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Position Description
Disclaimer: - The purpose of this document is to provide a summary of the generic functions/tasks associated with this position/position. It is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible position responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the incumbent might differ from those outlined here and additional duties may be assigned at the manager’s discretion. The position description details as outlined below are also subject to change/ may be reassigned at any time.
- Business Title: Strategic Programs Port Captain
- Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
- Overtime Eligible: No
- Supervisor: Program Manager
Purpose/Summary:
The Strategic Programs Port Captain is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, voyage and mission issues pertaining to a ship or group of ships. He/she will report to the MSV Program Manager and be a peer to the Port Engineer(s). This Position works from USMMI’s Norfolk, Virginia, office but will routinely travel to vessels and to meetings with the government and supporting contractors.
On occasion, such as special projects, a Port Captain may have other Port Captains or Port Engineers reporting into him/her. The Port Captain positions have a substantial impact on the success of the “business” of the ship through the management of revenue streams and control of costs, especially port and crew costs.
Specific assignments may change periodically depending on the current needs of the company.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide oversight for vessel master’s to ensure that missions/voyages are efficiently and safely performed in accordance with contract requirements and USMMI’s international safety management (ISM) system.
- Act as advocate for company safety culture and actively supporting timely attention to any safety issue and encourage all levels of the vessel management function to enhance further safety awareness.
- Actively coordinate with MSC and mission sponsors, terminals, vendors, and other functions to service the vessel with timely attention and efficiency. Approve port packages and vendor invoices associated with port and agency costs as directed by the Program Manager and ensuring that respective appointment letters are issued for each vessel port call.
- Act as the primary point of contact with the customer/charterer for logistics support issues.
- Support the MSV Program Manager in handling and closing out regulatory deficiencies, customer complaints or claims pertaining to P&I (protection and indemnity insurance) or hull machinery insurance matters.
- Assist in planning and execution classification surveys (ABS, LRS, DNV), regulatory surveys (USCG), and when applicable, SIRE vetting’s.
- Review the vessel safety committee meeting minutes and initiate timely follow-up of issues identified.
- Participate in internal or external audits or vetting as directed by management.
- Assist in planning, installing, and testing new equipment or processes based on customer/charterer or company requirements by developing consent requests and/or project plans.
- On occasion, perform as special projects team leader:
- Developing project budgets based on zero-based budgeting principles and actual program/ship requirements.
- Preparing project and/or trip reports documenting attendance of vessels, areas inspected, work completed (if applicable) and conditions found.
- Act on continuous improvement initiatives with timely attention and completion in a cost-efficient manner.
- Supporting company commitment to safety and other selected standards and certifications.
- Performs other position-related duties as specified by management.
Position Specifications:
Education and Experience
The successful applicant must meet one of the following experience criteria:
- USCG license or equivalent international standard as Master or Chief Mate of unlimited tonnage vessels.
- Equivalent experience/service aboard US military or commercial vessels in a supervisory position or service ashore in a supervisory position overseeing vessel operations within the maritime industry or government service.
- Equivalent experience/service with a classification or flag state authority with direct exposure to vessel regulatory compliance.
- B.S. from an accredited institution, degree in marine transportation, marine engineering, maritime business, or equivalent degree is required.
In addition, some combination of the below:
- Project management experience.
- Vessel management experience.
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office products and fleet management software (Nautical Systems - Enterprise experience preferred)
- Excellent interpersonal skills required for conducting day to day business.
- Advanced degree from an accredited institution in business, logistics or equivalent discipline is preferred.
- Security clearance requirement: Secret Clearance eligible
Technical Skills and Competencies Required
- U.S. Citizenship
- Eligible for a SECRET security clearance
- Excellent clerical and organizational skills
- Able to work without supervision and deal with multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Computer literate with experience in word processing and database programs
Travel Requirements:
Extensive travel (including foreign travel and travel in cars, boats, helicopters, ships, and airplanes) will be required to attend to port calls, shipyard maintenance, to ride vessels or visit vessels for quality assurance and general management of vessel and crews, and on short notice for casualties, to conduct investigations and to protect the company’s reputation, as is required by the contract specifications, or as directed by management.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
General Office Setting, typically the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work, usually at a computer terminal – with short breaks or lunch period. However, there may be some bending/stooping, reaching above shoulder level, walking; standing; carrying of light items such as papers, books or packages of up to 50 pounds. Should be able to hear & speak clearly using phone / headset to communicate with customers; be able to navigate, view & enter information on the computer.
Operations Setting, typically the employee must be able to Sit, Stand, Walk Bend, Push/Pull, Kneel, Squat, Reaching and Twisting. Also, need the ability to consistently be able to lift 10lb – 100lb utilizing Folding Hand Truck & Dolly, Rolling Utility Carts or Single Hand Trucks (70 – 100%) of time.
