Port Captain (Landing Craft)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Port Captain to oversee the safe, compliant and efficient marine operations of a fleet of 4 landing craft.

The successful candidate will provide shore-based operational support to vessel Masters and deck officers, ensure the fleet remains inspection-ready and maintain compliance with flag, class, port-state and customer requirements. This is a hands-on position involving regular vessel visits, incident investigations, crew development and frequent regional travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the safe and efficient marine operations of 4 landing craft.

• Provide operational guidance and support to Masters, Chief Officers and shipboard teams.

• Ensure vessels comply with flag-state, port-state, class, IMO, ISM and ISPS requirements.

• Coordinate vessel inspections, audits, surveys and the closure of any findings.

• Conduct regular vessel visits, including port and sailing inspections.

• Lead onboard safety meetings and promote a strong safety culture across the fleet.

• Investigate incidents, near misses and non-conformities, including root-cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Monitor vessel readiness, navigation practices, cargo operations and marine equipment.

• Support the development of operating procedures for landing-craft operations, including beaching, ramp operations, cargo securing and heavy-equipment movements.

• Assess the operational implications of converting or transitioning former naval craft for commercial use.

• Monitor voyage performance, fuel consumption and operational efficiency.

• Coordinate with terminals, ports, agents, customers, classification societies and regulatory authorities.

• Support emergency-response activities and provide marine expertise during vessel incidents.

• Evaluate and mentor Masters and Chief Officers and support recruitment, promotion and competency assessments.

• Deliver training and familiarisation on operational procedures, safety systems and company requirements.

• Provide management with timely updates on vessel performance, operational risks and regulatory matters.

• Travel regularly to attend vessels and support regional operations.

Requirements

• Degree or diploma in Nautical Studies, Maritime Transportation or a related discipline.

• Master Mariner Certificate of Competency or an equivalent internationally recognised STCW qualification.

• At least 8 years of maritime experience, including seagoing service as a senior deck officer.

• Previous experience as a Port Captain, Marine Superintendent or Marine Operations Manager.

• Experience with landing craft, naval vessels, RoRo vessels, heavy-lift operations, offshore vessels or similar vessel types would be highly advantageous.

• Good understanding of ramp operations, cargo securing, stability and the carriage of vehicles or heavy equipment.

• Strong knowledge of flag, class, port-state, ISM, ISPS and applicable IMO requirements.

• Experience conducting marine incidents investigations and root-cause analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop Masters and senior deck officers.

• Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder-management skills.

• Willing and able to travel frequently and attend vessels outside normal working hours when required.