Port Captain

CANAL BARGE COMPANY

JOB DESCRIPTION
PORT CAPTAIN

* This role will include travel to and from vessels (as needed) as well as our various offices in the Greater New Orleans area - St. Rose, New Orleans, Belle Chasse. *

I. BASIC FUNCTION

The Port Captain acts as the general manager of assigned vessels, owning outcomes across vessel execution, crew performance, safety, and customer service —within established company standards, systems, and regulatory requirements.

This role demands accountability, decisiveness, and the ability to lead from the front to ensure disciplined, consistent execution across the fleet.

We are seeking a proven operator and leader who delivers consistent, high-level execution across safety, performance, and people. This role is not administrative it is operational leadership at its highest level.

II. RESPONSIBILITIES

The Port Captain has the overriding authority to fully perform all the responsibilities and duties assigned to this position:

Vessel Execution

1. Own safe, efficient, and reliable vessel operations across assigned fleet.
2. Drive navigation excellence and eliminate incidents through disciplined execution and adherence to navigational standards.
3. Monitor waterway conditions and adjust operations in real time.
4. Plan and execute complex vessel movements with precision.
5. Ensure vessel operations align with company procedures, policies, and performance expectations.

Leadership & Crew Performance

1. Build, develop, and hold accountable high-performing crews.
2. Conduct routine vessel visits, navigation assessments, coaching sessions, and performance evaluations.
3. Identify and develop future wheelhouse leaders.
4. Take decisive action on performance gaps—coach, correct, or remove.
5. Reinforce company culture, expectations, and standards across all assigned vessels.

Safety Leadership

1. Set the tone for a proactive safety culture, no autopilot operations.
2. Ensure compliance with TSMS, regulatory requirements, and internal safety standards.
3. Drive near-miss reporting, stop work obligation, and hazard recognition.
4. Participate in incident investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Operational Ownership

1. Function as the primary link between vessel and shore. No gaps in communication
2. Coordinate with logistics, engineering, crewing, safety/compliance, and commercial teams.
3. Monitor operating conditions, restrictions, and risks, and adjust operations accordingly.
4. Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.

Continuous Improvement

1. Identify trends, solve problems, and raise the performance bar.
2. Improve systems, procedures, and vessel capabilities.
3. Participate in the development and refinement of navigational standards and operating practices.
4. Stay ahead of industry standards, technology, and regulatory changes.

Success Requirements

1. Extreme ownership mentality with disciplined execution within a defined system.
2. High standards and low tolerance for complacency.
3. Strong presence with crews and customers.
4. Ability to make tough decisions quickly and confidently.
5. Relentless focus on improvement and consistency.

Results

1. Zero incidents.
2. Crews consistently performing at a high level.
3. Strong vessel execution; on time, on plan, under control.
4. Problems identified early and solved decisively.
5. A culture that refuses to operate on autopilot.
6. Consistent execution of company standards across all assigned vessels.

III. RELATIONSHIP

The Port Captain reports to the Vice President of Operations. The Port Captain supervises Vessel Wheelhouse and Deck personnel assigned to their vessels.

IV. EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

1. 7–15+ years of vessel operations experience.
2. Master of Towing Vessels license is preferred.
3. Deep understanding of inland navigation, operations, and regulatory environment.
4. Proven leadership of crews and operational teams.
5. Strong decision-making, communication, and critical thinking skills.
6. Experience managing complex operations and resolving high stakes issues.
7. Proficiency in navigation systems and operational technology.
8. Valid Driver’s License and TWIC.
9. Willingness to travel (~40%) and work flexible hours.

Canal Barge Company and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.