Port Captain

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the SVP - Fleet Operations, the Port Captain functions with considerable independence and initiative and is responsible for the safe, compliant and efficient marine operation of our fleet. In this role, you will keep our vessels inspection-ready and in step with Port State, Flag, Class and customer requirements, lead investigations that turn incidents and audit findings into lasting improvements, and serve as the go-to marine resource for our Masters and Chief Mates. This is a hands‑on role for a seasoned deck officer who puts safety first and enjoys developing shipboard leaders as much as solving operational problems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Treats health, safety and the environment as the top priority and supports the SVP - Fleet Operations in all marine aspects of vessel operations.
• Oversees the company's OCIMF portal and dashboard, drives SIRE readiness through company policies and procedures, and maintains vessel Q88 records.
• Ensures vessels comply with Port State, Flag State, Class, federal, state and port authority requirements, as well as company and customer terminal policies.
• Serves as a member of the Emergency Response Team.
• Leads investigations of incidents, near misses, non‑conformities and external audit findings, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Evaluates, coaches and mentors Masters; helps recruit and select Master and Chief Mate candidates and recommends promotions to Chief Mate and Master.
• Provides orientation and training to Masters and Chief Mates on company processes and systems.
• Monitors voyage performance, including speed and fuel consumption, and supports commercial issues and customer needs.
• Visits vessels regularly and leads shipboard safety meetings, building strong professional relationships with officers and crew.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in marine transportation, nautical science or a related maritime discipline; maritime academy graduates strongly preferred.
• 8+ years of maritime experience, including seagoing service as a licensed deck officer.
• USCG Master or Chief Mate license (or equivalent STCW certificate) strongly preferred.
• Shoreside Port Captain, Marine Superintendent or similar experience preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with OCIMF SIRE inspections, vessel vetting and Q88.
• Strong working knowledge of Port State, Flag, Class, USCG and IMO requirements, including ISM and ISPS/MTSA.
• Proven experience conducting incident investigations and root cause analysis.
• Clear communicator who sets high standards and builds strong relationships with officers, crew, customers and terminals; comfortable with Office 365.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, pass a post‑offer background check, and obtain a TWIC within three months of hire.

The selected candidate must possess access to a reliable form of transportation with the ability to work in the office during standard business hours Monday – Thursday, with a one‑hour lunch. This includes the option to work from home on Fridays during standard business hours with a one‑hour lunch. This position is expected to perform work outside and beyond normal working hours during times of critical deadlines, projects, or when there are time‑sensitive duties.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL, Schuyler Line Navigation Company (SLNC) is a U.S.-flagged maritime transportation and logistics provider specializing in commercial and government cargo services.

SLNC offers competitive pay, an exceptional culture and a generous benefits package.

Schuyler Line Navigation Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

This posting may be closed or canceled at any time based on business needs.

SLNC does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, recruiters, or search firms. Please do not forward candidate profiles to our employees, hiring managers, or leadership. Any resumes received without a current, signed contractual agreement for this role with our HR department will be considered gratis referrals, and no placement fee will be owed, regardless of whether the candidate is subsequently hired.

Able to successfully pass a post‑offer background check.