Tug Boat Captain

Tugboat Captain:

Position Summary

The Tugboat Captain is responsible for the safe, efficient, and lawful operation of a vessel while transporting barges, equipment, cargo, and personnel on various waterways. The Captain has overall command of the vessel and is accountable for the safety of the crew, protection of company assets, compliance with applicable maritime regulations, and the successful completion of assigned voyages. This position requires strong leadership, sound decision-making, and extensive knowledge of vessel operations, navigation, and emergency response procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Vessel Operations

* Safely operate and navigate tugboats in accordance with company policies and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

* Maintain full command and responsibility for the vessel, tow configuration, cargo, and crew while underway.

* Plan voyages considering weather conditions, river stages, lock schedules, currents, and navigational hazards.

* Ensure the safe handling, mooring, towing, and shifting of barges.

* Monitor vessel performance and make operational adjustments to ensure safe and efficient transit.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

* Promote and maintain a strong safety culture aboard the vessel.

* Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. Coast Guard regulations, the company TSMS, environmental laws, and company safety policies.

* Conduct regular JSA's, safety meetings, emergency drills, and vessel inspections.

* Verify that all required safety equipment is operational, properly maintained, and readily accessible.

* Immediately report accidents, incidents, near misses, injuries, equipment failures, and environmental releases according to company procedures.

* Maintain accurate vessel logs, reports, and regulatory documentation.

Crew Leadership and Supervision

* Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate deckhands and other assigned crew members.

* Assign daily work responsibilities and monitor job performance.

* Foster teamwork, professionalism, and accountability among crew members.

* Ensure crew members comply with safety requirements and maintain required certifications.

* Address personnel concerns and communicate operational expectations clearly.

Navigation and Watchkeeping

* Maintain a safe navigational watch at all times.

* Utilize navigational charts, radar, GPS, electronic navigation systems, and other available equipment.

* Monitor weather forecasts, water conditions, and river traffic.

* Communicate effectively with lock operators, dispatch personnel, other vessels, and regulatory authorities.

Maintenance Responsibilities

* Perform routine inspections of the vessel, engines, towing equipment, navigation systems, and safety equipment to document accordingly in company computer program.

* Coordinate preventive maintenance and minor repairs.

* Report maintenance needs and equipment deficiencies promptly to shoreside.

* Ensure cleanliness and good housekeeping throughout the vessel.

* Monitor fuel, oil, water, and supply inventories.

Emergency Response

* Direct emergency response efforts involving fire, flooding, man overboard, medical emergencies, collisions, or environmental incidents.

* Ensure crew members understand emergency procedures and assigned responsibilities.

* Coordinate with emergency responders and company management during incidents.

Administrative Responsibilities

* Complete required voyage reports, inspection forms, maintenance records, logs, and other operational reports accurately and on time.

* Maintain records of crew training, orientations, and vessel documentation.

* Complete handover notes to pass on information to your relief for crew changes.

Customer and Company Relations

* Represent the company professionally when interacting with customers, contractors, inspectors, and regulatory agencies.

* Support efficient vessel scheduling and customer service objectives.

* Protect company property, equipment, and reputation through responsible leadership and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

* Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) appropriate for vessel operations being assigned.

* Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

* Current Medical Certificate as required by the U.S. Coast Guard.

* Experience operating tugboats on inland waterways, western rivers, and near coastal waters (where applicable).

* Thorough knowledge of navigation rules, towing operations, and vessel safety.

* Ability to read charts, interpret weather information, and operate marine navigation equipment.

* Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

* Ability to remain calm and effective during emergencies.

Physical Requirements

* Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and barge equipment safely.

* Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

* Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.

* Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods.

* Ability to work rotating shifts, extended hitches, weekends, holidays, and ride-over days as operational needs require.

Working Conditions

* Work is performed aboard vessels operating on inland waters, western rivers and near coastal waters.

* Exposure to changing weather, moving equipment, noise, vibration, and marine hazards.

* Schedule may require extended periods away from home.

* Must be available to respond to operational emergencies as necessary.

Performance Expectations

The Tugboat Captain is expected to:

* Operate the vessel safely with zero preventable accidents.

* Maintain compliance with all regulatory and company requirements.

* Demonstrate effective leadership and crew development.

* Complete voyages safely, efficiently, and on schedule whenever practicable.

* Maintain accurate records and timely reporting.

* Protect company assets through sound operational judgment.

* Promote professionalism, integrity, and a positive safety culture in all aspects of vessel operations.

Job Type:

Full-time

Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Employee assistance program

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Referral program

Vision insurance

License/Certification:

USCG Master of Towing License for operating towing vessels in inland waters (near coastal endorsements is a plus)

CPR

First Aid

Firefighting

FCC Radio/Telephone Operating Permit

Schedules:

7/7, 14/7, 14/14, 28/14, 28/28

Work Location:

Intracoastal City, Abbeville, Louisiana

In person

If your disability requires a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at 3378935303 or jobs@broussardbrothers.com. We are committed to ensuring all applicants have equal access to opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disabled/Veterans