Tug Captain

Authority

The Captain of the vessel holds the title of Master. In the Captain’s absence, the relief assumes the role of Master.

Qualifications

A Master must possess a U.S. Coast Guard license as Master or Operator of Towing Vessels.

Responsibilities

a. General Responsibilities

1. The Master is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, tank barge, and crew. This includes maintaining equipment in neat, clean, and proper working order, and ensuring compliance with company policies, rules, and regulations.
2. The Master must report any violations of company policy or federal, state, or local laws to the office.
3. The Master oversees operational orders, coordinates personnel duty assignments, and ensures operations are conducted safely, on schedule, and with proper equipment utilization.

b. Personnel Responsibilities

1. Notify the office immediately of anticipated crew shortages or overages to allow timely manning adjustments.
2. Maintain crew discipline and complete performance evaluations.
3. Establish the crew’s watch-standing schedule, ensuring no licensed wheelman works more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
4. Post a station bill and ensure all crew members are familiar with their emergency stations and duties.

c. Equipment Responsibilities

1. Ensure the maintenance, seaworthiness, cleanliness, and appearance of the vessel.
2. Verify that barges are in navigable condition and report any deficiencies immediately. Report damaged or endangered barges to the office and take measures to ensure their safety.

d. Operational Responsibilities

i. Vessel Daily Log Reports

• Maintain accurate Vessel Daily Log entries.

ii. Crew Injury and Illness Reports

1. Report crew injuries or illnesses to the General Manager or Operations Manager immediately upon awareness.
2. Record incidents in the Vessel Daily Log.

iii. Accident Reports

1. Report all accidents involving damage to equipment, cargo loss, contamination, spills, or pollution using U.S. Coast Guard Form CG-2692.
2. Notify serious accidents (e.g., collisions, groundings, major fires) via VHF radio and follow up with a formal report.
3. Document incidents in the Vessel Daily Log and forward the original report to the office.

iv. Requisitioning Supplies

• Provision the vessel with necessary items and ensure receipts for fuel, oil, parts, groceries, and other supplies are sent to the Port Captain promptly.

e. Safety Responsibilities

The Master is responsible for:

1. Maintaining properly charged or refilled fire extinguishers.
2. Ensuring a fire hose with a nozzle is present at each fire station.
3. Keeping an adequate number of approved, good-condition life preservers onboard.
4. Stocking sufficient first aid supplies on the vessel.
5. Training crew members in firefighting equipment use and emergency procedures.
6. Conducting regular safety drills in accordance with company policies and regulations.

Physical Standards Policy

Colonial adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and is committed to maintaining a safe workplace for all employees.

Captain/Relief Mate

1. Work Schedule

• The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, with weekends and holidays scheduled as required. Daily work hours vary based on vessel scheduling. The standard work schedule is 14 days on 14 days off. Ride over pay available. 

2. Physical Demands of the Job
a. Pilothouse personnel must communicate effectively via VHF radio, phone, sound, or hand signals in all conditions aboard the towboat.
b. They must have sufficient vision, including color vision and depth perception, to safely operate the vessel under all navigational conditions.
c. They must be capable of safely ascending/descending stairs or ladders, lifting/moving equipment, and performing emergency duties as outlined in the vessel’s emergency plan.
d. They must be proficient in reading and understanding Notices to Mariners, Rules of the Road, regulations, directives, and charts, and in writing log entries and other required communications.

Eligibility Requirements:  Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.
 
 

Colonial Group, Inc. is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our organizations. We encourage applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. Colonial Group, Inc. prohibits discrimination of and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.