Port Captain

Calista Corporation•Marine, IL

About The Position

The Port Captain position acts as the direct liaison between the boat crews and upper management. The Port Captain coordinates vessel procedures including normal operation and works with other office departments investigating marine incidents. This position is responsible for enforcing company policy through leadership and direction and facilitates information and good company relations with outside vendors and customers.

Requirements

Knowledgeable of all Marine state and federal regulations.
Advance knowledge with utilizing navigation aids such as charts, radar, AIS, depth finder, compass, and GPS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as tank strapping charts, various tables, safety manuals, navigation books, state and federal regulations related to industry, and environmental manuals.
Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, in positive or negative situations; respond well to questions; participate in meetings.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volumes.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to read and interpolate barge stability data.
Ability to solve personnel problems, make clear rational decisions in a crisis, clearly formulate and communicate orders coupled with the ability to do both short- and long-term planning to accomplish the vessel and company goals.
Ability to travel out of town for short and long durations, at times on short notice.
Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully; develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem solving situations; use reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations; respond promptly to customer needs; respond to requests for service and assistance; meet commitments.
Ability to solve conflict, maintain confidentiality, actively listen, keep emotions under control, remain open to others’ ideas.
Possess willingness to act independently and make timely decisions; exhibit sound and accurate judgment; support and provide reasoning for decisions; include appropriate people in decision-making process.
Ability to set and achieve challenging goals; demonstrate persistence and overcome obstacles; measure self against standard of excellence; generate suggestions for improving work; present ideas and information in a manner that gets others’ attention.
Ability to prioritize and plan work activities; use time efficiently; plan for additional resources; develops realistic action plans.
Ability to interact with others in a respectful and tactful manner; react well under pressure; accept responsibility for own actions; follow through on commitments; ask for and offer assistance when needed.
Ability to produce work that is accurate and thorough; seek ways to improve and promote quality; apply feedback to improve performance; monitor own work to ensure quality.
Ability to meet productivity standards and complete work in a timely manner; strive to increase productivity while maintaining quality.
Ability to observe safety and security procedures and determine appropriate action beyond guidelines; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly.
Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment; manage competing demands; change approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events.
Ability to be at work and on time consistently; ensure work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrive at meetings and appointments on time.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.
High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Ten (10) years’ experience in the towboat industry required.
Five (5) years’ experience as a boat captain or engineer in the towboat industry required.
Must possess a good working knowledge of Western Alaska Marine Operations.
Current Coast Guard License as Master of Towing Vessels with an Unlimited Radar Observer endorsement, current valid TWIC card, and Company Security Officer.
Must be able to pass and maintain a Coast Guard physical exam for merchant mariners.
Hazwoper 24-hour certificate with annual 8-hour refresher required.
Valid state driver’s license and must be qualified to operate a vehicle under the conditions of Company’s driving policy.
Ability to pass a drug, driving, and background screenings.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations including traffic information, cargo loading/discharge, fuel/lube/supply requirements, etc.
Advise and address crew assignments and personnel issues.
Act as a direct conduit between operations, marketing, maintenance, personnel and dispatch.
Work with the Human Resource Department to ensure proper crew member allocation to vessel assignments.
Responsible for implementation and enforcement of company procedures and policies.
Coordinate and investigate potential new job requirements.
Direct and manage vessel budgets
Travel to vessel and customer locations to observe and direct.
Operate and test vessels for performance issues and also investigate new runs and/or territories.
Manage vessel emergencies including leading incident investigation, follow up, documentation, reporting, notification and required corrections.
Manage oversight at dry docks and new construction yards.
Ensure that vessels are well maintained.
Attendance to USCG and RINA inspections.
Assist with managing crew training requirements and coordinate documentation of training with Human Resources.
Fill in for vacant crew member positions on vessels as needed throughout the season.
Assist with securing vessel cargo and work contracts as needed.
Working in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
Perform other duties as assigned.