Port Captain

About Foss Maritime

Foss Maritime is one of the most recognized and respected maritime brands in the U.S., combining a rich legacy with a forward-thinking approach to industry innovation. While deeply rooted in tradition, Foss is evolving at a fast pace, continuously setting new standards for operational excellence and sustainability.

With operations spanning all U.S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and offshore wind projects. Our primary operations are on the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii.

As part of the Saltchuk family of companies, Foss is a values-driven organization that takes pride in its exceptional team, commitment to safety, and dedication to customer success. With a culture built on integrity, innovation, and collaboration, Foss Maritime remains a trusted leader in the maritime industry.

About the Role

Responsible for supervising and coordinating all phases of operations relating to tugs and barges. Includes direct supervision of Deck Officers, Deckhands, and Sand Mining Personnel. Involved in selection, promotion and training, crewing, governmental and state regulatory and safety compliance standards, budget development & management, casualty investigations, vessel repair, coordination of vessel schedules and operations, and developing and executing operating standards designed to ensure regulatory compliance of personnel and vessels consistent with company policies.

Essential Functions:

Supervision

• Directs and supervises all marine employees.
• Interfaces with customers, marine & shoreside employees, vendors, pilots, and regulatory officials.
• Develops, implements and enforces policies and procedures.
• Responsible for hiring, crewing, promotions, personnel placement. Directs training as pertains to marine personnel.
• Supervises responsibilities and performance of vessel personnel.
• Audits vessel logs and approves overtime.
• Assists with utilization and scheduling of tugs and barges in fleet.
• Initiates appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action.
• Supervises personnel involved in sand mining operations.
• Supervises personnel involved in field projects including special shipments and salvage operations.
• Responsible for vessel compliance with the pro-forma schedule, communication of schedule to appropriate parties.

Compliance

• Ensures compliance with company SOP's, regulatory, licensing, and training requirements.
• Investigates and reports the causes and effects of marine incidents.
• Ensures compliance of company safety policies, maintenance and training programs.
• Conducts regular inspections of tugs and barges to ensure compliance with company SMS
• Complies with company Preventative Maintenance Program.
• Complies with applicable Federal, State and Local regulations, including, but not limited to: USCG, EPA, ISM, ABS, OSHA and OSPR.

Administrative

• Prepares budgets and manages vessel's supply and crew costs.
• Prepares Towing and/or Operations Plans for ISO compliance.
• Supervises vessel modifications, rigging and supply.
• Interprets and administers government regulations.
• Assists in negotiation and implementation of labor contracts.
• 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.
• Performs special duties and other projects as assigned.
• Adheres to all company policies.
• Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested.

Supervisory and Leadership of Direct Staff

• Be a leader for "SpeakUp", including encouraging peers and staff to exhibit a safe and ethical culture.
• Responsible for all matters of employment including recruiting, training, development, promotion, discipline and termination.
• Understands and complies with Foss' Affirmative Action Plan, EEO, Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and all other HR policies and procedures.
• 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.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Technical: Must have a strong maritime background with a thorough understanding of the day-to-day operations of vessels, their limits, their capabilities and both internal characteristics and external factors influencing them. Must also understand the individual roles, interactions and responsibilities of crewmembers manning the vessels. Must have experience managing maintenance evolutions and dry docking projects.
• Legal: Ability to interpret, administer and insure compliance with government regulations related to vessel manning, construction, maintenance & repair, safety, training, navigation, work rules, emergency response, licensing and towing operations.
• Financial: Should understand at a minimum, basic cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes to effectively manage multiple budgets on a routine basis. Good organizational and planning skills are essential.
• Communications: Must possess strong written and oral communicative skills to draft business letters, develop reports, present oral presentations, create policies & procedures and write repair specifications.
• Customer Relations: Should have good interpersonal skills to work well with customers, peers, superiors, subordinates, competitors and the general public. Should also have a strong appreciation for and be sensitive to the needs of our customers recognizing that the Company is a specialty service provider.
• Human Relations: Must be a team player but at the same time be willing to exercise authority when required. A coach-type management style is most effective. Strong decision making and problem solving abilities are a must. Should have good negotiating skills to deal with regulators, customers, vendors and labor unions.
• Personal Traits: Must be flexible and receptive to change. Must have ability to deviate from established routines on short notice and be able to recognize the level of importance of new assignments. Must be able to prioritize tasks accordingly to meet deadlines without sacrificing operational quality. Must be able to delegate effectively. Must be accurate in completion of assignments. Must be dedicated and loyal.
• Sensory: Must have reasonable sensory skills in order to maintain USCG license including color vision, depth perception, hand/eye coordination and hearing; and be proficient in the English language.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with dispatchers and all levels and personalities. Must be able to work effectively under stress and provide strong supervision in emergency response situations. Participates in negotiations with labor unions, customers and vendors. Provides direct supervision of other managers and subordinates on a day-to-day basis. Works closely with customers, peers, competitors, government officials and vendors. Should have good team building skills and ability to motivate others. Must effectively process sensitive and confidential information. Regularly coordinates activities with members of other departments.
• Equipment: Telephones, calculators, computers, copiers, radios, navigation equipment, including radar, GPS and autopilot.
• Proficient in computer skills and software such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and all applicable enterprise business platforms.
• Must have extensive knowledge of offshore towing operations and harbor ship assist work.
• Must have experience working on twin screw and tractor tugs.
• Planning and forecasting skills relative to business trends, vessel management, and cost projections.
• Ability to demonstrate high ethical standards of honesty and integrity to lead by example.
• Ability to delegate and empower employees to achieve business goals and operational standards.
• Knowledge of business management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of repair and replacement costs essential to effective cost control.
• Knowledge of labor law, contract negotiation, and implementation of labor contracts.
• Must be able to provide functional direction to Deck Officers in charge of company vessels.
• Provide direction to Customer Service Representatives in the scheduling of vessel crews.
• Must have the ability to coordinate the efficient use of vessel and shoreside assets between geographic areas and activities.
• Ability to assist in cost planning, reporting, and operational expenditures in the region.
• Must be able to gain an intimate familiarity with company lines of business, reporting and monitoring of financial performance.
• Ability to understand and interpret laws and regulations as they apply to the maritime business.
• Must be able to build and maintain effective working relationships with regulatory agencies including, but not limited to, U.S. Coast Guard, ABS, OSHA, OSPR and other local, state and federal agencies.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, preference given to those from a maritime academy, is required or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have five years as a tugboat captain or shoreside management experience. Must possess a valid USCG Masters License or Mates License at a minimum.

Compensation:

Pay for this position will be between $125,960 and $188,940 annually based on experience. This position is eligible to participate in our annual incentive compensation plan (ICP). The target bonus will be 20% of base salary, subject to company and individual performance and per company policy.

Benefits:

• The benefit program includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Life insurance equal to two times annual base salary.
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Long term disability insurance.
• 401k program with a 4% match, vested immediately.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Business travel assistance program.
• Other voluntary benefits are available for purchase via payroll deduction at group rates.
• Vacation - Foss appreciates how hard employees work and recognizes the importance of providing time for rest and relaxation. In this position you will accrue 15 days of vacation a year with a maximum accrual of 200 hours. Accrued vacation will be vested and available for use after successfully completing six (6) months of service.
• Nine (9) paid holidays with two (2) additional floating holidays available after six (6) months of service.
• Full time employees will accrue ninety-six (96) hours of sick leave per year, up to a maximum of 1,040 hours.
• Bereavement Leave - three (3) paid days off for a death in the immediate family, or five (5) days off if travel greater than 500 miles is required.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• All other benefits as required by state law.

How to Apply

Ready to set sail with Foss? Submit your application via our careers page. If you need any assistance please reach out to fossjobs@foss.com. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Drug Free Workplace

Foss Maritime Company LLC is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Foss Maritime Company LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.