Great Lakes Captain (Master) — Lead Safe Navigation

Grand-River-Navigation; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Paid travel to/from vessel

Retirement savings plans

Work/life balance

Education opportunities

Upgrade bonuses

Company paid long-term and short-term

Disability and life insurance

401K with company match

Job summary

Grand River Navigation Company is seeking a Great Lakes Master (Captain) to lead the safe operation of our vessels on the Great Lakes. You will command ships, ensure seaworthiness and regulatory compliance, navigate complex waterways, and guide crews with a strong safety focus.

The role requires authoritative decision-making, risk assessment, voyage planning, and mentoring of officers and crew, with a commitment to teamwork and operational excellence across a busy regional fleet.

Qualifications

• Valid passport and allowed entry into Canada.
• Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the USCG.
• Endorsement as Master of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage on the Great Lakes and Inland Waters (Minimum).
• First Class Pilot of Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage on the Great Lakes between specified ports.
• Certification as Ship Security Officer.
• Transportation Worker Identification (TWIC) issued by TSA.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills and ability to multi-task.

Responsibilities

• Maintain ultimate command and accountability for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.
• Ensure seaworthiness, safety, security, and operational readiness of the vessel, equipment, cargo, and crew.
• Safely navigate and maneuver the vessel throughout Great Lakes waterways, ports, locks, and restricted channels.
• Serve as the Company’s representative and primary authority onboard, overseeing all vessel operations and decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, company policies, environmental standards, and maritime industry best practices.
• Lead, mentor, and develop crew members while fostering a professional, safety-focused, and positive work environment.
• Direct emergency response activities and make critical operational decisions to protect personnel, cargo, the vessel, and the environment.
• Oversee voyage planning, risk assessment, cargo operations, vessel security, and safe work practices. Promote teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Skills

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Multi-tasking

Education

Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)

Job description

Grand River Navigation Company is seeking a Great Lakes Master (Captain) to lead the safe operation of our vessels on the Great Lakes. You will command ships, ensure seaworthiness and regulatory compliance, navigate complex waterways, and guide crews with a strong safety focus.

The role requires authoritative decision-making, risk assessment, voyage planning, and mentoring of officers and crew, with a commitment to teamwork and operational excellence across a busy regional fleet.