Foss Trainee Captain - Northern California - Richmond, CA

Foss; Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 53,726,000 - 75,768,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k with match

Employee assistance program

FSAs

Travel assistance

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

Foss Maritime, based in California, seeks a Trainee Captain to join our Northern California team. This full-time role guarantees a 1 week on/off or two on/off schedule with 14 days per calendar month, stationed in Foss Northern California with travel support when working outside the home region.

You will train under experienced Masters to plan safe vessel operations, ensure SMS compliance, and supervise crew, equipment and drills, with opportunities to train across Foss regions and vessels in

Qualifications

• Requires USCG MMD or MMC and TWIC.
• Must hold National Master 200 OC/NC license and radar endorsement.
• 2–3 years as Mate on Ship Assist/Escort vessels; offshore towing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan the most efficient and safe operation of the vessel and crew.
• Oversee drills, training, maintenance, and inspections for safety and compliance.
• Report equipment failures, illnesses, incidents, and damages promptly.
• Hold crew accountable to policies, safety and quality standards.

Skills

USCG MMD/MMC

TWIC

National Master 200 OC/NC

Radar Endorsement

Vessel handling knowledge

Ship Assist/ Escort experience

Job description

About Foss Maritime

Foss Maritime is one of the most recognized and respected maritime brands in the U.S., combining a rich legacy with a forward-thinking approach to industry innovation. While deeply rooted in tradition, Foss is evolving at a fast pace, continuously setting new standards for operational excellence and sustainability.

With operations spanning all U.S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and offshore wind projects. Our primary operations are on the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii.

As part of the Saltchuk family of companies, Foss is a values-driven organization that takes pride in its exceptional team, commitment to safety, and dedication to customer success. With a culture built on integrity, innovation, and collaboration, Foss Maritime remains a trusted leader in the maritime industry.

About the Role / Job Schedule / Needs

As a Trainee Captain, you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and reliable maritime services. You'll work alongside a dedicated team that values professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Foss Maritime is seeking a California Trainee Deck Officer. This position is a full-time, 14 days guaranteed per calendar month, Trainee Captain position located in Foss Northern California. This position has a set schedule of 1 week on/off or two on/off and is not assigned to any particular vessel.

This is a guaranteed position with the ability to train in different Foss regions and vessels (located in California). As a Guaranteed Trainee Captain, when working outside of your assigned home region, all travel expenses will be paid by Foss.

What You'll Do

The primary responsibility and authority for the execution of all vessel assignments including, but not limited to, planning the most efficient and safe operation of the vessel and its crew, implementing the operating plan in a cost-effective manner, and evaluating and reporting the results. It is the responsibility of all Masters to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, requirements and documentation in the Foss Safety Management System Manual (SMS). Masters have the specific obligation to ensure that all personnel assigned to vessels are provided with information, instructions and directions necessary for meeting the program objectives of safety, environmental protection and quality service through knowledgeable and competent execution of assigned tasks.

• Ensure safe navigation of the vessel at all times.
• Oversee vessel drills, training, maintenance, and inspections to ensure compliance with company, safety, and maritime standards.
• Ensure prompt and accurate reporting of all equipment failures, illnesses, incidents, accidents and damages.
• Hold crew accountable for their adherence to maritime law, company policies and procedures, and their individual performance/productivity.

What We're Looking For

• Valid US Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Document (MMD) or Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC).
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Must possess and maintain a National Master 200 OC or NC license, National Master of Towing, STCW, Radar Endorsement, MMC, and TWIC.
• 2-3 years experience as a Mate on Ship Assist and Escort vessels. Offshore towing experience preferred.
• Familiarization with multiple types of propulsion: knowledge of ASD vessel required and experience driving Conventional vessels desired.
• Work experience preferred in either the San Francisco Bay or the Long Beach region.
• Thorough knowledge of vessel handling and navigational skills commensurate with operating assignments.
• Working knowledge of propulsion, auxiliary and deck machinery.
• Must be able to economically supervise all aspects of the operation of the vessel, its cargo and crew.
• Must be able to work independently and without direct supervision.
• Ability to withstand exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
• Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night.
• Must possess strong written and oral communication skills

What We Offer

Pay for this position will be $19.18 per hour of straight time, $28.77 of overtime, and $38.36 premium rates. Deck Officers are paid on 24 hour basis for a full day and 12 hours for a half day at various ST, OT, and Premium rates. For further questions, please reach out to the recruiting coordinator [e-mail].

• The benefit program includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Life insurance equal to two times annual base salary.
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Long term disability insurance.
• 401k program with a 4% match, vested immediately.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Business travel assistance program.
• Other voluntary benefits are available for purchase via payroll deduction at group rates.
• All other benefits as required by law

Drug Free Workplace

Foss Maritime Company LLC is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Foss Maritime Company LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.