Port Captain

Southern Devall Towing Co•Sulphur, LA

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Port Captain serves as the Company's liaison for an assigned fleet of towboats and barges, overseeing their overall performance in terms of operations and financial results against budget. This role is crucial for the Coastal Division of Southern Devall, operating across its service areas. The Port Captain is the primary point of contact for assigned vessels, managing personnel, administration, purchasing, supplies, safety, and training. They ensure timely information flow to responsible managers and are responsible for communication, coordination, and follow-up on all vessel and personnel-related matters. This position involves upholding company policies and procedures, acting as a role model for company culture, and being on call 24/7 for emergencies. The Port Captain also performs navigation safety duties, supports daily operations, and is responsible for navigation safety, vessel safety, Sub Chapter M compliance, wheelman professional development, and emergency response.

Requirements

Be a HSE leader.
Be able to stop the work if felt unsafe.
Adhere to company policies and procedures.
Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a face-paced environment with multiple changing priorities.
Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills.
Ability to maintain successful working relationships with senior management, departmental personnel, maritime vessel personnel, customers and suppliers.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and Internet Applications.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Masters of Inland and Western Rivers.
Must be a Designated Examiner.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Rosepoint.
8-10 years progressive experience in the inland towing sector with specific Tankerman responsibilities.
+10 years progressive experience operating Towing vessels on inland waters and western rivers.
Current certification as a USCG Licensed Tankerman (DL or LG – both is preferred).
Safety Management Systems knowledge.
Voyage Planning knowledge.
Good oral and written communication skills for general business and technical matters.
Excellent communicator.
Self-starter, able to prioritize and work as part of a leadership team.
Ability to influence teams - an enthusiastic leader.
Ability to leave at any moment to respond to incidents or when needed.
Ability to prioritize and work within a dynamic and constantly changing work environment.

Nice To Haves

Work experience in tankering operations is preferred.
Direct industry sector experience.
Line management or operational experience.
Ability to build and deliver training programs.
Lead by example in demonstrating the correct behavior in implementing the tankering program.
Recognize the ‘ownership' of health, safety and environmental control within their sphere of activity and lead by example.
Require Captains to demonstrate effective control over health, safety, security and environmental responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Acts as the Personnel Administrator for assigned vessels and collaborates with Management on policy development, implementation, and enforcement.
Visits company vessels and rides with Captains to assess and ensure maintenance of requisite navigational and bridge management skills.
Conducts check-rides to evaluate personnel for potential Captain positions.
Performs navigational audits on company vessels to ensure adherence to proper navigational procedures, policies, and documentation requirements.
Responds to inquiries from vessel Captains and Senior Managers regarding potential navigational waterway issues.
Maintains awareness of major waterway issues (e.g., high/low water, USCG Safety Zones) and provides recommendations.
Serves as the Alternate Qualified Individual and Alternative Company Security Officer, with responsibilities outlined in the Non-Tank or Vessel Response Plan (VRP) and Vessel Safety Plan (VSP).
Responds to inquiries from vessel Captains on pertinent company issues.
Acts as an ombudsman between vessel Captains and Southern Devall Senior Management.
Interviews candidates and relays their qualifications for employment.
Fills in as Captain on company vessels during emergencies.
Interviews new company Captains, Relief Captains, and Pilots during the hiring process.
Assists in investigating vessel navigation incidents, working with Safety Manager and Regulatory Compliance Manager to identify causes and implement corrective actions.
Assists Senior Managers as requested.
Coaches vessel Captains and Pilots on the company’s TSMS and safety culture.
Monitors vessel operations to identify areas for improvement and achieve safety milestones.
Assists company pilots and captains on select boats as needed.
Assists with various navigational needs as requested.
Assists with additional needs as determined by Senior Management.
Evaluates key afloat personnel annually.
Approves crew assignments for assigned vessels.
Administers wages and benefits and approves payroll sheets.
Serves as the primary enforcer of personnel policies and procedures.
Interfaces and communicates with department leaders responsible for employee benefits, safety, and training.
Interfaces and communicates with the Controller.
Assists in the field training of afloat personnel.
Performs operational audits of assigned vessels.
Makes recommendations regarding field training, safety issues, etc.
Coordinates daily fleet operations and significant issues with Dispatchers.
Reviews and discusses voyage planning with vessel operators, emphasizing high-risk areas.
Reviews fleet activity for operational issues.
Suggests operational policies.
Evaluates equipment to be furnished on board vessels.
Attends Corps, etc. meetings.
Reviews customer facilities, providing input on suggested improvements/changes, ingress/egress issues, lay-up, pilings, docks, gangways, etc.
Assists in incident/accident investigations.
Ensures maintenance items are addressed adequately and timely.