Port Captain

NORTON LILLY INTERNATIONAL INC•Oakland, CA

1d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Port Captain plans, coordinates, oversees, and executes vessel and cargo operations within assigned ports. The role ensures safe, efficient operations that align with operational, commercial, and customer objectives, and serves as the Company’s 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, addresses operational challenges, and supports continuous improvement in vessel and terminal operations. The role exercises independent judgment in planning vessel operations, evaluating risks, allocating resources, and resolving complex issues. It makes real-time operational decisions and may recommend or implement authorized changes affecting efficiency, customer service, safety, regulatory compliance, costs, and business results. Depending on business needs, vessel schedules, cargo types, and port activities, work may involve marine terminals, vessels, offices, and remote coordination across multiple locations. The position requires a flexible schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and some holidays, as well as travel to and from vessels in port. Duties include cargo planning and documentation, stakeholder and labor coordination, port and vessel oversight, operational reporting and analysis, and safety compliance. Additional duties may be assigned, and the role may evolve with industry practices and technology.

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 with 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 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 mindset under pressure.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record; reliable transportation and automobile insurance meeting 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 in port.
Ability to climb ladders, walk on uneven or slippery surfaces, and work in elevated or enclosed areas.
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, including U.S. Coast Guard, OSHA, and company protocols.
Must participate in safety drills, emergency response training, and regular safety briefings.

Nice To Haves

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

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, planning documentation, and reports.
Evaluate operational requirements and recommend adjustments to labor, equipment, work processes, and cargo plans.
Exercise independent judgment in prioritizing resources and addressing vessel, cargo, labor, equipment, scheduling, and service challenges.
Build and maintain working relationships with terminal operators, stevedores, labor representatives, customers, vessel owners, steamship lines, port authorities, and other stakeholders.
Coordinate labor resources and operational requirements for safe, efficient, and cost-effective cargo handling.
Monitor workforce productivity and resource utilization, recommending staffing, equipment, and work-process adjustments as needed.
Communicate operational objectives, schedules, production performance, and service expectations to internal and external stakeholders.
Resolve operational issues, delays, claims, and customer concerns in collaboration with labor and business partners.
Serve as a primary operational contact and support customer and vessel operator requirements through timely communication and service.
Conduct vessel attendance, operational inspections, and site visits to monitor 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; implement solutions to minimize disruption.
Prepare operational reports, inspection documentation, status updates, forecasts, and performance metrics for management and stakeholders.
Analyze operational trends and business impacts, identify improvement opportunities, and provide recommendations on efficiency, service, costs, labor utilization, and business performance.
Develop and maintain tracking tools, schedules, dashboards, and analytical reports using Excel and other business systems.
Monitor and track safety KPIs and training compliance; organize and lead safety meetings.
Enforce company safety policies and applicable regulations, prepare required safety reports, and develop and implement safe-work procedures and guidelines.
Ensure personnel complete mandatory regulatory training and that appropriate safety gear is available.
Maintain a professional office environment prepared for visits from colleagues, customers, government officials, stevedores, port managers, and other visitors.
Support and enforce the NLI safety program and comply with federal, state, local, company HSEQ, port, terminal, and maritime requirements.
Participate in safety drills, emergency response training, and regular safety briefings.