Job Description

Bowhead Transport seeks an experienced Vessel Captain/Master to command and operate a landing craft in the challenging and dynamic waters of Alaska, including the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea, and the Gulf of Alaska. This role requires strong leadership, deep navigational expertise, and a safety-first mindset, with proven ability to operate in remote and harsh marine environments. The Captain/Master is fully responsible for vessel safety, crew management, regulatory compliance, navigation, cargo operations (if applicable), and overall mission execution.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

Vessel Command & Operations

• Serve as master of the vessel, maintaining full responsibility for safe navigation and operation.
• Plan and execute voyages in Alaska waters, including ice-affected regions and remote routes.
• Maintain readiness for changing sea states, weather extremes, limited port support, and emergency response needs.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with USCG regulations (if applicable) and company safety policies.
• Conduct safety drills, emergency preparedness training, and maintain a strong safety culture onboard.
• Oversee vessel inspections, audits, and required documentation.

Crew Leadership

• Lead, manage, and mentor crew members in a professional and respectful manner.
• Ensure crew competency, proper watch schedules, fatigue management, and adherence to maritime best practices.
• Coordinate with Chief Mate, Chief Engineer, and department heads to ensure smooth vessel operations.

Navigation & Watchkeeping

• Maintain high standards of watchkeeping and navigational accuracy.
• Utilize ECDIS, radar, AIS, GPS, and traditional navigation methods as required.
• Manage route planning, bridge resource management, and risk mitigation.

Maintenance & Reporting

• Coordinate maintenance and operational needs with engineering and shore-side management.
• Maintain accurate logs, voyage reports, safety records, and incident reports.
• Communicate regularly with company leadership on vessel status, schedule, and operational needs.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong leadership and crew management ability.
• Calm, decisive judgment under pressure.
• Excellent communication (ship-to-shore, crew, regulatory agencies).
• High attention to safety, detail, and compliance.
• Strong problem-solving and operational planning skills.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid USCG Master License (appropriate tonnage for vessel size).
• Prefer a master of tow endorsement.
• STCW certification (current and appropriate for role).
• Current TWIC.
• Current USCG medical certificate.
• Proven experience as Master/Captain on large vessels (shipping, cargo, research, offshore support, or similar).
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Cold weather operations.
  • Heavy seas and remote operations.
  • Emergency response protocols.
  • USCG maritime compliance.

• Must be able to pass:

  • Pre-employment drug screening
  • Background check
  • Physical/medical clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior command experience specifically in:
  • Bering Sea
  • Chukchi Sea
  • Beaufort Sea
  • Gulf of Alaska
• Ice navigation experience and/or polar operations background.
• Experience with:
  • Dynamic weather routing.
  • Long-duration remote deployments.
  • Cargo handling, towing, or specialized mission operations (as applicable).

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to perform prolonged standing, sitting, twisting, kneeling, squatting, and reaching.
• Full range of motion of extremities and spine.
• Good balance and coordination on uneven and slippery surfaces.
• Ability to climb ladders, stairwells, and pushknees.
• Ability to step 2 feet horizontally and vertically when transferring between vessels and docks.
• Ability to lift:
  • 65 lbs floor to knuckle (daily)
  • 65 lbs floor to waist (daily)
  • 30 lbs floor to shoulder (daily)
  • 10 lbs floor to crown (daily)
  • Ability to carry 30 lbs for 30 feet
  • Ability to perform medium-heavy labor in extreme weather conditions while wearing required PPE.

Working Conditions:

• Rotational schedule or extended deployments (depending on contract needs).
• Work performed in harsh and remote Arctic/Alaska conditions.