Great Lakes Captain (Master) - Top Pay & Benefits

Grand-River-Navigation; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel-paid to/from vessel

Healthcare benefits

Retirement savings plan

Work/life balance

Education opportunities

Job summary

Grand River Navigation Company in Traverse City, Michigan, seeks an experienced Great Lakes Ship Captain (Master) to lead vessel operations on the Great Lakes. You will command the vessel, ensuring seaworthiness, safety, regulatory compliance and crew welfare, while directing voyage planning and cargo operations.

We offer competitive compensation, travel to/from the vessel, healthcare benefits, retirement savings plans and work/life balance with strong focus on teamwork and safety.

Qualifications

• MMC issued by the USCG and unlimited tonnage endorsement required.
• Valid passport and ability to travel to Canada.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain command and accountability for safe and efficient vessel operation.
• Ensure seaworthiness, safety, security, and crew readiness of the vessel and cargo.
• Safely navigate Great Lakes waterways, ports, locks, and restricted channels.
• Oversee all vessel operations and decision-making as onboard representative.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Lead and develop crew, fostering a safety-first, professional environment.
• Direct emergency response and critical operational decisions.
• Oversee voyage planning, risk assessment, and cargo operations.
• Promote teamwork, accountability and operational excellence.

Skills

Crew leadership

Safety focus

Communication skills

Team mentorship

Education

Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) – USCG

Endorsement: Master Unlimited Tonnage

Endorsement: First Class Pilot (Great Lakes)

Ship Security Officer

TWIC ( Transportation Worker Identification)

Job description

Grand River Navigation Company in Traverse City, Michigan, seeks an experienced Great Lakes Ship Captain (Master) to lead vessel operations on the Great Lakes. You will command the vessel, ensuring seaworthiness, safety, regulatory compliance and crew welfare, while directing voyage planning and cargo operations.

We offer competitive compensation, travel to/from the vessel, healthcare benefits, retirement savings plans and work/life balance with strong focus on teamwork and safety.