Docking Master

Crowley; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive day rate

Per diem

Paid travel

Job summary

Crowley is seeking a Docking Master to supervise safe barge mooring and SOLAS-related activities offshore. The role requires strong leadership, technical proficiency, and the ability to coordinate mooring, lifting, and vessel operations on offshore projects.

Candidates should have 7–10 years in towing, harbor operations, and proven safety leadership. USCG 719k medical cert and STCW certificates preferred; travel and 12-hour shifts apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in towing and harbor assistance.
• Proven leadership and safety-focused management of offshore crews.
• STCW/USCG credentials preferred for offshore operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe barge landings and mooring operations offshore.
• Lead lift operations in compliance with safety regulations.
• Supervise mooring crew and coordinate between teams.
• Maintain operation records and timely reporting to management.
• Identify risks and enforce HSE protocols across offshore activities.

Skills

Leadership

Offshore operations

Safety culture

Team supervision

Education

High School Diploma or GED

BS in Marine Transportation (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

MS Office

Job description

Who Are We

As a privately held, U.S.-owned and operated company, Crowley provides services to 36 nations and island territories. Our purpose is to bravely advance what’s possible to elevate people and planet, guided by our core values of Integrity, Sustainability and Drive.

By expanding and innovating our services, we have broadened our footprint in logistics, land transportation, shipping, wind and fuel industries. Crowley and its affiliated companies have generated more than $3.5 billion in annual revenue through a people‑focused culture of excellence and collaboration.

To continue laying the groundwork and challenging what’s possible for our business, we seek partners ready to elevate their careers with us.

Overview

Crowley's Marine Management Services Inc. (MMS) is a dedicated, MLC‑certified marine and offshore crewing company focused on adding value to ship or asset owners through successful and cost‑effective management of marine resources. MMS’s main focuses are offshore crewing, personnel recruitment, and project support.

Responsibilities

Work Arrangement

Mariner life: 12‑hour shifts on vessel as needed based on vessel operations. Meals and lodging provided. 10% travel to and from the vessel. Work both inside and outside in varying temperatures. May be exposed to odors, dust, dirt, mechanical hazards, high noise levels, and potentially dangerous equipment. Must be able to crouch and stoop to enter restricted headroom and climb ladders. Must meet the USCG 719K physical standard.

What You’ll Do The DOCKING MASTER (non‑union) is accountable for supervising the safe and efficient execution of barge mooring and SOLAS‑related activities on the barge within an offshore project. This position demands strong leadership and technical proficiency in offshore vessel and heavy‑lift operations.

• Oversee and ensure safe and efficient barge landings in offshore environments.
• Manage mooring operations, personnel, and equipment maintenance in line with operational and safety requirements.
• Lead lift operations in compliance with safety and manning regulations.
• Supervise crew, coordinate between teams, and foster a strong safety culture.
• Identify operational risks, enforce HSE protocols, and ensure safe execution of all offshore activities.
• Coordinate resources, logistics, and schedules to meet project milestones.
• Maintain clear communication with project teams, clients, and vessel operators.
• Maintain accurate operational records and provide timely reporting to management.

Key Responsibilities

• Barge Landing Coordination
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute safe barge approaches, landings, mooring, and unmooring operations alongside the WTIV in offshore conditions.
  • Review weather forecasts and metocean conditions; advise the client on preferred headings and potential impacts to mooring or cargo operations.
  • Interface directly with tug masters during barge approach, landing, and departure, providing maneuvering guidance to ensure safe execution.
  • Coordinate barge ETA and arrival sequencing with onboard stakeholders and client activities.
  • Oversee preparation of mooring equipment, including deployment and recovery of Yokohama fenders, mooring lines, spring lines, and associated gear.
  • Board barges on arrival to make fast mooring lines, complete arrival and departure checklists, and confirm readiness prior to cargo crew boarding.
  • Conduct post‑cargo operations inspections to ensure barges are secured for sea.
• Mooring System & Equipment Management
  • Lead routine and periodic inspections of all mooring systems, rigging, winches, compensators, sheaves, wires, and retrieval systems.
  • Direct ABs in the maintenance, replacement, and repair of mooring wires, sockets, soft rigging, and fender recovery systems.
  • Coordinate with winch operators and shoreside contractors on diagnostics, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs of mooring winch and compensator systems.
  • Manage mooring system inventory, including tracking critical spares, initiating spares requests, and supporting ordering of replacement parts.
  • Proactively identify equipment deficiencies and communicate issues, risks, and corrective actions to offshore and operations management.
• SOLAS Compliance & Lift Activity Oversight
  • Lead and oversee all SOLAS‑related activities associated with barge operations in compliance with the vessel’s COI and permissive manning requirements.
  • Ensure barges are properly manned and maintained in accordance with regulatory and project requirements.
  • Coordinate and support lift activities related to barge operations, ensuring adherence to approved lifting plans and safety procedures.
  • Conduct required drills, exercises, and routine safety inspections aboard the barge.
• Team Leadership & Communication
  • Supervise and manage the mooring team, including ABs and winch operators, during all barge and mooring operations.
  • Act as the primary offshore point of contact between the mooring team, offshore management, OCM, and client representatives.
  • Provide clear direction, oversight, and coordination of daily activities, ensuring alignment with project objectives, management of change, and operational priorities.
  • Foster and enforce a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with HSE policies, procedures, and safe work practices.
• Risk Management, Planning & Safety
  • Identify operational risks related to barge transfers, mooring, lifting, and marine activities; implement mitigation measures and contingency planning.
  • Develop and execute JSAs, TBTs, risk assessments, and method statements for marine and mooring operations, including off‑scope or non‑standard tasks.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and operational performance of mooring and barge operations.
• Stakeholder Communication & Reporting
  • Maintain continuous communication with onboard client representatives, OCM, offshore management, and shoreside teams.
  • Participate in daily client coordination meetings, internal CWS meetings, and risk reviews.
  • Provide real‑time updates on barge movements, flotilla status, mooring activities, and operational issues.
  • Notify stakeholders of tug or barge support requirements, including fuel, provisions, water, or mechanical concerns.
• Documentation & Operational Reporting
  • Maintain detailed logs of barge movements, mooring activities, maintenance performed, equipment issues, and incidents.
  • Prepare and submit daily progress reports, maintenance updates, incident reports, and post‑operation reviews as required.
  • Maintain inventory records and documentation for mooring systems, equipment, and critical spares.
• Operational Innovation & Process Improvement
  • Support the development and implementation of improved mooring and recovery methods, including systems designed to reduce crane dependency during barge operations.
  • Contribute technical input and practical solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability of offshore mooring and barge handling operations.

Qualifications

Education & Credentials

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) or higher
• Preferred: Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation

Certification

• Required
  • CV/Resume
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Valid TWIC
  • Valid MMC – Minimum of a Master 1600 Ton or higher
  • STCW: Master (II/2); Officer in charge of a navigational watch (OICNW) (II/1); GMDSS Operator (IV/2); Basic Safety Training (VI/1); Personal Survival Craft (VI/2) – No restrictions; Advanced Fire Fighting (VI/3); Medical First‑Aid Provider (VI/4); Vessel Security Officer (VI/5); Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties & Security Awareness (VI/6); Valid USCG 719k Med Cert (STCW)
• Preferred
  • Cold Water HUET/BOSIET
  • Global Wind Organization Training
  • RigPass/Safe Gulf

Experience

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in towing and harbor assistance
• Experience working with dynamic positioning vessels
• Proven track record in managing people with a focus on safety, quality, and operational efficiency

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Outlook, and Word

Why Join Crowley

• Work with the Marine Management Services team that values your voice, your ideas, and your leadership
• Physical engagement: The role involves constant movement—standing, walking, lifting, bending, and operating machinery—making it ideal for those who enjoy active, hands‑on work

What We Offer

• Competitive day rate
• Per diem
• Paid travel