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Curtin Maritime

Marine transportation, construction, dredging, subsea installations

Ship Assist & Escort Captain

Vehicle Operation & DeliveryConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeLong Beach, CA, USA$625 - $1.1k

About the Job

Requirements

  • Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or emergencies.
  • Ability to understand and respect the chain of command and take direction.
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Comfort operating in a fast-paced, high-traffic harbor environment with frequent close-quarters maneuvering.
  • Ability to traverse uneven ground and walk gangways at various heights.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, squat, climb steps and ladders, and safely lift 100 pounds.
  • Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines, make up tows and escort bridles, operate deck machinery, and work on poorly accessible equipment.
  • Ability to work below decks in periods of darkness and in confined spaces.
  • Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard a vessel.
  • Ability to swim.
  • Master of Towing Vessels, Near Coastal, or 500 GRT Master, Near Coastal with TOAR.
  • TWIC card.
  • Radar Observer Unlimited.
  • MROP FCC License.
  • STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft.
  • CG Medical Certificate with no nighttime restrictions.
  • Must pass a physical and drug test.
  • Proficiency in operating the Vessel Management System (VMS), progressing to full use across all modules.
  • Working knowledge of Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Los Angeles/Long Beach reporting requirements.
  • Understanding of and compliance with the Curtin Standard.
  • Thorough recordkeeping skills and experience auditing and proactively completing corrective actions.
  • Thorough understanding of Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements.
  • Experience creating standard operating procedures, commissioning new vessels, and building audit criteria.
  • Proven track record using the VMS and training others in its use and function.
  • Advanced crew management skills, including coaching crew members and providing performance feedback; ability to complete performance evaluations.
  • Ability to perform the basic duties of all other crew onboard.
  • Experience managing drydockings and repairs and commissioning vessels.
  • Ability to manage projects and interact with customers, pilots, agents, and the shoreside team.

Responsibilities

  • Command Curtin ASD ship-assist and escort tugs, providing docking, undocking, and escort services to deep-draft vessels in the San Pedro Bay Port Complex under Harbor/State Pilots and in coordination with VTS Los Angeles/Long Beach.
  • Lead crews when starting new ship-assist or escort contracts; identify safe routes, standard operating procedures, efficiencies, and required notifications and training.
  • Operate assigned ASD/Z-drive ship-assist and escort tugs independently in high-traffic harbor conditions, using direct and indirect towing methods across vessel types.
  • Coordinate by VHF radio with Harbor/State Pilots, line handlers, terminal operators, and agents.
  • Plan and perform docking and undocking assistance for deep-draft vessels, accounting for currents, wind, and traffic patterns.
  • Plan critical-path work proactively to maximize efficiency across multiple ship-assist jobs in a shift.
  • Apply expertise in escort methods, rigging, bridles, and cordage, including rigging-package design for unusual or high-consequence assists.
  • Serve as the primary operational contact with Harbor/State Pilots and terminal operators for complex or emergency assists.
  • Attend and lead crews and vessels through audits and inspections.
  • Own the vessel, assign projects, and hold the crew and self accountable.
  • Provide real-time insight into waterfront operations as a member of the Dispatch team.
  • Maintain professionalism with staff, regulatory bodies, customers, pilots, agents, and crews.
  • Lead by example and mentor crew members.
  • Plan shifts to maintain rest requirements, coordinate relief crews, and use downtime for fuel, provisions, spare parts, and consumables.
  • Maintain an ongoing training environment onboard the vessel.
  • Manage drydockings, repairs, and vessel commissioning.
  • Act as project manager while coordinating with customers, pilots, agents, and the shoreside team.

Desired Qualifications

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

About the Company

Curtin Maritime

Marine transportation, construction, dredging, subsea installations

Curtin Maritime provides marine solutions, including marine transportation, dredging, construction, and subsea installations, serving government, commercial, and private clients in the United States and around the world. It works by offering end-to-end project support: from design through execution, with flexible delivery models that include time charters and turnkey lump-sum solutions. Revenue comes from contracts for marine transport, project cargo, heavy lift work, and other specialized maritime services. The company differentiates itself through its ability to tailor services to each project phase, its dual delivery options (time charter and turnkey), and its emphasis on safety, customer satisfaction, and environmental stewardship. Its goal is to complete projects efficiently and safely, meeting client needs on time and within budget through customized, responsible maritime solutions.

Company size
201-500
Company stage
Not listed
Total funding
Not listed
Headquarters
Long Beach, CA
Founded
1997

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