Experienced Tugboat Captain

Curtin Maritime•Long Beach, CA

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring experienced dredge tugboat captains at Captain I, Captain II, and Captain III levels. Captains may live anywhere in the United States; the company coordinates and fully pays travel to and from the vessel. The role works directly with the Port Captain and applies Curtin Maritime’s values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency while maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. Captains are responsible for safe, effective vessel operations, voyage and tow planning, compliance, recordkeeping, crew leadership, and operational performance. Scope and required vessel experience vary by captain level. The Captain I level focuses on inland and coastwise towing, voyage planning, vessel ownership, crew accountability, and professional communication. Captain II adds anchor handling, ocean and tandem towing, ocean voyage preparation, audit and inspection leadership, corrective actions, and strategic planning. Captain III requires advanced ocean towing and rigging capabilities, leading crews on new jobs, developing procedures, commissioning vessels, and managing repairs, drydockings, and customer and shore-side interactions. Rates include the Curtin Standard Performance Bonus. Employees may earn a 20% increase on their base day rate for their next hitch or month of work by meeting the program’s minimum criteria. Employees are evaluated at the end of a hitch on regular rotation or at the end of the month for local day work; eligibility depends on continuing to meet the criteria. Full program details and eligibility requirements will be provided. Curtin Maritime offers competitive compensation and a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, AD&D/life insurance, a 401(k) with company match, and the option to elect additional life insurance for the employee and dependents and health and/or dependent flexible spending accounts. Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Minimum 200 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Near Coastal, or 500 GRT Master Near Coastal with TOAR.
Passport and VSO.
Captain III applicants must hold a minimum 500 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Oceans Endorsement, in addition to Captain I and II requirements.
Experience and proficiency appropriate to the selected captain level, including towing and voyage planning; Captain II and III roles require progressively advanced vessel and ocean-towing proficiencies.
Proficiency in operation of the Vessel Management System (VMS), understanding and compliance with the Curtin Standard, and thorough recordkeeping.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills; sound judgment and decision-making under stressful or potentially dangerous conditions.
Strong sense of responsibility and ownership; proactive approach to situations and tasks.
Ability to mentor and develop others, communicate effectively with office staff and crew, and manage crews.
Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning, including the ability to plan voyages and understand vessel mechanics and movement.
Ability to traverse uneven ground and gangways at varying heights; frequently bend, stoop, squat, and climb steps or ladders.
Ability to safely lift at least 40 pounds and handle heavy, large, or awkward equipment.
Physical dexterity and strength to handle lines, make up tows with wire rigging, operate deck machinery, and work on poorly accessible equipment.
Ability to work below decks in periods of darkness and in confined spaces, perform emergency duties, and use emergency equipment onboard.
Must be able to swim and maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness.

Nice To Haves

STCW Master 500 GT Near Coastal Oceans endorsement for Captain I.
STCW Med PIC for Captain II.
Captain I and II preferred licenses and requirements apply to Captain III.
Advanced vessel proficiencies relevant to higher captain levels, including anchor handling, ocean and tandem towing, bar crossings, ocean voyage preparation, deadship towing, and advanced rigging design.

Responsibilities

Work directly with the Port Captain and uphold the Curtin Standard and the company’s values onboard.
Plan and execute safe voyages and towing operations, including inland, coastwise, and—at higher levels—ocean, tandem, and other complex towing arrangements.
Operate and understand assigned vessels, including their mechanical systems and movement.
Use tow pins, surge chains, tow wire, lines, rigging, deck machinery, and vessel equipment appropriately.
Maintain thorough vessel records and use the Vessel Management System (VMS); at higher levels, conduct audits, corrective actions, and inspections.
Assign projects, take ownership of vessel operations, and hold crew members accountable.
Lead, mentor, train, and coach crew members; provide constructive feedback and complete required performance evaluations.
Maintain professional relationships with company staff, regulators, customers, agents, crews, and shoreside teams.
Plan proactively for operational efficiency, including watch arrangements, provisions, fuel, water, spare parts, and consumables.
At Captain III level, lead crews starting new jobs; identify safe routes, procedures, efficiencies, notifications, and training needs.
At Captain III level, design deadship towing packages and advanced tandem or triple towing rigging packages; create procedures and support vessel commissioning.
At Captain III level, manage drydockings and repairs and coordinate commissioning and customer, agent, and shoreside interactions.