Patrol Captain
Location - Pompano Beach/Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Employment Type - Full-Time
Schedule
· Four (4) days on, three (3) days off
· 10-hour shifts (times vary)
· Weekends and holidays included
· Additional shifts available
· Long-distance towing and special project assignments as needed
About Us
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale has been serving South Florida boaters since 1989. We provide 24/7 marine assistance, towing, salvage, launch services, line handling, and commercial marine support throughout Broward and southern Palm Beach Counties. We are a family-owned and operated company committed to safety, professionalism, and exceptional customer service.
Position Summary
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale is seeking motivated and professional Captains to join one of the nation’s leading marine towing and salvage organizations. This is a fast-paced, hands-on position where no two days are alike. Patrol Captains respond to a wide variety of situations including disabled vessels, groundings, salvage operations, emergency response calls, fuel deliveries, jump starts, ungroundings, and long-distance towing assignments.
In addition to responding to service calls, Patrol Captains are responsible for maintaining the operational readiness, cleanliness, and overall condition of the company fleet. This includes conducting routine inspections, performing preventative maintenance, identifying repair needs, and ensuring all vessels, equipment, and systems are properly maintained and ready for service.
This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in challenging environments, enjoy problem-solving, take pride in vessel care and professionalism, and are committed to helping boaters during stressful situations. Successful candidates must be dependable, safety-focused, customer-oriented, and capable of operating as a team and independently while making sound decisions in changing marine conditions.
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale provides extensive real-world training and experience. Captains quickly develop advanced boat handling, towing, troubleshooting, vessel maintenance, and decision-making skills that would take many years to acquire elsewhere in the marine industry. Advancement opportunities are available for motivated individuals seeking long-term careers in marine operations.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
· Safely operate company towing vessels in a variety of marine environments and weather conditions single handed.
· Respond to disabled vessels, groundings, emergency assistance calls, and salvage incidents.
· Perform towing, ungrounding, fuel delivery, battery jump starts, and other marine assistance services.
· Assess situations and determine appropriate response strategies while maintaining safety.
· Communicate professionally with co- workers, customers, dispatch personnel, law enforcement, Coast Guard personnel, marinas, and other marine professionals.
· Complete service reports, work orders, and operational documentation accurately and timely.
· Perform routine vessel maintenance, preventative maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs to ensure the company fleet remains safe, reliable, and mission-ready.
· Conduct routine vessel maintenance and identify repair needs.
· Maintain vessel cleanliness, readiness, and operational reliability.
· Participate in training, safety meetings, and continuing education programs.
· Promote BoatU.S. memberships and company services when appropriate.
· Represent the company professionally at all times.
Required Qualifications
· USCG Master License with Near Coastal Rating (50 Ton minimum).
· Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement.
· Radar Endorsement.
· STCW Certification.
· Current TWIC Card.
· Valid Passport.
· Valid Driver’s License.
· Reliable Transportation.
· Ability to participate in a random drug testing program.
· Strong communication and customer service skills.
· Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.
Preferred Qualifications
· Experience operating towing vessels or commercial vessels.
· Strong boat handling and docking skills.
· Mechanical troubleshooting experience.
· Scuba certification.
· Knowledge of South Florida waterways.
· Positive attitude and strong teamwork skills.
· Previous marine assistance, towing, law enforcement, military, or emergency response experience.
Physical Requirements
· Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 75 pounds.
· Ability to board vessels from docks, seawalls, floating docks, and vessels of varying sizes.
· Ability to climb ladders and move safely between vessels.
· Ability to work on uneven, wet, and slippery surfaces.
· Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach for extended periods.
· Ability to perform various tasks in varying sea and weather conditions.
· Ability to work outdoors in heat, humidity, rain, wind, and direct sunlight.
· Ability to safely perform duties while underway in rough water conditions.
· Ability to enter confined spaces and assist with vessel inspections when required.
· Ability to respond to emergency situations at any hour during scheduled shifts.
· Ability to respond to emergencies and perform physically demanding tasks when required.
· Ability to swim and dive in inland waterways and ocean.
Benefits
· 401(k)
· Health Insurance
· Dental Insurance
· Supplemental Insurance
· Paid Time Off
· Professional Development and Training Opportunities
Why Join Our Team?
· Locally owned and operated since 1989.
· Extensive hands-on training and professional development.
· Opportunity to gain advanced towing, salvage, and vessel handling experience.
· Stable, year-round employment.
· Work with one of the most experienced marine assistance organizations in the country.
· Opportunities for advancement within the company.
· Make a meaningful difference by helping boaters in need every day.