Captain

Position: Curtin Harbor Services - Captain

Location: Los Angeles / Long Beach, CA

Department: Marine Transportation, Ship Assist & Escort

Reports to: Port Captain

Schedule: This is a full-time position based in the San Pedro Bay Port Complex (Ports of Los Angeles & Long Beach). Shift-based schedule to support 24/7 ship-assist and escort operations, including nights, weekends, and holidays as vessel and customer schedules require. Unlike Curtin's ocean towing positions, this role is harbor-based and does not typically require extended time away from home.

Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. We are a dynamic Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company experiencing rapid growth. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the incredible opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing places on earth.

THIS ROLE:

Captains will work directly with the Port Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. This role commands Curtin's ASD ship-assist and escort tugs (e.g., Tuuli C) providing docking, undocking, and escort services to deep-draft vessels — container ships, tankers, car carriers, and bulk carriers — in the San Pedro Bay Port Complex, working under the direction of Harbor/State Pilots and in coordination with Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Los Angeles/Long Beach.

WHO YOU ARE:

Mental Aptitudes

• Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or during an emergency
• Understand and respect the chain of command; ability to take direction no matter how it is given
• Attention to detail / excellent organizational skills
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-traffic harbor environment with frequent close-quarters maneuvering around deep-draft vessels, other tugs, and dock structures

Physical Aptitudes

• Ability to traverse uneven ground and to walk gangways at various heights
• Agility to bend, stoop, or squat frequently and climb high steps/ladders several times a day
• Ability to lift 100 pounds safely; moving equipment that is heavy, large, or awkward
• Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; make up tows and escort bridles; operate deck machinery; work on equipment that is poorly accessible
• Ability to work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces
• Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard vessel
• Must be able to swim
• Demonstrate good personal hygiene, always maintain cleanliness

SHIP ASSIST & ESCORT CAPTAIN - $625-$1,080/day

LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

• Master of Towing Vessels, Near Coastal OR 500 GRT Master, Near Coastal w/ TOAR
• TWIC Card
• Radar Observer Unlimited
• MROP FCC License
• STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft
• CG Medical Certificate – No nighttime restrictions
• Pass physical & drug test

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

• STCW Master Less than 500 GT Near Coastal
• STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft
• STCW BRM
• Prior ship-assist / escort experience in the Ports of Los Angeles & Long Beach (San Pedro Bay Port Complex) or a comparable high-traffic deep-draft harbor strongly preferred

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

• Ship-assist and escort towing (direct and indirect methods) aboard ASD/Z-drive tractor tugs, across vessel types (container ships, tankers, car carriers, bulk carriers, barges, etc.)
• VHF radio etiquette and coordination with Harbor/State Pilots, line handlers, terminal operators, and agents
• Docking and undocking assistance for deep-draft vessels in the San Pedro Bay Port Complex, including awareness of currents, wind, and traffic patterns
• Skilled, independent operation of assigned ASD/Z-drive ship-assist and escort tugs in high-traffic harbor conditions
• Critical path and proactive job planning to maximize efficiency across multiple ship-assist jobs in a shift
• Thorough understanding of escort rigging, bridles, and cordage
• “Assist or escort any vessel, in any condition, on any boat, with any crew”
• Pathfinder — leads crews when starting new ship-assist or escort contracts; identifies safe routes, SOPs, efficiencies, and proper notifications/training for all other crews
• Deep expertise across direct and indirect escort methods, including rigging package design for unusual or high-consequence assists
• Primary point of operational contact with Harbor/State Pilots and terminal operators for complex or emergency assists

COMPLIANCE:

• Proficient in operation of the Vessel Management System (VMS), progressing to full utilization across all modules
• Working knowledge of Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Los Angeles/Long Beach reporting requirements
• Understanding and compliance with the Curtin Standard
• Thorough, impeccable recordkeeping
• Experienced in auditing and proactively completing corrective actions
• Thorough understanding of Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements
• Attend and lead crews and vessels through audits and inspections
• Experience creating SOPs and commissioning new vessels; building audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard
• Proven track record of performance in the VMS, as well as training others in its use and function

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

• Ownership of vessel; assign projects and hold everyone accountable...including yourself
• Be a key member of the Dispatch team by providing real time insight into the waterfront operations
• Maintain professionalism with Curtin staff, regulatory bodies, customers, pilots, agents, and crews
• Advanced crew management skills; ability to coach crew members and provide feedback for improved performance; completes required performance evaluations
• Act as a leader and mentor to all by leading by example and getting your hands dirty; capable of performing the basic duties of all other crew onboard
• Strategic shift planning (maintaining rest requirements, coordinating relief crews, taking advantage of downtime for fuel/provisions/spare parts/consumables, etc.)
• Maintain a constant training ground on board the vessel
• Experience managing drydockings and repairs; proficient in vessel commissioning — “take a dark, dead boat with nothing on it and get it ready to work”
• Ability to act as your own project manager; interacting with and managing customers, pilots, agents, and the Curtin Shoreside Team

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive Compensation
• Generous benefits package including:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Short-term Disability
  • AD&D/Life Insurance
  • 401k (with company match)
  • Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.

Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.