Tugboat Master I

Tugboat Master

Responsible and accountable for safe operation of the vessel. First order is for the safety of the vessel, second order is for the welfare of the crew and third the safety of the tow. Various missions of the tug include: docking and undocking of ship and barges, general towage of a variety of ship and barge configurations and cargoes in between ports.

Performs a diverse range of job functions as the captain, including managing several million dollars worth of assets at any given time; is directly responsible for the welfare and lives of the crew.

• Directs crew in all aspects of vessel operations including: safe navigation, shipboard training and drills, general and preventative maintenance of the vessels machinery, operating systems, construction, and maintenance of the vessels working gear.
• Determines work schedules and establishes routines.
• Operates winches and other deck machinery.
• Pays attention to water depth, weather, tides, and currents, other traffic, surging of the tow, keeping the tow wire clear of the bottom, navigational aids, and voyage schedules.
• Assists other vessels with attention devoted to the execution of orders received from the Pilot or ship's Master.
• Directs crew in the deployment and recovery of working gear, other traffic, prevailing weather conditions, vessel's craft, maneuverability, tug handling characteristics, and maneuvering room.
• Maintains healthy work environment for the crew.
• Supervises, guides, and monitors the performance of the crew in matters of training, safety, seamanship, maintenance, navigation, and all aspects related to the day to day activities and mission of the tug.
• Acts as front line liaison between customers, vendors, government officials, and management.
• Ensures compliance with company policies, procedures, and state and federal regulations.
• In the event of a failed hazardous material transfer, oil spill, accident, illness, or other serious marine incident, the Tugboat Master is the "person in charge" making all decisions necessary to assess, control, mitigate, and monitor the situation.
• Ensures all vessel documents are kept current and required reports and logs are completed accurately.
• Effectively communicates regional goals and objectives.
• Provides direction and leadership to achieve company Core Values, Mission and Safety Vision.
• Processes employee evaluations in a timely manner.
• Directs, motivates and develops employees for maximum performance.
• Adheres to all company policies.

Manages projects and performs other duties as assigned

Work is generally performed in the field, in all weather conditions and is often accomplished in high noise areas. Mainly outdoors, in, on or about seagoing vessels in dynamic, wet, noisy and odorous conditions. Must able to work for extended periods of time in poorly ventilated confined spaces wearing safety equipment such as, hard hat, gloves, boots, rain gear, and respirators for protection from harmful dust and fumes. May be required to work more than a normal workweek, including weekends. Regular and predictable attendance is a requirement.

Cellular Phone, PC (good Windows Office Skills) similar; SSB/VHF radios; various navigation equipment used onboard vessels; handheld radios;

Must be available 24-hours per day, when on duty minimally 6 months per year.

The workday usually has a high number of interruptions and priority changes necessitating the need to remain flexible and focused in order to accomplish tasks.

• Mathematical ability: Must be able to solve and optimize complex equipment and personnel scheduling scenarios routinely. Must be able to solve basic vessel stability and a basic understanding of Naval Architecture.
• Attention to detail: Able to follow instructions and to write instructions for detailed and sometimes complex evolutions and procedures in sequence. Must be detail orientated with the ability to adjust to routine dynamics of marine operations taking all informational resources available in the conduct of decision making
• Concentration: Able to concentrate in high personnel traffic and sometimes stressful environments created by natural conditions as well as machinery noise. Must be able to focus in high stress environments and provide clear and concise decision making and direction.
• Alertness: When at sea or onboard vessels, alert to sea conditions and changes in vessel performance; alert to telltale indicators of impending failure or damage to equipment and danger to personnel. Must maintain a continuous grasp on the positioning of the assets within the vessel. Must maintain safety situational awareness from both a personal and crew perspective.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit/stand; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Ability to move between buildings, ascend/descend stairs and go outdoors in all kinds of weather. Also for vessel and site visits, one needs the ability to climb ladders and over bulwarks. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

1. Sitting: Frequently, completing paperwork and during watches
2. Climbing/Balancing: Frequently, riding, boarding/disembarking and inspecting vessels
3. Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling: Seldom
4. Squatting: Seldom
5. Jumping: Frequently, boarding/disembarking vessels
6. Twisting: Seldom
7. Standing: Frequently, oversee work assignments, supervise tasks, observing and maneuvering vessels
8. Walking: Frequently, oversee work sites, to/from vessels, inspection of pier area
9. Running: Occasionally when conducting drills and monitoring crew performance
10. Reaching: Occasionally, inspection and monitoring of vessel equipment, crew performance, climbing ladders
11. Throwing (overhead, low level): Seldom
12. Handling: Seldom
13. Fingering: Frequently, adjusting and inspecting navigation equipment, use of computer equipment
14. Eye-Hand-Foot coordination: Frequently, when operating tugs, performing administrative duties
15. Vision (corrected, depth, wide field, color): Constant, operating tugs or monitoring vessel & crew performance during operations or drills
16. Pushing/Pulling/Lifting/Carrying (up to 25 pounds): Seldom, up to 25 lbs

High School Diploma is required; preference will be given to candidates with a 4 year college degree. Also must have a marine operations background; being familiar with shipyards, tugs, barges, and shore side management experience is essential. Necessary experience is dependent upon the individual, but a minimum of 5 years sea-going experience as a master of towing vessels. Must have US Coast Guard Master's License, 500 GRT or Greater (500ITC) Near Coastal with Master of Towing Vessels Near Coastal, Upon Oceans endorsement preferred. Current radar observer endorsement and FCC marine radiotelephone operator permit, merchant mariner's document. STCW 95 endorsement required.