Port Captain

Foss Maritime•Redondo Beach, CA

8d•$119,962 - $179,943

About The Position

Foss Maritime is hiring a Port Captain to supervise and coordinate all phases of operations relating to division tugs and barges. The role directly supervises Deck Officers, Deckhands, and other marine personnel, and is involved in staffing and training, regulatory and safety compliance, budget development and management, casualty investigations, vessel repair, scheduling, and developing operating standards consistent with company policies. The Port Captain coordinates with customers, marine and shoreside employees, vendors, pilots, and regulatory officials. The position manages vessel personnel and performance, supports fleet utilization and scheduling, oversees compliance and inspections, and administers budgets, vessel supplies, labor matters, employee evaluations, and operational plans. It provides leadership to employees and supports company values, mission, and safety vision. The role requires a strong maritime operations background, knowledge of offshore towing and harbor ship-assist work, and the ability to manage vessel and shoreside resources, interpret maritime regulations, and maintain effective working relationships with regulatory agencies and customers. The position pays $119,962–$179,943 annually based on experience and is eligible for an annual incentive compensation plan with a 20% target bonus, subject to company and individual performance and company policy.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five years of experience as a tugboat captain or in shoreside management.
Valid USCG Master's License or, at minimum, a USCG Mate's License.
Strong maritime background and thorough understanding of vessel operations, capabilities, limitations, and crew roles and responsibilities.
Ability to interpret, administer, and ensure compliance with government regulations related to vessel manning, construction, maintenance and repair, safety, training, navigation, work rules, emergency response, licensing, and towing operations.
Understanding of cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning, with organizational and planning skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare business letters, reports, presentations, policies, procedures, and repair specifications.
Interpersonal and customer-relations skills, including the ability to work effectively with customers, coworkers, subordinates, competitors, the public, and regulators.
Team-oriented, coach-style leadership; sound decision-making, problem-solving, negotiation, delegation, and employee-development abilities.
Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing assignments, prioritize work, meet deadlines, and maintain operational quality.
Reasonable sensory abilities needed to maintain a USCG license, including color vision, depth perception, hand-eye coordination, and hearing; proficiency in English.
Ability to communicate effectively across levels and personalities, work under stress, and provide strong supervision during emergency response situations.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and coordinate activities across departments.
Computer proficiency with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and applicable enterprise business platforms.
Extensive knowledge of offshore towing operations and harbor ship-assist work.
Experience working on twin-screw and tractor tugs.
Planning and forecasting skills related to business trends, vessel management, and cost projections.
High ethical standards, honesty, and integrity, with the ability to lead by example and empower employees to meet business goals and operational standards.
Knowledge of business management principles and practices, vessel repair and replacement costs, labor law, and labor contract negotiation and implementation.
Ability to understand and interpret laws and regulations applicable to the maritime business and maintain working relationships with regulatory agencies.

Nice To Haves

Preference for a bachelor's degree from a maritime academy.
Ocean towing experience.

Responsibilities

Direct and supervise offshore marine employees, including vessel personnel and direct staff.
Interface with customers, marine and shoreside employees, vendors, pilots, and regulatory officials.
Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures.
Manage hiring, crewing, promotions, personnel placement, and marine personnel training.
Supervise vessel personnel responsibilities and performance; initiate corrective or disciplinary action as appropriate.
Audit vessel logs and approve overtime.
Assist with fleet utilization and scheduling of tugs and barges, and communicate vessel schedules to appropriate parties.
Supervise personnel involved in field projects, special shipments, and salvage operations.
Ensure compliance with company standard operating procedures, regulatory, licensing, training, and safety requirements.
Investigate and report the causes and effects of marine incidents.
Conduct regular tug and barge inspections and ensure compliance with the company Safety Management System and Preventative Maintenance Program.
Comply with applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations, including USCG, EPA, ISM, ABS, OSHA, and OSPR requirements.
Prepare budgets and manage vessel supply and crew costs.
Prepare Towing and/or Operations Plans for ISO compliance.
Supervise vessel modifications, rigging, and supply.
Interpret and administer government regulations; assist with negotiation and implementation of labor contracts.
Communicate regional goals and objectives and provide leadership aligned with company Core Values, Mission, and Safety Vision.
Process employee evaluations and direct, motivate, and develop employees for maximum performance.
Recruit, train, develop, promote, discipline, and terminate employees as appropriate; comply with applicable HR policies and procedures.
Lead and encourage a safe and ethical culture through SpeakUp.
Perform special duties and projects as assigned and adhere to company policies.
Provide functional direction to Deck Officers in charge of company vessels and direction to Customer Service Representatives for vessel crew scheduling.
Coordinate efficient use of vessel and shoreside assets across geographic areas and activities, and assist with regional cost planning, reporting, and operating expenditures.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and family.
Accrual of 15 vacation days per year; accrued vacation is vested and available after six months of service.
Life insurance equal to two times annual base salary.
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Long-term disability insurance.
401(k) program with a 4% match, vested immediately.
Employee Assistance Program.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Business travel assistance program.
Other voluntary benefits available for purchase through payroll deduction at group rates.
Nine paid holidays and two additional floating holidays available after six months of service.
Full-time employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave per year, up to a maximum of 1,040 hours.
Paid bereavement leave of three days for a death in the immediate family, or five days when travel greater than 500 miles is required.
Tuition reimbursement.
Other benefits as required by law.
Annual incentive compensation plan with a 20% target bonus, subject to company and individual performance and company policy.