US Coast Guard Captain/Mate DPO

Morrison; Houma (LA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Morrison Energy seeks a DPO Captain (Master/DPO) to lead offshore vessel operations, manage the DP system, and direct the marine crew on an offshore rotational schedule.

The role requires extensive DP vessel experience, Master/Oceanic MMCs, and STCW credentials, with focus on safety, regulatory compliance, and emergency response readiness aboard offshore platforms.

Qualifications

• Valid Master Unlimited, Master Oceans, or MMC for vessel tonnage/area.
• Current DPO Certificate issued by a recognized authority.
• Valid STCW certifications for vessel command.
• Extensive DP vessel offshore experience.
• Experience as Master, Chief Mate, or DPO in leadership roles.
• Knowledge of navigation, ship handling, and offshore operations.
• Strong DP systems knowledge and emergency procedures.
• Familiarity with ISM Code, safety management, and environmental regs.
• Proven leadership, crew management, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to assess risks and manage emergencies offshore.
• Strong communication with crew, clients, and shore-based personnel.

Responsibilities

• Direct vessel operations and command the crew.
• Oversee DP operations for safe station keeping.
• Ensure safety of personnel, vessel, cargo and environment.
• Supervise navigation, bridge watchkeeping, and voyage planning.
• Monitor weather and sea conditions to support safe decisions.
• Lead emergency response during DP incidents and vessel emergencies.
• Ensure compliance with maritime regulations and safety systems.
• Conduct risk assessments and contingency planning for offshore activities.
• Coordinate with clients and shore-based management to meet objectives.
• Train and evaluate crew to maintain competency.
• Maintain readiness of DP and navigation systems.
• Maintain vessel logs, reports, and certifications.
• Promote safety culture and environmental stewardship.

Skills

DP operations

Leadership & crew management

Emergency response leadership

Maritime navigation knowledge

Safety management

Education

Master Unlimited MMC

DPO Certificate

STCW certifications

Tools

DP control systems

Navigation equipment

Job description

Company Overview:

Morrison, an energy service company, delivers infrastructure projects to clients in the oil and gas renewables industries. For four decades, customers have continued to rely on our specialized services and practical approach toward project execution.

Primary Function:

The DPO Captain (Master/DPO) is accountable for the overall safe operation of the vessel, its crew, and all offshore activities, including oversight of the Dynamic Positioning (DP) system that maintains the vessel's position and heading during operations. Working an offshore rotational schedule, the Captain leads the full marine crew, manages navigational and DP-related risks, directs emergency response, and makes the final operational decisions required to keep work safe, efficient, and compliant with maritime, company, and client requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Direct all vessel operations and maintain overall command of the vessel and crew.
• Oversee Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations to ensure safe and accurate station keeping.
• Ensure the safety of personnel, vessel, cargo, and the environment during all operations.
• Supervise navigation, bridge watchkeeping, and voyage planning activities.
• Monitor weather, sea conditions, and operational risks to support safe decision-making.
• Lead emergency response efforts during DP incidents, equipment failures, and other vessel emergencies.
• Ensure compliance with maritime regulations, company policies, client requirements, and safety management systems.
• Conduct operational planning, risk assessments, and contingency preparations for offshore activities.
• Coordinate with clients, offshore facilities, vendors, and shore-based management to support operational objectives.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate vessel crew members to maintain competency and performance.
• Ensure the readiness, reliability, and proper operation of DP and navigation systems.
• Maintain vessel logs, reports, certifications, and operational records.
• Promote a culture of safety, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship onboard.

Qualifications:

• Valid Master Unlimited, Master Oceans, or equivalent Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) appropriate for the vessel's tonnage and operating area.
• Current Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) Certificate issued by The Nautical Institute or an equivalent recognized authority.
• Valid STCW certifications and endorsements required for vessel command.
• Extensive experience operating DP-equipped vessels in offshore marine environments.
• Demonstrated experience as a Master, Chief Mate, DPO, or similar leadership position.
• Thorough knowledge of vessel navigation, ship handling, and offshore operations.
• Strong understanding of Dynamic Positioning systems, equipment, and emergency procedures.
• Knowledge of maritime regulations, ISM Code, safety management systems, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Proven leadership, crew management, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to assess operational risks, manage emergencies, and maintain safety during complex offshore operations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for coordinating with crew, clients, and shore-based personnel.
• Ability to work effectively in demanding offshore environments and under changing weather and operational conditions.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to meet and maintain all applicable maritime medical certification requirements.
• Ability to work extended shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays as required by vessel operations.
• Ability to remain alert and make critical decisions in high-pressure and emergency situations.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb ladders, and move safely throughout the vessel, including in adverse weather and sea conditions.
• Ability to ascend and descend steep stairs, gangways, and vessel access points.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and rough seas.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25-50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to maintain balance and mobility on moving or unstable surfaces.
• Ability to wear and properly utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety footwear, flotation devices, and fall protection equipment.
• Sufficient visual acuity, color vision, depth perception, and hearing to safely perform navigational, operational, and emergency response duties.
• Ability to use computers, navigation equipment, communication systems, and DP control systems for extended periods.
• Ability to respond quickly to vessel emergencies, alarms, and evacuation procedures.
• Ability to travel to and from offshore locations by vessel, helicopter, or other means of transportation as required.
• Ability to live and work onboard a vessel for extended rotations in a confined and shared living environment.

Expectations:

Offshore Employees are assigned to offshore rotational hitches and are required to reside aboard the vessel throughout the scheduled hitch period. While on hitch, employees must comply with all vessel rules, safety requirements, and operational schedules.

Employees are compensated for authorized work hours and other compensable time as determined by company policy and applicable law. Scheduled off-duty periods, including sleep time and personal time, are generally not compensable unless work is performed or the employee is otherwise required to remain on duty.

To support employee safety, health, and productivity in offshore pipeline operations, the company is committed to providing adequate breaks and meal periods during schedule work shifts. Maintaining appropriate break and meal schedules helps reduce fatigue, promotes safe work practices, and supports overall workforce well-being while meeting operational demands.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Morrison Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Morrison Energy is a drug-free workplace. The above description is intended to capture the essential functions of the job, nature and level of work as of the preparation date. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be required of the position. This job description may be modified at any time with or without notice.