Chief Mate

Position: Curtin Habor Services – Chief Mate

• Location: Los Angeles /
• Long Beach, CA

Department: Marine Transportation, Ship Assist & Escort

Reports to: Port Captain, Vessel Captain

Schedule: This is a full-time position based in the San Pedro Bay Port Complex (Ports of Los Angeles & Long Beach). Shift-based schedule to support 24/7 ship-assist and escort operations, including nights, weekends, and holidays as vessel and customer schedules require. Unlike Curtin's ocean towing positions, this role is harbor-based and does not typically require extended time away from home

Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. We are a dynamic Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company experiencing rapid growth. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the incredible opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing places on earth.

THIS ROLE:

• Ship Assist & Escort Mates
• will work directly with the Port Captain and Vessel Captain aboard Curtin's ASD ship-assist and escort tugs (e.g., Tuuli C), applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. As a leader both within the organization and onboard, the Mate will be the expert in the Curtin Standard for ship-assist and escort operations in the San Pedro Bay Port Complex, assisting the Captain and Harbor/State Pilots in the safe docking, undocking, and escort of deep-draft vessels.

WHO YOU ARE:

Mental Aptitudes

Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or during an emergency

Understand and respect the chain of command; ability to take direction no matter how it is given

Attention to detail / excellent organizational skills

Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-traffic harbor environment with frequent close-quarters maneuvering around deep-draft vessels, other tugs, and dock structures

Physical Aptitudes

Ability to traverse uneven ground and to walk gangways at various heights

Agility to bend, stoop, or squat frequently and climb high steps/ladders several times a day

Ability to lift 100 pounds safely; moving equipment that is heavy, large, or awkward

Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; make up tows and escort bridles; operate deck machinery; work on equipment that is poorly accessible

Ability to work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces

Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard vessel

Must be able to swim

Demonstrate good personal hygiene, always maintain cleanliness

Ship Assist & Escort Mate - $450 - $750/day

LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

TWIC Card

Mate of Towing Vessels, Near Coastal OR 500 GRT Mate, Near Coastal w/ TOAR

CG Medical Certificate – No nighttime restrictions

Pass physical & drug test

MROP FCC License

Radar Unlimited

STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

STCW OICNW 500 Ton, Near Coastal

Master of Towing Vessels, Near Coastal

Prior ship-assist / escort experience in the Ports of Los Angeles & Long Beach (San Pedro Bay Port Complex) or a comparable high-traffic deep-draft harbor strongly preferred

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

General understanding of Curtin's ship-assist operating standards: radio etiquette with pilots/dock/agents, lines/rigging and their appropriate applications, caring for cordage, painting schemes/program, machinery limitations, etc.

ASD/Z-drive tractor-tug handling, progressing from introductory maneuvering under supervision to developing skilled operation in current and close-quarters ship traffic

Direct and indirect escort towing methods; bow and stern ship-assist work

Able to fill out forms and reports in the Vessel Management System

Basic engine room knowledge and mechanical repair abilities

Crew management skills on deck and for vessel maintenance; work plans created with Captain/Chief Mate and carried out

Job/voyage planning for ship-assist and escort work, including weather observations/predictions and San Pedro Bay traffic awareness, coordinated Pilots, terminal operators, and agent

COMPLIANCE:

Proficiency in operation of the Vessel Management System, progressing to mastery of all modules and the ability to train others; complete outstanding tasks and VMS items in a timely manner

Maintain inventories

Understanding and enforcement of the Curtin Standard

Assisting with internal and external compliance audits

Diligent and thorough recordkeeping in the official logbook and other necessary recordings

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

Takes ownership of vessel and crew by assigning projects to crew and holding yourself and crew accountable

Follows and enforces the Curtin Standard

Maintains professionalism with Curtin staff, regulatory bodies, customers, pilots, agents, and crews

Advanced crew management skills; ability to coach crew members and provide feedback for improved performance

Ability to assist in drydocking management and vessel commissioning

WHAT WE OFFER:

Competitive Compensation

Generous benefits package including:

Medical

Dental

Vision

Short-term Disability

AD&D/Life Insurance

401k (with company match)

Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.

Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.