Senior Port Captain: Marine Operations & Safety Lead

Direct Search Global; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Search Global is seeking an experienced Port Captain to oversee the safe, compliant and efficient marine operations of a fleet of 4 landing craft. The role provides shore-based operational support to vessel Masters and deck officers, keeps the fleet inspection-ready, and ensures compliance with flag, class, port-state and customer requirements.

Frequent regional travel is involved. The successful candidate will lead vessel visits, investigations, crew development and safety initiatives,

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Nautical Studies, Maritime Transportation or related discipline.
• Master Mariner Certificate of Competency or equivalent STCW qualification.
• At least 8 years of maritime experience, including seagoing service as a senior deck officer.
• Previous experience as a Port Captain, Marine Superintendent or Marine Operations Manager.
• Experience with landing craft, naval vessels, RoRo vessels, heavy-lift operations or offshore vessels.
• Good understanding of ramp operations, cargo securing, stability and carriage of vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Strong knowledge of flag, class, port-state, ISM, ISPS and IMO requirements.
• Experience conducting marine incidents investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop Masters and senior deck officers.
• Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder-management skills.
• Willing and able to travel frequently and attend vessels outside normal working hours when required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the safe and efficient marine operations of 4 landing craft.
• Provide operational guidance and support to Masters, Chief Officers and shipboard teams.
• Ensure vessels comply with flag-state, port-state, class, IMO, ISM and ISPS requirements.
• Coordinate vessel inspections, audits, surveys and the closure of any findings.
• Conduct regular vessel visits, including port and sailing inspections.
• Lead onboard safety meetings and promote a strong safety culture across the fleet.
• Investigate incidents, near misses and non-conformities, including root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Monitor vessel readiness, navigation practices, cargo operations and marine equipment.
• Support the development of operating procedures for landing-craft operations, including beaching, ramp operations, cargo securing and heavy-equipment movements.
• Assess the operational implications of converting or transitioning former naval craft for commercial use.
• Monitor voyage performance, fuel consumption and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate with terminals, ports, agents, customers, classification societies and regulatory authorities.
• Support emergency-response activities and provide marine expertise during vessel incidents.
• Evaluate and mentor Masters and Chief Officers and support recruitment, promotion and competency assessments.
• Deliver training and familiarisation on operational procedures, safety systems and company requirements.
• Provide management with timely updates on vessel performance, operational risks and regulatory matters.
• Travel regularly to attend vessels and support regional operations.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Coaching

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree or diploma in Nautical Studies/Maritime Transportation

Master Mariner Certificate of Competency

Job description

Direct Search Global is seeking an experienced Port Captain to oversee the safe, compliant and efficient marine operations of a fleet of 4 landing craft. The role provides shore-based operational support to vessel Masters and deck officers, keeps the fleet inspection-ready, and ensures compliance with flag, class, port-state and customer requirements.

Frequent regional travel is involved. The successful candidate will lead vessel visits, investigations, crew development and safety initiatives,