Full-Time

Inland Port Captain

Posted on 8/18/2026

Deadline 4/20/27
Centerline Logistics

Centerline Logistics

201-500 employees

Marine transportation, storage, and port services

No salary listed

Channelview, TX, USA

In Person

Travel to out ports is required.

Bachelor's

Category
Operations & Logistics (1)
Required Skills
CPR
First Aid
Word/Pages/Docs
Excel/Numbers/Sheets
Microsoft Outlook

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Requirements
  • Five years of experience as Master on inland towing vessels, pushing barges on the Intracoastal Waterway from Corpus Christi, Texas to Pascagoula, Mississippi; experience on the Lower Mississippi River, Illinois River, Ohio River, or equivalent military experience is acceptable.
  • Four-year college education in Maritime or related studies, or equivalent experience.
  • A valid United States Coast Guard Master of Towing credential for Inland and Western Rivers, or at least a 200-ton Near Coastal Master credential with Master Western Rivers and a tow endorsement.
  • At least two years of shoreside vessel management experience.
  • Extensive knowledge of the tugboat and oil transportation industry.
  • Thorough familiarity with tank barge, ship, and terminal or refinery operations.
  • Knowledge of tug and barge maintenance systems and equipment.
  • Completion of a 24-hour HAZWOPER course, including Incident Command System training, within six months of hiring.
  • First Aid and CPR training.
  • A valid state driver's license.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive communications.
  • Willingness and ability to travel to out ports.
  • Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal or no guidance.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Physical fitness sufficient to board barges and tugs at sea and in port.
  • Ability to make decisions and give directions that facilitate safe and prompt service delivery.
  • Availability to take communications 24 hours a day, including weekends, regarding schedule changes, operating concerns, and incidents.
Responsibilities
  • Directly supervise Captains, Mates, and Deck Crews.
  • Hire, train, evaluate, and conduct performance reviews for marine personnel.
  • Conduct management vessel inspections covering repair and maintenance standards and procedures.
  • Ensure vessels are SIRE-ready at all times.
  • Assist with scheduling SIREs and SIRE inspections.
  • Conduct incident investigations.
  • Manage compliance with the company safety program.
  • Respond promptly and correctly to operating situations.
  • Recruit and audit marine personnel.
  • Develop and administer operating and cost-control procedures for company vessels.
  • Assist in new project development.
  • Interface with customers on an ongoing basis.
  • Operate company vessels as Captain when directed by authorized company leadership.
  • Develop company operating procedures and obtain acceptance from vetters.
  • Participate in the company Spill Management team as assigned.
  • Maintain the safety record of vessels and crew.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • A Dangerous Liquids barge Person in Charge endorsement.
  • A 500-ton minimum Master of Towing credential.
  • STCW certification.

Centerline Logistics provides marine transportation services across the United States, including the West Coast (and Alaska), New York Harbor, and the Gulf Coast. Its offerings cover the transportation and storage of petroleum products, ship assist and escort, transportation of general cargo, and rescue towing. The company relies on its experienced, valued employees and a strong focus on customer service to execute these operations and meet obligations to shareholders, the community, and the environment. Its goal is to deliver reliable, quality marine logistics services while maintaining a commitment to people, safety, and responsible operations.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Seattle, Washington

Founded

1987

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • August 28, 2025 acquisition closed; management, including Matt Godden, stayed in place.
  • December 2025 DHS contracts show continuing federal demand for tug-assist services.
  • Centerline added Foss bunker barges and customer contracts in California during 2025.

What critics are saying

  • Saltchuk took Centerline's harbor ship-assist operations in California and the Pacific Northwest.
  • NLRB case 21-CA-305044 stayed open in April 2026, signaling labor conflict.
  • A major spill, tug casualty, or Jones Act compliance failure could cripple customer trust.

What makes Centerline Logistics unique

  • Jones Act liquefied petroleum barges give Centerline protected domestic-route exposure.
  • Centerline serves West, East, Gulf Coasts, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
  • September 2025 acquisition by Maritime Partners deepens capital access and vessel-financing expertise.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Company News

PR Newswire
Jun 26th, 2025
INVESTMENT VEHICLE MANAGED BY MARITIME PARTNERS TO ACQUIRE CENTERLINE LOGISTICS

NEW ORLEANS, June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Maritime Partners, LLC ("Maritime Partners"), a leading provider of maritime financing solutions primarily focused on Jones Act vessels, announces that on June 24, 2025, an entity controlled by one of its managed funds entered into a definitive agreement to acquire premier marine transportation company Centerline Logistics ("Centerline") from its principal investors, which include Macquarie Capital and Silverbox Capital co-founder and managing partner, Steve Kadenacy."Along with our outstanding partners at Macquarie Capital, we have supported Centerline's transformative acquisitions and expansion in recent years," said Centerline board member Steve Kadenacy. "We are proud of Centerline's unwavering commitment to safety, excellence and operational performance under our stewardship. Macquarie Capital's strategic vision and collaborative approach have been instrumental in driving Centerline's progress. We are confident that Maritime Partners is the ideal partner to continue this culture of excellence."Larry Handen, senior managing director at Macquarie Capital, added, "Macquarie Capital has been privileged to partner with Centerline's outstanding management team, particularly Matt Godden, the company's CEO, and his exceptional leadership team, who have consistently delivered superior results. We are confident the company will continue to thrive under Maritime Partners' deep expertise and proven track record in the maritime sector."Centerline – a leading maritime transportation provider and vital component of the United States' energy and shipping supply chain – operates one of the larger fleets of Jones Act-qualified liquid petroleum barges. As an essential service provider to its customers, Centerline has steadily grown in recent years to expand its fleet and service offerings."We want to invest in high-quality assets, companies and teams over the long run," said Bick Brooks, co-founder and CEO of Maritime Partners