Port Captain

G and H Towing Company•Galveston, TX

About The Position

The Port Captain manages G&H Towing tugs to ensure that vessels are crewed, operated, and maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements, company standards, and customer expectations. The position oversees and provides input on crew watch-change processes, practices, and systems. It also serves as a backup to the Manager of Marine Personnel and the Crewing Coordinator in overseeing crewing assignments and placement of qualified mariners. The Port Captain works with vessel crewmembers, marine personnel, operations staff, crewing staff, company leadership, Human Resources, payroll, port authorities, towing companies, surveyors and auditors, and State Pilots. The role includes office and field work, typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with possible irregular hours, after-hours operations watch, emergency response, and out-of-region travel.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED; extensive experience may be considered in lieu of education.
At least 10 years of sea experience in the deck department.
At least 3 years of experience as a Master on a harbor-assist towing vessel.
Active and valid driver's license.
At minimum, a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) as Master of a steam or motor vessel not greater than 1,600 gross registered tons (GRT) upon inland waters.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card).
U.S. Coast Guard MMC endorsed Master of Towing upon inland waters.
Proficiency with computer hardware and software, including Microsoft Office applications, keyboard and mouse use, web browsing, email, and internet search engines.
Thorough understanding of U.S. Coast Guard manning and credentialing requirements for crewmembers aboard inspected towing vessels.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, orally and in writing.
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in establishing and maintaining working relationships with management and marine personnel.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, including regarding sensitive organizational information.
Ability to manage multiple demands simultaneously while maintaining service standards.
Ability to promptly solve issues and coordinate numerous personnel matters.
Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to work independently with minimal or no guidance.
Customer-focused, service-oriented, and customer-centric approach with internal and external customers.
Excellent interpersonal skills, professional telephone etiquette, and the ability to make professional judgments.
Willingness and ability to represent G&H Towing professionally and with a positive attitude, and to support the company's and department's mission, vision, and goals.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and accuracy.
Proven troubleshooting skills, including testing resolutions and escalating common issues.
Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize and complete tasks efficiently and on time; manage crew assignments and adjustments under deadlines; and communicate assignments clearly to a broad demographic.
Ability to pass and maintain all mandatory training.
Ability to perform the job duties with minor supervision and work collaboratively in a team setting.
Ability to maintain regular attendance, meet deadlines, and work professionally and respectfully with others.
Ability to board vessels safely, move around office and other work locations, operate office equipment, and transport, adjust, or move items up to 50 pounds.
Ability to ascend and descend stairs; bend, twist, kneel, stoop, reach, push, pull, or squat; handle objects; and remain stationary for long periods.
Ability to hear with or without aid and to detect and write effectively.
Visual acuity sufficient to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work setting.
Ability to understand, communicate, and comprehend information in English.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree from a Maritime Academy.

Responsibilities

Assist in monitoring vessel performance and take corrective or preventive action when required.
Assist the Senior Port Captain in overseeing training of U.S. Coast Guard Designated Examiners.
Attend Rig/Special Movement planning meetings as a G&H Towing subject matter expert.
Build contacts and maintain working relationships with customers, including Port Authorities, towing companies, State Pilot Associations, regulatory agencies, terminal personnel, and port agents.
Conduct annual performance appraisals of Vessel Masters with support from Human Resources.
Conduct final approval check-rides for Mate Training and Observation personnel who have completed their Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR).
Conduct underway and dockside assessments of deck department personnel for proficiency in deck operations and harbor-assist evolutions.
Conduct vessel and shoreside audits as directed.
Coordinate daily watch-to-watch marine personnel assignments with the Manager of Marine Personnel and Crewing Coordinator.
Inspect vessels for seaworthy condition and arrange maintenance and repairs to correct discrepancies.
Monitor and maintain conformance with the Company Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) and International Safety Management (ISM) Code within the assigned area of responsibility.
Participate as a subject matter expert with Pilots on terminal design and vessel-assist standards of care in Marine Simulators.
Participate in accident and incident investigations as directed.
Participate in harbor safety committees as directed by the General Manager.
Participate in the Personnel Review Board (PRB) and Promotion Boards.
Perform other related duties assigned by the Director of Operations, Senior Port Captain, Senior Vice President, or President.
Stand an after-hours watch as the Operations Point-of-Contact and Duty Corpus Christi.
Coordinate and schedule inspections and maintenance for tow wires on company vessels as directed by the Senior Port Captain.
Notify the local U.S. Coast Guard Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection (OCMI) for permits to proceed.
Notify the local OCMI regarding excursion parties and temporary extensions or alterations of routes.
Supervise and conduct working-line inspections with Tug Masters and Mates, and perform splicing for tractor tug working lines.
Supervise officer and rating personnel onboard towing vessels.
Assist the Director of Operations, President, and Senior Port Captain with special projects when requested, completing assignments within negotiated time frames.
Complete other duties assigned by the department manager relating to the program and position.