Great Lakes Master (Captain)

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

Great Lakes Master (Captain)

Grand River Navigation Company Traverse City, Michigan, United States

About this position

Description: Come Sail with us on the Great Lakes!

If you are looking to become part of our team that strongly values safety, efficient operations, a family-oriented environment, come sail with us! Grand River Navigation has one of the best leave and rotation systems on the Great Lakes. With unprecedented teamwork and some of the most talented colleagues in the industry we can guarantee you will enjoy a career with us!

Grand River Navigation Company is the U.S. operating subsidiary of Mainstay Maritime. We are one of the largest marine transportation service providers operating on the Great Lakes today with a combined fleet of 15 bulk freight vessels that provide service to over 50 customers across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

• Competitive total rewards package including income, paid travel to/from the vessel, healthcare benefits, retirement savings plans and work/life balance with best-in-class rotation.
• We have many education opportunities and upgrade bonuses to support career growth at a pace that is right for each individual.

Great Lakes Ship Captain (Master) - Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintain ultimate command and accountability for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.
• Ensure the 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 a culture of teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Why Choose Grand River Navigation?

• As an employee you are part of the Mainstay Maritime family where Teamwork and safety are a core value
• Highly competitive wages and benefits including medical, dental, vision, company paid long-term and short-term disability and life insurance, 401K with company match.
• Excellent safety record

Requirements:

• Valid passport and allowed entry into the Canada
• Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the USCG
• Endorsement as Master of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage upon the Great Lakes and Inland Waters (Minimum)
• First Class Pilot of Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage upon the Great Lakes between Duluth, Gary, Buffalo and Port Weller to Cape Vincent
• Certification as Ship Security Officer
• Transportation Worker Identification (TWIC) issued by TSA
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills as well as the ability to multi-task

Grand River Navigation is an Equal Opportunity Employer – All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also comply with Family Medical Leave Act and Employee Rights Employee Polygraph Protection Act.