Offshore Tugboat Captain

Marquette Transportation Company, LLC; Lockport Heights (LA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Marquette Transportation Company, LLC's Offshore Division seeks an experienced Master of Towing Vessels to lead a crew on a US-flagged tugboat fleet servicing the Gulf of Mexico, Eastern Seaboard, and Caribbean. The role emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and effective vessel operations, with a schedule of roughly 28 days on, 14 off, and competitive benefits.

The successful candidate will conduct drills, ensure cargo safety, and uphold security protocols while coordinating with shore

Qualifications

• Must hold a USCG Master of Towing Vessels license.
• Active TWIC card.
• 3–5 years dredge support, anchor handling, and tow-lining barges as Master of Towing coastwise.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to travel to vessel/training locations.
• USCG physical examination requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe, efficient operation of crew, vessel, and tow.
• Ensure policy, rules, and regulations are followed aboard.
• Report policy or legal violations to the office.
• Conduct monthly drills and safety meetings.
• Ensure work aligns with Company safety policies and practices.
• Instruct crew on job procedures and monitor performance.
• Serve as vessel security officer under the Vessel Security Plan.
• Ensure crew knows cargo on barges and related hazards.
• Enforce vessel guidelines supporting Crew Endurance Management.
• Participate in crew management, performance evaluations, and budgeting.
• Complete required log entries; maintain radio watch.
• Provide instructions to crew and shore personnel, including USCG or lock personnel.

Skills

Crew management

Safety leadership

Vessel operations

Radio communications

Education

USCG Master of Towing Vessels license

Job description

About Offshore Division

Marquette's Offshore Division, established in 2007, is dedicated to providing U.S.-flagged tugboat services to meet customer project needs across the Gulf of Mexico, Eastern Seaboard, and Caribbean. Alongside our fleet of tugboats, we offer comprehensive, one-stop solutions specializing in project cargo and dredge support work. We utilize strict safety protocols, detailed planning, and a robust maintenance program to execute our operations. Our fleet consists of nine tugboats ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 BHP (brake horsepower). Despite being a smaller division, Marquette strives to provide a strong, supportive culture that extends through our offices and onboard our vessels. Marquette is truly powered by its people, both on the vessels and shoreside.

Principal Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and performance of his crew, vessel, and tow.
• The Captain must also strive to see that company policy, rules, and regulations are followed.
• Must report to the office all violations of policy or violations of federal, state, or local laws.
• Conducting monthly drills and safety meetings in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Ensure that work completed in accordance with Company safety policies and practices.
• Ensure all crew members on vessel receive instruction on how to do jobs properly and monitor performance.
• Carry out all duties assigned under the Vessel Security Plan as the designated vessel security officer.
• Ensure that each crew member knows the cargo of each barge in tow and has an understanding of any hazards associated with said cargoes.
• Enforce all Company policies and vessel specific guidelines in support of the Crew Endurance Management System on-board all vessels.
• Participate in crew management, performance evaluation, general supervisory duties and management of the vessel’s budget.
• Complete required log entries.
• Maintain radio watch as required.
• Enforce all rules.
• Give assignments and direction to the mate and/or lead deckhand.
• Comply with all established vessel management policies and procedures.
• Maintain the vessel budget and help maximize cost efficiency as directed.
• Provide instructions and information to crew members, land-based personnel, and USCG or lock personnel.

Qualifications

• Retain a USCG Master of Towing Vessels license endorsed for service.
• Meet USCG physical examination requirements.
• Be able to travel to and from vessel/training locations via air or car travel (must possess a valid driver’s license).
• Be able to climb steep stairs, sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Maintain an active TWIC.

Specific Requirements

• Valid U.S. Coast Guard license, Master or Mate of Towing Near Coastal (Minimum) or Oceans (preferred).
• 3-5 years of experience in dredge support work, anchor handling, & tow lining barges as Master of Towing coastwise on the US East Coast & Gulf of Mexico.

Expected Hours of Work

• Schedule is approximately 28 days on and 14 days off.
• Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours.
• Willing to take call outs.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, evenings, etc.
• Marquette offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits and a 401k plan.