Vessel Manager

Marquette Transportation•Paducah, KY

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vessel Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of an assigned fleet of 10-12 line-haul towboats, each ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 HP. This role requires ensuring operations align with Company Core Principles, serving as the primary liaison between vessel personnel and shore-side management, and maintaining strong working relationships to support crew engagement. The manager will ensure vessels are adequately staffed with qualified personnel, maintain compliance with all regulations and company policies, and monitor river conditions to aid in safe navigation decisions. Responsibilities also include responding to vessel emergencies, conducting regular vessel inspections, administering company policies, representing the company with regulatory agencies, investigating incidents, developing policies for safety and efficiency, managing vessel budgets, and supporting the Safety Management System.

Requirements

Demonstrated leadership and personnel management experience required.
Marine industry experience required.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to travel approximately 40% to vessel locations as required.
Valid driver’s license with a good driving record required.
Willingness to participate in an on-call rotation, including evenings and weekends.
Proficiency with modern navigation and vessel management software.
Strong understanding of maritime regulations, compliance requirements, and vessel inspection standards.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day operations of an assigned fleet of 10–12 line-haul towboats (5,000–10,000 HP), ensuring alignment with Company Core Principles.
Serve as primary liaison between vessel personnel and shore-side management.
Maintain strong working relationships with vessel employees and support crew engagement.
Ensure vessels are staffed with fully qualified Masters, Pilots, Chiefs, and crew.
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and company policies.
Monitor river conditions and provide information to support safe navigation decisions.
Respond to vessel emergencies, minimizing downtime through effective onsite leadership.
Conduct regular vessel inspections to ensure operational readiness and equipment standards.
Administer company policies, including discipline and performance evaluations.
Represent the Company in dealings with the U.S. Coast Guard and other regulatory agencies.
Investigate incidents and injuries and ensure proper reporting.
Develop and implement policies to improve safety, efficiency, and operations.
Ensure vessels operate within budget.
Support the Safety Management System and continuous improvement initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.