Tug Captain 

SUMMARY

Captains are responsible for all aspects of vessel operation and maintenance.

BENEFITS

• Medical Insurance – 95% employer paid premiums 
• Annual cost of living increases
• Career development / advancement opportunities
• Financial assistance for license and certification costs

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Vessel Operation

• Plan safe and efficient voyage routes.
• Pilot the vessel – stand wheelhouse watch up to twelve hours per day.
• Operate navigation equipment and systems to ensure accurate vessel positioning.
• Communicate with other vessels and Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) to ensure safe passage. 
• Assign crew as look-out during periods of restricted visibility.
• Monitor weather conditions – take adequate measures to ensure safety of crew, vessel and tow.
• Maintain accurate and current vessel logs.
• Perform frequent vessel and equipment inspections when underway to identify and correct emerging problems.
• Operate winches and deck machinery to accomplish work.
• Ensure that machinery and equipment operating parameters are monitored while underway.
• Direct crew in making and breaking tows.
• Monitor condition of tow – correct and report any deficiencies.
• Act as on-site coordinator during response to emergencies.
• Conduct all activities in compliance with company operating procedures and applicable laws.

Maintenance and Sanitation

• Provide oversight of vessel fuel, lube oil, potable water, sewage transfer operations.
• Carry out routine maintenance and minor repairs to vessel machinery and equipment.
• Submit work requests for maintenance and repairs requiring additional resources to complete.
• Assign and direct crew in performance of routine cleaning and maintenance of vessel.
• Supervise housekeeping - ensure that vessel is maintained in a clean and presentable condition.
• Supervise meal planning and purchase groceries.

Safety

• Direct and participate in vessel drills and exercises to be prepared for emergencies.
• Provide new crew orientation prior to getting underway.
• Provide on-going safety, equipment and process training to lower-level crew.
• Provide or coordinate appropriate level response to accidents and injuries. 
• Ensure required notifications and reporting are completed in the event of a Marine Casualty. 
• Serve as the designated Person in Charge (PIC) during fuel transfer operations.
• Model proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use and ensure crew follow PPE policies.

Administrative and Training

• Complete assigned company safety training and skills evaluation.
• Accurately complete and submit required administrative and record keeping documents including: vessel logs, time-cards, purchase receipts, leave requests, respirator use logs, incident and accident reports. 
• Communicate on behalf of the company in a professional and informed manner with customers, vendors, port personnel, regulatory officials and the public
• Participate in annual performance reviews of crew members.

Security

• Observe surroundings while on duty to detect any security threat to vessel or tow.
• Take steps to mitigate security threats – within training and available resources.
• Report security concerns to Designated Person Ashore, U.S. Coast Guard and/or facility security personnel. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Merchant Mariner Credential endorsed with a minimum of Master 100 GRT – Inland and Master of Towing – Inland 
• Valid U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate
• Valid Radar Observer – Unlimited endorsement
• Valid Transportation Worker Identity Card (TWIC)
• Valid FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit or higher-level license
• Valid First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Valid Driver License
• Able to pass a pre-employment drug screen
• Adequate sight, hearing and physical ability to carry out the duties of tug captain including: strength, agility, and range of motion to carry out routine tasks and respond to emergencies; lift 50 lbs., stand for extended periods of time, maintain balance on moving platforms, crouch, kneel, crawl, climb ladders and stairs, step over high doorsills and combings, grasp and manipulate common shipboard tools and equipment; lift and operate 1 ½” charged fire hose and fire extinguishers; speak and hear in areas with high ambient noise levels; no color blindness or vision impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master 200 GRT – Near Coastal and Master of Towing - Near Coastal (or higher-level license)
• Prior experience as Master of towing vessels.
• Prior experience on vessels in Puget Sound and/or West Coast of North America
• Currently hold a U.S. passport
• Basic Training (STCW) endorsement
• Lifeboatman (National) or Proficiency in Survival Craft (STCW) endorsement 
• USCG authorized Designated Examiner 
• Prior experience in vessel deck maintenance on steel vessels.
• Prior experience in operation, maintenance and repair of marine diesel engines, vessel machinery and electrical systems.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Much of the work performed by this position is outside in all weather and sea conditions.
• This position requires the ability to live and work with diverse groups of people for extended periods of time on board towing vessels.
• This position routinely requires walking up and down steep ramps, stairs, scaffolding and ladders, on moving floats, vessels, and over rough terrain.
• This position requires extensive bending, stooping, climbing, and working in restricted spaces.
• This position requires the ability to lift heavy lines and cables, use hand and power tools, use common cleaning and painting materials and chemicals, operate engines and machinery, use cooking appliances safely.
• This position conducts work in an industrial shop and shipyard environment at times.
• All Star Marine Inc. property and vessels are NO SMOKING facilities.
• This position requires the ability to work a variety of schedules and hours including weekends, nights and holidays. 

* All newly hired captains and mates must go through an evaluation or training period. The length of the program varies and is based upon qualifications, experience, and approval of the General Manager.