Port Captain

Mainstay Maritime; Muskegon (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Mainstay Maritime seeks a Port Captain to oversee the Great Lakes fleet's safe, compliant operations and SMS adherence. You will mentor crews, coordinate vessel services, and partner with shore teams to optimize performance and regulatory compliance.

The role requires offshore and on-board responsibilities, including training masters, supporting budgeting, and driving continuous improvement across safety and efficiency initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of sailing experience in a deck officer position.
• Knowledge of applicable maritime regulations, safety requirements, and environmental standards.
• Strong knowledge of trends in international treaties and conventions related to vessel operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor vessel operations, ensuring optimal performance, availability, and regulatory compliance.
• Support the Human Resources and Recruiting teams in the recruitment and selection of vessel personnel, participating in interviews and hiring decisions as needed.
• Provide professional support and guidance to vessel masters and crew members.
• Coordinate vessel services, repairs, and maintenance activities, working closely with engineering and technical support resources.
• Conduct onboard training and development of vessel officers and crew members as required.
• Provide operational support to Logistics and Dispatch teams.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, company policies, and Safety Management System requirements.
• Support incident response, investigations, and corrective action efforts.
• Assist in preparing and managing fleet operating and capital budgets while identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, operational efficiency, and crew development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Deck officer experience

Regulatory compliance

Crew mentoring

Budgeting

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

Fleet management software

Job description

Description

The Port Captain is an integral member of the shoreside Operations team. The Port Captain supports the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of Mainstay Maritime's Great Lakes fleet, ensuring vessels operate in accordance with all regulatory requirements, the Safety Management System (SMS), company policies, and customer expectations. This role provides operational oversight, onboard training, technical support, and guidance to vessel leadership and crews while partnering with shore-based departments to support fleet performance.

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Monitor vessel operations, ensuring optimal performance, availability, and regulatory compliance.
• Support the Human Resources and Recruiting teams in the recruitment and selection of vessel personnel, participating in interviews and hiring decisions as needed.
• Provide professional support and guidance to vessel masters and crew members.
• Coordinate vessel services, repairs, and maintenance activities, working closely with engineering and technical support resources.
• Conduct onboard training and development of vessel officers and crew members as required.
• Provide operational support to Logistics and Dispatch teams.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, company policies, and Safety Management System requirements.
• Support incident response, investigations, and corrective action efforts.
• Assist in preparing and managing fleet operating and capital budgets while identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, operational efficiency, and crew development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of sailing experience in a deck officer position.
• Knowledge of applicable maritime regulations, safety requirements, and environmental standards.
• Strong knowledge of trends in international treaties and conventions related to vessel operations is preferred.

Credential Requirements

• Possess, at a minimum, a current USCG license as Master of Motor and Steam Vessels of not more than 1600 gross tons (Great Lakes Pilotage preferred), or equivalent experience in a related position.
• Possess a current Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), including Able Seaman (AB) endorsement.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Must maintain all credentials necessary to perform the duties of the position.

Other Requirements

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop vessel personnel.
• Effective at managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Willing and able to travel extensively throughout the Great Lakes region, including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to spend extended periods aboard vessels and support repair or maintenance projects.
• Must be physically capable of boarding vessels, climbing ladders, and navigating shipboard spaces.
• Available to respond to operational issues outside normal business hours as needed.
• Must be eligible to enter Canada and pass all required pre-employment screenings, including drug testing.

Mainstay Maritime is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a safe, professional, and inclusive work environment for all employees.