Experienced Dredge Tugboat Captain

curtinmaritime; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 138,375 - 202,950; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Short‑term Disability

AD&D/Life Insurance

401k with company match

Job summary

Curtin Maritime seeks Tugboat Captains with dredging experience to join our dynamic team in Long Beach. You will report to the Port Captain and oversee towing operations with a focus on safety and efficiency. We value initiative, mentoring crew, and maintaining Curtin Standards onboard. Captain I–III roles offer day rates from $750 to $1100 with a performance bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. Required licenses include Master of Tow Vessels Near Coastal; Oceans endorsement preferred.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential.
• Ability to stay focused and make safe decisions under potentially dangerous conditions.
• Mentor and develop crew to support safety and performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead vessel operations as Captain I–III under the Port Captain, upholding Curtin Standards.
• Plan voyages, manage crew, and ensure safety and efficiency of towing, rigging, and docking.
• Coach crew, conduct evaluations, and maintain professional relationships with regulators and customers.
• Oversee compliance with VMS, record-keeping, and audits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Decision making under pressure

Mentorship

Clear communication

Logistical reasoning

Job description

CURRENTLY ONLY CONSIDERING TUGBOAT CAPTAINS WITH EXPERIENCE IN DREDGING

Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin Maritime has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. We are a dynamic Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company experiencing rapid growth. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the incredible opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing places on earth.

THIS ROLE

Captain I, II, III will work directly with the Port Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard.

WHO YOU ARE

Mental Aptitudes

• Attention to detail / excellent organizational skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations with focus, including safe and effective decision making under potentially dangerous conditions.
• Continuously demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and ownership by being pro‑active in all situations/tasks
• Understanding importance of being a mentor, ability to invest in the development and success of others
• Superior communication skills, ability to speak to your audience whether it be the office or instructing/training multi‑levels of crew, etc.
• Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning skills, ability to not only plan and execute voyage, but also have a complete understanding of the vessel (mechanical and movement)

Physical Aptitudes

• Agility to traverse uneven ground and to walk, gangways at various heights
• Agility to bend, stoop, or squat frequently and climb high steps/ladders several times a day
• Ability to lift at least 40 pounds safely; moving equipment that is heavy, large, or awkward
• Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; make up tows with wire rigging; operate deck machinery; work on equipment that is poorly accessible
• Ability to work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces
• Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or during an emergency
• Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard vessel
• Demonstrate good personal hygiene, always maintain cleanliness
• Must be able to swim

Captain I - $750/day (Day rate includes performance bonus)

LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 200 GRT Master of Towing Vessels Near Coastal OR
  • 500 GRT Master Near Coastal w/ TOAR
• Passport
• VSO

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS

• STCW Master 500 GT Near Coastal
• Oceans endorsement

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES

• Inland and Coastwise towing and voyage planning (tow wire, push, hip, working in current)
• Proper use of tow pins, surge chains, tow wire etiquette, VHF radio etiquette, various lines/rigging, etc.

COMPLIANCE

• Proficient in operation of Vessel Management System (VMS)
• Understanding and compliance with the Curtin Standard
• Thorough record‑keeping

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

• Ownership of vessels; assign projects and hold everyone accountable
• Maintain professionalism with Curtin staff, regulatory bodies, customers, agents, crews, etc.
• Advanced crew management skills. Ability to coach crew members and provide feedback for improved performance. Completes required performance evaluations.

Captain II - $750 - $850/day (Day rate includes performance bonus)

LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS

• All those listed in Captain I

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS

• STCW Med PIC
• All those listed in Captain I

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES

• Anchor Handling
• Skilled operation of assigned vessels
• Ocean towing, tandem towing in various arrangements, bar crossings, etc.
• Ocean voyage preparation, rigging barges for tow
• Critical path and proactive planning to maximize efficiency in operations
• Thorough understanding of rigging and cordage

COMPLIANCE

• Full utilization and operation of VMS
• Experienced in auditing and proactively completing corrective actions
• Thorough understanding of Sub‑M, ABS, and USCG requirements
• Attend and lead crews and vessels through audits and inspections
• Impeccable record‑keeping

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

• Act as a leader and mentor to all by leading by example and getting your hands dirty. The Captain should be capable of performing the basic duties of all other crew onboard.
• Strategic planning and consideration (Maintaining STCW rest requirements by dogging of watches, taking advantage of downtime to take provisions/fuel/water, spare parts, consumables, etc.)
• Maintain a constant training ground on board the vessel
• Provide critical and constructive feedback to crew. Complete required performance evaluations.

Captain III - $850 - $1100/day (Day rate includes performance bonus)

LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS

• All those listed in Captain I & II
• Minimum 500 GRT Master of Towing Vessels
• Oceans Endorsement

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS

• All those listed in Captain I & II

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES

• "Tow anything, anywhere in the world, on any boat, with any crew"
• Pathfinder – Lead crews when starting a new job. Identify safe routes, SOP’s, efficiencies, proper notifications and trainings of all other crews.
• Deadship rigging and towing, including design of towing package and components
• Advanced ocean tandem/triple towing and design of rigging packages

COMPLIANCE

• Experience creating SOP’s and commissioning new vessels
• Well versed in completing external and internal audits, as well as building audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard
• Proven track record of performance in the VMS, as well as training of others in its use and function

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

• Experience managing drydockings and repairs
• Proficient in commissioning’s, "Take a dark dead boat with nothing on it and get it ready to work!"
• Ability to act as your own project manager. Interacting with and managing customers, agents, Curtin Shoreside Team, etc.

*Rates listed include Curtin Standard Performance Bonus. Employee is eligible for a performance bonus based on meeting minimum criteria as outlined in the Curtin Standard Performance Bonus Checklist. Employee will be evaluated on performance criteria at the end of their hitch if on regular rotation or at the end of the month if performing local day work. If criteria are met employee will earn a 20% increase on base day rate for their next scheduled hitch or month of work. Criteria must continue to be met to maintain eligibility. Full performance details and program eligibility requirements will be provided.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive Compensation
• Generous benefits package including:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Short‑term Disability
  • AD&D/Life Insurance
  • 401k (with company match)
  • Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.

Curtin Maritimeis an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.