CUTTER CAPTAIN

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safe, efficient and compliant command and navigation of the Self-Propelled Cutter Suction Dredger (SPCSD) during dredging, sailing, maneuvering, berthing and unberthing operations.
• Ensure overall command of the vessel in accordance with company policies, Flag State requirements, Class rules, ISM Code, COLREGs and applicable local/international maritime regulations.
• Plan and execute vessel movements, dredging transits and operational activities in coordination with the Dredging Superintendent, Project Management and Marine Operations teams.
• Maintain effective bridge watchkeeping, navigational safety and passage planning, including electronic navigation, chart management, position monitoring and route assessment.
• Take direct command during critical maneuvers, restricted visibility, adverse weather, heavy traffic, close-quarter situations and complex dredging-area movements.
• Coordinate closely with the Dredge Master/Chief Officer, Chief Engineer and dredging/technical teams to ensure safe integration of marine, propulsion and dredging systems.
• Supervise the vessel's self-propulsion, steering, thruster and anchoring operations, ensuring that maneuvering capabilities are fully understood and safely utilized.
• Ensure safe positioning and movement of the SPCSD during cutter-head deployment, dredging, swing operations, spud/anchor handling and relocation between dredging areas.
• Monitor vessel stability, trim, draught, freeboard and loading conditions throughout dredging and transit operations, taking corrective action where required.
• Ensure compliance with project-specific dredging plans, exclusion zones, underwater obstructions, pipelines, cables, structures, navigation channels and other site constraints.
• Maintain continuous situational awareness of surrounding traffic and coordinate with VTS, port authorities, pilots, tugs, support vessels and other project craft as required.
• Lead emergency preparedness and response onboard, including fire, flooding, collision, grounding, man-overboard, loss of propulsion/steering and abandon-ship situations.
• Ensure effective implementation of the vessel's Safety Management System, Permit-to-Work procedures, toolbox meetings, risk assessments and Stop Work Authority.
• Conduct regular inspections of navigation equipment, lifesaving appliances, firefighting equipment, communication systems and other critical marine safety equipment.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of deck, bridge, navigation, safety and statutory records, logbooks, checklists, permits and operational reports.
• Liaise with Flag State, Class, Port State Control, Marine Warranty Surveyors, project representatives and other authorities during inspections, audits and certification activities.
• Supervise and mentor deck officers, marine crew and junior personnel, promoting strong safety culture, discipline, teamwork and professional standards onboard.
• Monitor crew competence, certification, familiarization and training requirements and ensure adequate manning and watchkeeping arrangements for all operations.
• Participate in incident, near-miss and non-conformity investigations, identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Review weather, tide, current, sea-state and operational forecasts and determine safe operating limits for dredging, navigation and vessel relocation.
• Maintain close coordination with the Chief Engineer regarding propulsion, power generation, steering, thrusters and other systems critical to safe navigation.
• Ensure effective communication between bridge, engine room, dredging control room, deck teams and shore management during all critical operations.
• Contribute to mobilization, commissioning, sea trials and operational readiness of the SPCSD, including verification of navigation, propulsion, communication and safety systems.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of modern integrated bridge systems, DP/positioning or assisted-positioning systems where fitted, ECDIS, radar/ARPA, AIS, GMDSS and vessel automation systems.
• Ensure operational decisions consistently priorities personnel safety, environmental protection, vessel integrity and compliance while achieving project production and schedule requirements.

Qualifications

• Certified Master(unlimited) license as per STCW convention.
• Advanced & Basic STCW trainings.
• Medical certificate as per MLC.
• Minimum 10 years' experience on Cutter Suction Dredgers.

Company