Port Captain

Location

Galveston, TX | United States

Job description

Job Summary:

The Port Captain manages G&H Towing tugs to ensure that vessels are crewed, operated, and maintained per regulatory requirements, company standards, and customer expectations. Oversees and provides input for crew watch change processes, practices, and systems. This position acts as a backup to the Manager of Marine Personnel and the Crewing Coordinator overseeing crewing assignments and the placement of qualified mariners. 

Key Interactions:

G&H employees specifically vessel crewmembers, manager of marine personnel, operations center, and operations center manager, watch supervisors, watchstanders, crewing coordinator, port captains, Human Resources, payroll, director of operations, senior vice president, port authorities, towing companies, surveyors/auditors, and State Pilots. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Assists monitoring of vessel performance and takes corrective/preventive action when required
• Assists the Senior Port Captain in overseeing the training of U. S. Coast Guard Designated Examiners
• Attend Rig/Special Movement planning meeting as subject matter expert for G&H Towing
• Builds contacts and maintains good working relationships with customers; including Port Authorities, Towing
  Companies, State Pilot Associations regulatory agencies, terminal personnel, and port agents.
• Conducts annual performance appraisals of Vessel Masters with the support of the HR department
• Conducts final approval check-rides for Mate Training and Observation personnel who have completed their Towing Officer Assessment Record (TOAR)
• Conducts underway and dockside assessments of deck department personnel for proficiency in deck operations and harbor assist evolutions
• Conducts vessel/shoreside audits as directed
• Coordinates watch-to-watch marine personnel assignments with the manager of marine personnel and crewing coordinators daily
• Inspects vessels to ensure seaworthy conditions and arrange for maintenance and repair activities to correct any discrepancies
• Monitor and maintain conformance to the requirements of the Company Towing Safety Management System (TSMS), International Safety Management (ISM) Code within his/her area of responsibility
• Participates as subject matter expert with Pilots to terminal design/vessel assist standards of care in Marine Simulators
• Participates in accident/incident investigations as directed
• Participates in harbor safety committees as directed by the General Manager 
• Participates in Personnel Review Board (PRB) and participates in Promotion Boards
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Director of Operations, Senior Port Captain Senior Vice President, or President
• Required to stand an after-hours watch as the Operations Point-of-Contact and Duty Corpus Christi
• Responsible for coordinating and scheduling all inspections and maintenance for all tow wires on company vessels as directed by the Senior Port Captain
• Responsible for making notifications to the local U.S. Coast Guard Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection (OCMI) for permits to proceed
• Responsible for notifying local OCMI for excursion parties, temporary extension/alteration of routes
• Supervises and conducts working line inspections with Tug Masters/Mates and performs splicing for tractor tug working lines
• Supervises officer and rating personnel onboard towing vessels

Education & Experience:

• A High school diploma or GED is required; an advanced degree from a Maritime Academy is preferred; extensive experience may be considered in lieu of education and 
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Minimum of ten (10) years of sea experience in the deck department 
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a Master on a harbor assist towing vessel
• Requires proficiency with computer hardware and software to include Microsoft Office applications, using a computer with a keyboard and mouse, navigation with a web browser, checking and sending email, and use of internet search engines

Required Licensure & Certification:

• Active and valid driver's license
• At a minimum a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credential (MMS) as a Master of a steam or motor vessel not greater than 1600 gross registered tons (GRT) upon inland waters
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card)
• U.S. Coast Guard (USGC) MMC endorsed Master of towing upon inland waters 

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to always communicate effectively and professionally 
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with management and marine personnel
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters and areas of the organization including sensitive information
• Ability to manage multiple demands simultaneously while maintaining service standards
• Ability to solve issues promptly and coordinate numerous personnel issues
• Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions
• Ability to work independently with minimal or no guidance 
• Customer focused
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including professional telephone etiquette and manner
• Interpersonal skills including self-awareness and the ability to deal professionally with others and always make professional judgments
• Must be willing and able to act professionally and with a positive attitude while conducting business on behalf of G&H Towing Company 
• Must be service-oriented and customer-centric to all internal and external customers 
• Must be a team player and support the mission, vision, and goals of G&H Towing and the department
• Organizational skills including attention to detail, organizational detail, and accuracy 
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, test resolutions, and escalate common issues
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Thorough understanding of U.S. Coast Guard manning and credentialing requirements for vessel crewmembers onboard inspected towing vessels 

Working Conditions: 

• Work hours will be assigned based on business needs however, work hours will typically be Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. By request from the General Manager, Senior Vice President, or Operations Director Work hours may include irregular hours to assist in completing special tasks or assignments to include the ability to stand after-hours operations watch, and be able to respond to emergencies with little or no notice
• Out-of-regional travel may be required to attend training, seminars, or work-related events 
• Work will be performed in the office, in the field, and or in a remote setting if the job can support remote work and is approved by the Director of Operations, General Manager, and or President.

Special Projects:

• Assist the General Manager, Director of Operations, and or the Senior Vice President when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a negotiated time frame established by the department manager
• Completion of other duties as assigned by the department manager as it relates to the program and position 

Behavioral Competencies:

Time Management: 

• Prioritizes and completes tasks in an efficient and timely manner

Compliance:

• Rigorously maintains files and crew requirement policies, ensuring tugs are manned with fully credentialed and duty-fit mariners

Multi-Tasking:

• Ability to juggle multiple crew assignments and ongoing adjustments under deadlines with a calm and professional demeanor 

Interpersonal Communication Skills:

• Ability to communicate with a broad demographic ensuring a full understanding of all mariner assignments 

Essential Job-Related Physical & Mental Requirements:

Physical:

• Ability to ascend and descend stairs 
• Ability to bend, twist, kneel, stoop, and or reach for items
• Ability to board vessels safely at any time
• Ability to detect and write effectively
• Ability to handle objects
• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work setting
• Ability to hear with or without aid
• Ability to move around within an office setting and or other locations as needed
• Ability to operate office equipment
• Ability to push, pull, and or squat
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods
• Ability to transport, adjust, and or move items up to 50 lbs
• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within the work setting

Mental:

• Ability to accept constructive criticism
• Ability to anticipate needs
• Ability to cultivate a positive working environment 
• Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and use ethical and professional judgment
• Ability to deal professionally, ethically, and effectively with customers, co-workers, vendors, and the public including providing professional courtesy, tact, decision-making skills, prompt responsiveness, efficiency, and courteous customer service and assistance to all
• Ability to maintain regular attendance
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to be professional and use professional judgment 100% of the time
• Ability to multi-task and plan time efficiently 100% of the time
• Ability to perform job description and duties with minor supervision 
• Ability to reason and analyze effectively
• Ability to solve practical problems as it relates to the position
• Ability to understand, communicate, and comprehend information in English
• Ability to work professionally with others 100% of the time
• Required to pass and maintain all mandatory training 
• Requires the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting 
• Requires the ability to treat everyone professionally with courtesy, decency, and respect

WORKSITE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Ability to work alone
• Ability to work closely with others
• Ability to work long and or irregular hours
• Ability to work in an office setting 
• Potential exposure to tobacco products
• May be exposed to excessive noises
• May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions, which include variations in temperature, dampness, humidity, heat, and cold
• May be subjected to exposure to fumes, dust, gases, and or chemicals
• May be subjected to water and or liquids
• Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or plane

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit unlawful discrimination per federal, state, and local laws. We value diversity and are committed to being an inclusive environment for all candidates and employees representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. All employment is based on qualifications. Qualified individuals must be able to perform all the functions listed in the job description with or without reasonable accommodation as based on ADA requirements. 

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