Chief Mate
Curtin MaritimeChief Mate
Location: Los Angeles / Long Beach, CA
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 positi
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ons, 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 me