Port Captain

NORTON LILLY INTERNATIONAL•Oakland, CA

About The Position

The Port Captain plans, coordinates, oversees, and executes vessel and cargo operations within assigned ports, ensuring safe, efficient, timely, and compliant activity aligned with operational, commercial, and customer objectives. As the Company’s designated operational representative and primary liaison among vessel owners and operators, steamship lines, terminal operators, stevedores, labor organizations, customers, surveyors, port authorities, and other stakeholders, the Port Captain coordinates port calls, monitors vessel performance, resolves operational challenges, and supports continuous improvement. The role uses independent judgment in planning operations, assessing risks, allocating resources, resolving complex issues, and recommending or implementing authorized adjustments that affect safety, compliance, efficiency, customer service, cost management, and business results. The position encompasses vessel and cargo planning, labor and stakeholder relations, port and terminal coordination, operational reporting and analysis, and safety oversight. Depending on operational needs, schedules, cargo types, and port activity, work may take place at marine terminals, aboard vessels, in an office, or remotely across multiple locations. The role requires a flexible schedule based on business needs, including days, nights, weekends, and some holidays, as well as travel to and from vessels in port. The position combines office-based work with shipboard duties. Office work is typically performed in a climate-controlled environment using standard office equipment. Shipboard work may involve variable weather, confined spaces, moving machinery, potentially hazardous materials, ladders, uneven or slippery surfaces, and elevated or enclosed areas. Employees must use required personal protective equipment and comply with maritime safety regulations, company protocols, and mandatory safety training and drills.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
ASBA Agency Certification required, or must be obtained within six months of hire.
Demonstrated customer service skills, including responsiveness, professionalism, and solution-oriented support.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, and other business software; ability to learn new technologies and systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate professionally across organizational levels, departments, and in-office and remote teams.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple concurrent tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to adjust to shifting priorities and changing demands while delivering short-term operational results and longer-term initiatives.
Self-directed and accountable, with strong problem-solving skills and a results-driven approach under pressure.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record.
Must have reliable transportation and maintain automobile insurance in accordance with state requirements.
Must possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 90 days of hire and maintain it throughout employment.
Ability to safely board vessels using gangways, ladders, or launches.
Ability to work in variable weather conditions and dynamic port environments.
Must be available for a flexible schedule based on business needs, including days, nights, weekends, and some holidays, with travel to and from marine vessels while in port.
Ability to lift and carry equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds as needed.
Must wear required personal protective equipment and comply with maritime safety regulations, company protocols, safety drills, emergency response training, and safety briefings.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Maritime Studies, or a related field preferred.
Relevant experience in the maritime or port services industry preferred.
A combination of relevant education, such as a degree or certifications, and hands-on experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and oversee vessel and cargo operations, including loading, discharge, and vessel turnaround activities.
Develop and manage cargo stowage, loading, and discharge plans to optimize vessel utilization, operational performance, and customer service.
Coordinate with vessel personnel, terminal operators, stevedores, customers, and other stakeholders to support cargo movement and operations.
Monitor production, vessel schedules, labor utilization, cargo volumes, and operational performance; address delays and improve efficiency.
Review, maintain, and reconcile cargo manifests, operational records, and planning documentation for accuracy, compliance, and reporting.
Evaluate operational needs and recommend adjustments to labor, equipment, work processes, and cargo plans to improve productivity and manage costs.
Use independent judgment to prioritize resources and implement or recommend solutions for vessel, cargo, labor, equipment, scheduling, and service challenges.
Maintain operational data, reports, and documentation and support improvements in cargo planning, reporting, and vessel operations.
Build and maintain effective relationships with terminal operators, stevedores, labor representatives, customers, vessel owners, steamship lines, and other stakeholders.
Coordinate labor resources and operational requirements for safe, efficient, and cost-effective cargo handling.
Monitor workforce productivity and resource utilization and recommend staffing, equipment, or process adjustments.
Communicate operational objectives, vessel schedules, production performance, and service expectations to internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborate with labor and business partners to resolve operational issues, delays, claims, and customer concerns.
Serve as a primary operational contact, providing timely communication and supporting customer and vessel-operator requirements.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, stakeholder satisfaction, service quality, and business performance.
Coordinate vessel, cargo, and terminal operations across assigned ports while maintaining compliance with applicable requirements.
Conduct vessel attendance, operational inspections, and site visits to assess cargo handling, vessel readiness, performance, and compliance.
Monitor vessel schedules, cargo movements, operational progress, and performance metrics onsite and remotely across multiple locations.
Identify, document, and communicate operational issues, cargo exceptions, delays, and risks, and implement solutions to minimize disruption.
Prepare operational reports, inspection documentation, and status updates and provide timely recommendations to management and stakeholders.
Prepare, analyze, and maintain reports, records, forecasts, and metrics concerning vessel operations, cargo, labor utilization, productivity, and schedules.
Evaluate operational trends and business impacts and recommend improvements related to efficiency, customer service, costs, labor, and business performance.
Develop and maintain tracking tools, schedules, dashboards, and analytical reports using Excel and other business systems.
Provide operational analysis, planning recommendations, forecasting support, productivity assessments, and business improvement recommendations to management.
Monitor and track safety KPIs and training compliance; organize and lead safety meetings and submit safety reports as required.
Ensure adherence to company safety policies and regulations, and develop and implement standard operating procedures and guidelines for a safe, environmentally responsible workplace.
Ensure personnel complete and comply with mandatory regulatory training requirements and that appropriate safety gear is available to team members.
Maintain a professional office environment prepared for visits by colleagues, customers, government officials, stevedores, port managers, and other visitors.
Support and enforce the NLI safety program and comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and company HSEQ policies and procedures.
Perform additional duties as assigned; the role may evolve with industry practices and technological advancements.