Charter Port Captain

Kirby Corporation; Channelview (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirby Corporation in the United States seeks a Logistics Management Port Captain to oversee safety performance, operational compliance, and relationships with charter vessel companies supporting Kirby operations.

This role serves as a liaison between Kirby, charter vessel owners, and vessel crews to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient marine operations. It involves travel to vessels and facilities and requires strong SMS understanding and safety leadership.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of vessel navigation and management practices; Wheelman license preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of cargo transfer operations; Tankerman license with DL and LG endorsements preferred but not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Charter Owner Company management and SMS.
• Evaluate vessel performance and collaborate on corrective action and improvement plans.
• Conduct quarterly performance and safety review meetings with charter vessel owners.
• Perform vessel visits including safety meetings, audits, and safety observations.
• Coordinate vessel repair plans with owners and communicate impacts to Kirby traffic and operations.
• Respond to marine incidents and act as on-scene Incident Commander when assigned.
• Investigate incidents and recommend fleet-wide improvements.
• Deliver presentations to charter vessel owners and participate in committees.

Skills

Vessel navigation

Safety management

Decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree or maritime experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Oasis

Job description

Overview

The Logistics Management Port Captain is responsible for overseeing safety performance, operational compliance, and working relationships with Charter Vessel companies supporting Kirby operations. This role serves as a liaison between Kirby, charter vessel owners, and vessel crews to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient marine operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with assigned Charter Owner Company management and understand each company’s Safety Management System (SMS) and safety culture.
• Evaluate performance of assigned vessels and collaborate with owners to develop corrective action and improvement plans.
• Conduct quarterly performance and safety review meetings with charter vessel owners.
• Perform vessel visits including safety meetings, safety and quality audits, and workplace safety observations.
• Coordinate vessel repair plans and schedules with owners and communicate impacts to Kirby traffic and operations.
• Maintain relationships with third-party fleets and horsepower providers.
• Respond to marine incidents and serve as on-scene Incident Commander when assigned.
• Investigate incidents involving assigned vessels and recommend systemic, fleet-wide improvements.
• Support Management of Change (MOC) and procedure updates related to charter vessel operations.
• Deliver presentations to charter vessel owners and participate in internal and cross-functional committees.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and exercise Stop Work Authority when necessary.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of vessel navigation and management practices; Wheelman license preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of cargo transfer operations; Tankerman license with DL and LG endorsements preferred but not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Oasis.
• Ability to make sound decisions and exercise good judgment.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Competencies:

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Effective interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Presentation and training capabilities.
• Ability to influence safety culture and operational performance.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent maritime experience preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in the marine industry with working knowledge of tank barge operations.

Physical Activities & Requirements:

• This position is primarily based in a business office environment with frequent travel to vessels, fleets, and charter owner facilities. The role operates during standard business hours and participates in an established on-call rotation, including after-hours and weekend response as required.

Travel Requirements:

• Must be able to travel regularly by vehicle and occasionally by vessel. Must be capable of boarding vessels, walking on uneven surfaces, climbing ladders, and working in marine environments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.