Assistant Port Captain

Shipworker, Inc.; Long Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) with match

FSA

Job summary

Curtin Maritime in Long Beach, CA seeks an Assistant Port Captain to lead vessel operations and crew oversight within the Marine Transportation team. You will align management, crew, and clients to ensure efficient, safe operations and regulatory compliance.

Reporting to the Port Captain, you will help manage crew scheduling, training, and performance reviews, while supporting voyage planning, documentation, and incident response as needed.

Qualifications

• Must hold a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain credential.
• Minimum 5 years serving as Master or Mate; longer tugboat experience preferred.
• Experience with vessel management systems and crew scheduling processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vessel operations from bid award to project completion.
• Liaise with customers, crew, agents, and vendors; create voyage plans and manage documentation.
• Maintain fleet status knowledge; assist in scheduling and urgent operational responses.
• Oversee vessel crew management: schedules, credentials, and career development.
• Conduct crew performance reviews and ensure compliance with SMS and regulations.
• Participate in development and delivery of company training programs; lead sessions when needed.
• Assist in recruitment and onboarding of new crew; review resumes and participate in interviews.
• Provide hands-on support by sailing on vessels for training or crew assistance as required.

Skills

Coast Guard licensed captain

5+ years as Master or Mate

Tugboat captain experience

Crew management

TWIC Card

Tools

Helm Connect

Job description

Position Summary:

The Assistant Port Captain at Curtin Maritime is a pivotal leadership role within the Marine Transportation team, contributing to the oversight of vessel activities and operations. With a focus on supporting the management of vessel crews alongside the Port Captain and other personnel, the position serves as a crucial interface between management, crew, and clients, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage various aspects of vessel operations, from bid award to project completion.
• Act as a liaison between customers, crew, agents, and vendors, creating voyage plans and handling project documentation.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of the fleet status, assisting in project scheduling, and responding to operational urgencies.
• Oversee vessel crew management, developing effective crew schedules, tracking credentials, and mentoring on career development.
• Conduct crew performance reviews and maintain fleetwide compliance with regulatory standards and company safety management systems (SMS).
• Participate in the development and delivery of company training programs, leading training sessions when necessary.
• Manage the Vessel Management System, Helm Connect, ensuring accurate and prompt crew submissions and maintaining template relevance.
• Assist in the recruitment and onboarding of new crew members, reviewing resumes, and participating in interviews.
• Provide hands‑on support by sailing on vessels for training, compliance, or crew support as required.

Qualifications and Skills:

• U.S. Coast Guard Licensed captain with a minimum of 5 years of experience serving as a Master or Mate.
• A preferred candidate will have over 10 years of experience sailing as a tugboat captain, with proficiency in ocean towing and marine construction.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License and TWIC Card.
• Knowledge of vessel management systems is an asset.
• Strong multitasking, organizational, communication, and time management skills, with the ability to work under deadline pressures.

Work Environment:

• Hybrid role based in Long Beach, California, with sailing duties and travel as necessary for project needs.
• Regular working hours with the anticipation of responding to operational requirements outside of typical schedules.

Reporting:

• Directly reports to the Port Captain and collaborates with HSSE Director and Marine Transportation team.

Location:

Long Beach, California (Hybrid)

Compensation:

Competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, AD&D/life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependents.