Tugboat Captain Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Captain I minimum license: 200 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Near Coastal, or 500 GRT Master Near Coastal with TOAR.
• Passport and VSO.
• Captain II must meet all Captain I license requirements.
• Captain III must meet Captain I and II requirements and hold a minimum 500 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Oceans Endorsement.
• Proficiency in inland and coastwise towing and voyage planning, including tow wire, push, hip, and working in current.
• Knowledge of tow pins, surge chains, tow wire etiquette, VHF radio etiquette, lines, and rigging.
• Ability to operate a Vessel Management System, comply with the Curtin Standard, and maintain thorough records.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, responsibility, initiative, and ownership.
• Ability to make safe and effective decisions under stressful or potentially dangerous conditions.
• Strong communication, logistical reasoning, and mechanical reasoning skills.
• Ability to mentor, train, and manage crew and provide feedback and performance evaluations.
• Ability to traverse uneven ground and gangways at various 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 equipment that may be difficult to access.
• Ability to work below decks in darkness and in confined spaces, perform emergency duties, and use emergency equipment onboard.
• Must be able to swim and maintain good personal hygiene and cleanliness.

Nice To Haves

• STCW Master 500 GT Near Coastal Oceans endorsement (Captain I).
• STCW Med PIC (Captain II).
• Anchor-handling experience and skilled operation of assigned vessels.
• Experience with ocean towing, tandem towing, bar crossings, ocean voyage preparation, and rigging barges for tow.
• Thorough understanding of rigging and cordage.
• Experience auditing and completing corrective actions, and understanding Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements.
• Experience creating standard operating procedures, commissioning new vessels, and conducting internal and external audits.
• Experience with deadship rigging and towing, advanced ocean tandem or triple towing, and designing rigging packages.
• Experience managing drydockings and repairs, commissioning vessels, and acting as a project manager.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the Port Captain and maintain the Curtin Standard onboard.
• Plan and execute voyages and towing operations, including tow wire, push, hip, work in current, anchor handling, ocean towing, tandem towing, and bar crossings as applicable to the captain level.
• Operate vessel systems and equipment, including tow pins, surge chains, deck machinery, rigging, and lines.
• Use the Vessel Management System (VMS), maintain thorough records, and comply with applicable company, Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements.
• Complete corrective actions and participate in or lead vessel audits and inspections as appropriate to the captain level.
• Assign projects, take ownership of vessel operations, and hold crew members accountable.
• Coach, train, and mentor crew members; provide constructive feedback and complete required performance evaluations.
• Plan operations proactively to maximize efficiency, including managing crew rest and arranging provisions, fuel, water, parts, and consumables.
• For Captain III duties, lead crews on new jobs; identify safe routes, procedures, efficiencies, notifications, and training needs.
• For Captain III duties, develop towing plans and rigging packages, manage vessel commissioning, drydockings, and repairs, and coordinate with customers, agents, and shoreside staff.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Short-term disability insurance.
• AD&D and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Option to elect incremental life insurance for employees and dependents.
• Option to elect a health and/or dependent flexible spending account.
• Fully paid, company-coordinated travel to and from the vessel.
• Performance bonus opportunity: a 20% increase on the base day rate for the next scheduled hitch or month of work when performance criteria are met.