What are the responsibilities and job description for the Port Captain - Gulf Inland position at Marquette Transportation Company, LLC?
About Marquette:
Headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky and founded in 1978, Marquette is a leading provider of inland marine transportation services. Our Company operates over 130 towboats on the Mississippi River System, Gulf-Intracoastal Waterway, and near-shore coastwise market. In addition, the Company controls over 1,000 dry cargo barges. The Company has additional offices in St Rose, LA, Lockport, LA and La Porte, TX. With over 1,800 vessel and shore-based employees, Marquette is the largest provider of independent towing services within the inland waterways. We are the only fully integrated fleet in the industry that can do what we do.
Position Overview:
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.
Responsibilities:
Vessel Execution
Marquette is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. By clicking the link below, you authorize Marquette Transportation Company, LLC to contact you by any method at the number provided.
Headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky and founded in 1978, Marquette is a leading provider of inland marine transportation services. Our Company operates over 130 towboats on the Mississippi River System, Gulf-Intracoastal Waterway, and near-shore coastwise market. In addition, the Company controls over 1,000 dry cargo barges. The Company has additional offices in St Rose, LA, Lockport, LA and La Porte, TX. With over 1,800 vessel and shore-based employees, Marquette is the largest provider of independent towing services within the inland waterways. We are the only fully integrated fleet in the industry that can do what we do.
Position Overview:
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.
Responsibilities:
Vessel Execution
- Own safe, efficient, and reliable vessel operations across assigned fleet.
- Drive navigation excellence and eliminate incidents through disciplined execution and adherence to navigational standards.
- Monitor waterway conditions and adjust operations in real time.
- Plan and execute complex vessel movements with precision.
- Ensure vessel operations align with company procedures, policies, and performance expectations.
- Build, develop, and hold accountable high-performing crews.
- Conduct routine vessel visits, navigation assessments, coaching sessions, and performance evaluations.
- Identify and develop future wheelhouse leaders.
- Take decisive action on performance gaps—coach, correct, or remove.
- Reinforce company culture, expectations, and standards across all assigned vessels.
- Set the tone for a proactive safety culture, no autopilot operations.
- Ensure compliance with TSMS, regulatory requirements, and internal safety standards.
- Drive near-miss reporting, stop work obligation, and hazard recognition.
- Participate in incident investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Function as the primary link between vessel and shore. No gaps in communication
- Coordinate with logistics, engineering, crewing, safety/compliance, and commercial teams.
- Monitor operating conditions, restrictions, and risks, and adjust operations accordingly.
- Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.
- Identify trends, solve problems, and raise the performance bar.
- Improve systems, procedures, and vessel capabilities.
- Participate in the development and refinement of navigational standards and operating practices.
- Stay ahead of industry standards, technology, and regulatory changes.
- Extreme ownership mentality with disciplined execution within a defined system.
- High standards and low tolerance for complacency.
- Strong presence with crews and customers.
- Ability to make tough decisions quickly and confidently.
- Relentless focus on improvement and consistency
- Zero incidents.
- Crews consistently performing at a high level.
- Strong vessel execution; on time, on plan, under control.
- Problems identified early and solved decisively.
- A culture that refuses to operate on autopilot.
- Consistent execution of company standards across all assigned vessels.
- 7–15 years of vessel operations experience.
- Master of Towing Vessels license is preferred.
- Deep understanding of inland navigation, operations, and regulatory environment.
- Proven leadership of crews and operational teams.
- Strong decision-making, communication, and critical thinking skills.
- Experience managing complex operations and resolving high stakes issues.
- Proficiency in navigation systems and operational technology.
- Valid Driver’s License and TWIC.
- Willingness to travel (~40%) and work flexible hours.
Marquette is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. By clicking the link below, you authorize Marquette Transportation Company, LLC to contact you by any method at the number provided.