Vessel Master - UIC Bowhead Transport Company, LLC

Overview

UIC Bowhead Transport Company, LLC is seeking an experienced Vessel Master to command and operate company vessels in the safe and efficient transport of cargo across oceans, coastal waters, bays, lakes, and river systems. The Vessel Master is responsible for all aspects of vessel navigation, crew supervision, regulatory compliance, and emergency response while serving as the primary representative of the company in day-to-day operations and customer interactions. This role requires extensive maritime experience, leadership in dynamic environments, and strong technical and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will be proficient in navigation systems, safety protocols, crisis management, and the supervision of 5–7 crewmembers. The Vessel Master ensures adherence to U.S. Coast Guard, company, and environmental regulations, and maintains high standards of performance, professionalism, and operational integrity.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

- Command the vessel to safely transport cargo across oceans, coastal waters, bays, lakes, and rivers.

- Set the course of the ship using navigational aids (e.g., charts, plotting sheets, compass, sextant) and direct helm operations.

- Determine vessel position using GPS, radar, or celestial navigation techniques.

- Inspect the vessel to ensure compliance with safety and operational regulations.

- Coordinate the use of signaling devices (whistle, lights, flags, radio) to communicate with nearby vessels.

- Calculate landfall using electronic sounding devices and nautical charts.

- Navigate to avoid hazards such as reefs, shoals, and shipping obstructions using aids to navigation (lights, buoys, lighthouses).

- Maintain accurate ship logs and required documentation.

- Train, supervise, and evaluate crew members (typically 5–7) in safe and efficient vessel operations.

- Operate vessel systems in rivers or canals using steering controls, radar, radios, depth finders, and related equipment.

- Communicate effectively with docks, locks, and vessel traffic using radio and visual signals.

- Supervise the cleaning, maintenance, loading, transport, and unloading of cargo.

- Ensure full compliance with company policies, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and environmental standards.

- Serve as the company’s on-site representative in interactions with clients, government officials, and regulatory personnel.

- Act as the emergency on-site coordinator, responding to incidents in real time.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

- Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) – U.S. Coast Guard Master of Motor Vessels of at least 200 GRT with corresponding STCW endorsements.

- Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) with at least six (6) months before renewal.

- Valid U.S. Passport with at least six (6) months before renewal.

- Valid Driver’s License with a minimum of six (6) months before renewal.

- Minimum of three (3) years of Arctic vessel operations experience.

- Prior supervisory experience in a maritime environment.

- Ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English, including via radio and electronic communication.

- Capacity to perform medium-heavy labor and stand or walk for up to 6-hour shifts.

- Comfortable working irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and emergencies.

- Willingness to follow all safety policies and report or correct unsafe conditions or behaviors.

- Demonstrated commitment to safety, teamwork, and maintaining good attendance with a positive attitude.

Preferred Qualifications:

- OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Card preferred.

Physical and Mental Demands:

- Ability to perform prolonged postures, including standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, kneeling, stooping, and reaching overhead or from deck level.

- Must have full range of motion in spine and extremities to work safely in varied postures and assist with crew tasks or equipment operation.

- Strong balance, coordination, and dexterity required for operating vessel controls, handling tools, ropes, and equipment.

- Frequent use of one or both hands for vessel operations and physical tasks.

- Must safely maneuver across uneven or slippery surfaces, catwalks, hatches, ladders, and pushknees.

- Ability to climb ladders, stairwells, and pushknees; step up to 2 feet vertically and horizontally to access docks, barges, or boats.

- Must be able to walk while carrying tools or lines across catwalks, pipes, ledges, and other obstacles.

- Requires sufficient cardio-respiratory fitness to perform medium to heavy physical labor during 6-hour shifts, including prolonged walking, standing, lifting, and material handling in extreme temperatures.

Lift 65 lbs. from floor to knuckle level and from floor to waist level

- Lift 30 lbs. from floor to shoulder level

- Lift 10 lbs. from floor to crown level

- Carry 30 lbs. at waist level for 30 feet on level ground

Working Conditions:

- Work is performed aboard vessels operating in Arctic marine environments and may involve cramped or confined spaces.

- Must work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme cold, heat, wind, wave action, and icing, while wearing required PPE (e.g., life preserver, respirator, goggles).

- May be exposed to limited visibility (fog, darkness), loud and constant engine noise, exhaust, vibrations, and mechanical equipment.

- Exposure to fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases is possible.

- May require irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and emergency call-outs.

- Frequent physical hazards include hypothermia, pinch points, slips, falls, concussive impacts, sprains, and lifting injuries.

- Hazard recognition and corrective action are essential due to the extreme and dynamic work environment.

- Must support UIC’s incident-free safety culture, including the proper use of PPE and adherence to all safety practices and procedures.

- Expected to take proactive steps to identify and address unsafe conditions or behaviors and report concerns to a supervisor when necessary.

- Must be familiar with and follow company safety policies, standards, work instructions, and safe operating procedures.

- Reliable attendance and a positive, safety-oriented attitude are required.