HOPPER CAPTAIN

Captain for Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger.

• Take overall command and responsibility for the safe, efficient and economical operation of the TSHD.
• Plan and execute dredging campaigns in coordination with the Chief officer/Dredge operator, Project Manager, Client and Marine Superintendent.
• Conduct safe navigation during steaming, dredging, loading, sailing, disposal and reclamation operations.
• Ensure effective execution of trailing operations, including control of vessel speed, heading, track, under-keel clearance and dredging pattern.
• Monitor and manage hopper loading, draft, trim, stability, free surface effect and loading limits in accordance with approved stability criteria.
• Ensure safe operation during bottom-door, rainbow, pump-ashore or other designated discharge/reclamation methods.
• Coordinate bridge and dredging teams during dredging operations and maintain effective communication with the Chief Officer/Pipe Operator and Engine Department.
• Plan and execute passages considering bathymetry, seabed conditions, tides, currents, weather, traffic, UKC and navigational hazards.
• Ensure effective use and monitoring of ECDIS, DGPS, AIS, radar, echo sounder, dredging/navigation software and other bridge systems.
• Supervise operation of DP/joystick systems, where fitted, during dredging, manoeuvring and positioning operations.
• Ensure compliance with dredging permits, disposal-area requirements, Port/VTS instructions and project-specific marine procedures.
• Monitor weather, sea state and operational limitations and suspend/modify dredging operations when conditions become unsafe.
• Ensure compliance with COLREGs, SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, ISM, Flag State, Class and company SMS requirements.
• Lead emergency response, drills and contingency operations including grounding, collision, flooding, fire, pollution and loss of propulsion/steering.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of deck, bridge, dredging, stability, cargo/hopper and statutory records and reports.
• Liaise with Port Authorities, Pilots, VTS, survey teams, Client representatives and other vessels during project operations.
• Monitor crew competency, watchkeeping standards, fatigue management, discipline and adherence to safe working practices.
• Ensure effective toolbox talks, risk assessments, permits to work and implementation of project-specific HSE requirements.
• Maintain the vessel in a safe, seaworthy and inspection-ready condition and ensure timely reporting of defects and incidents.
• Provide strong leadership to the vessel's marine and dredging teams, ensuring safe and productive achievement of daily dredging targets.
• Valid COC & endorsements, Class 1 Master
• Valid GMDSS, Medical fitness & other STCW certificates
• 10 years experience onboard Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger.