necessary.
Maintains and submits daily activity log of vessel movements, traffic and passenger statistics and unusual occurrences or special events.
Navigates and maneuvers vessels in high density traffic areas and/or under all weather and sea conditions in accordance with Inland Navigation Rules of the Road and the rules of good seamanship.
Navigates in situations involving meetings/overtaking/crossing encounters with other vessels in times of darkness and light, high winds, extreme tide fluctuations, heavy ebb/flow currents, zero visibility and close proximity to shoal waters.
Reports to U.S. Coast Guard all incidents of marine, accident, injury or death occurring on the vessel while in his/her charge.
Responsible for the periodic conduct of all-hands emergency drills and exercises such as fire, collision, man overboard, fog navigation, grounding, bomb threat and emergency childbirth.
Serves as primary enforcement authority for State Regulations Governing Operation of the Ferries.
Submits reports on the above matters of the Ferry Operation Manager and/or staff as well as any other matters affecting the stability and/or operational capability of the vessel and all matters of consequence with the public.
Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.