HOPPER CAPTAIN

Role Overview

Hopper Captain for NMDC Group. This is a seagoing position commanding a hopper dredger vessel.

Role Purpose

Command and manage all aspects of hopper dredger operations, including vessel navigation, dredging production, crew safety and welfare, maintenance, and compliance with regulatory and company requirements. Assume full responsibility for the safety, daily operation, and productivity of the vessel and its crew in service of the company's operational and financial goals.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Give highest priority to safety on board and motivate crew through communication of the safety policy and personal protective gear standards.
• Hold safety meetings, toolbox meetings, and conduct necessary exercises and drills on board as required.
• Analyse accidents, near accidents, and unsafe situations.
• Know and respect all relevant national and international laws and rules and remain responsible for compliance.
• Execute ISM management on board and arrange that all required drills and inspections are performed at required intervals.
• Investigate any damage to the vessel, personal injuries of crew, and environmental effects.
• Monitor any pollution and check for oil spills around the vessel and at ports and harbors.
• Identify hazards and obtain information from HSE Department.
• Make recommendations to HSE Department.
• Investigate incidents and report all accidents to the Project Manager, HSE Manager, and designated person.
• Be familiar with SMS (Safety Management System) and ISPS.
• Understand and implement Risk Assessment and PTW procedures.
• Communicate the project safety and environment plan to the crew and organise its execution.

Operational Management

• Supervise and guide activities related to the dredger and teach, advise, and guide the crew on a daily basis to increase their level of understanding of dredging activities on board.
• Exercise overall control of vessel maintenance and operation to create and maintain a high productive, efficient, and safe working environment.
• Hold final responsibility for operational management, coordinating operational, non-operational, nautical, and administrative activities, and consulting with Project Management.
• Manage the ship's daily operations, production, and crew, assuming final responsibility for all related areas.
• Coordinate with Dredging Superintendent, Technical Superintendent, and Project Manager on operational decisions.
• Have full power in coordination with DS/TS/PM to take whatever action deemed best to safeguard the interest of the vessel and its crew.
• Defend the Company's viewpoints.
• Hold final word in regards to all activities on board not limited to operations, planning, maintenance, deck department, and engine department.
• Advise and guide the crew on a daily basis to increase their level of understanding of dredging activities and nautical aspects in order to achieve higher quality, safety, technical reliability, production, and operational hours.
• Provide input on planning in agreement with SD/TS on a day-to-day basis.

Production & Reporting

• Generate production reporting on each operation.
• Provide daily production reporting to and consultation with the Project Manager and Project Team on operational activities and progress of assigned works.
• Immediately report delays (technical, weather, unexpected conditions) to the Project Management team with estimated time of resumption of work.
• Ensure that works assigned are executed safely and without risks for health, quality, and environment, both according to customer requirements and company requirements.
• Report defects to vessels or their auxiliary equipment to the Technical Department, Project Manager, and head office.
• Provide Lessons Learned register and implementation of action points.
• Provide input regarding possible upgrades, small and major modifications to improve reliability and production of the vessel.
• Execute work in accordance with local environmental prescriptions and regulations.
• Ensure all tasks and control related to quality as specified in relevant project quality plan.

Crew Management & Training

• Supervise and guide crew on the dredger.
• Keep an eye on and stimulate good cooperation and atmosphere on board by setting the example, appreciating diversity, radically countering racism and harassment, and establishing rules.
• Identify and analyse training needs.
• Teach and guide crew on board in dredging techniques and planning of deck and engine room related activities.
• Provide guidance and train subordinates to achieve common goal.
• Hold performance evaluation reviews with crew members, taking knowledge and attitude into account, and point out resulting needs for training.
• For engine room personnel, conduct performance reviews in consultation with Chief Engineer.
• Assess the crew and provide honest and detailed evaluations to all Crewing, Operations, and Technical departments.
• Exercise discipline and training of crew.

Maintenance & Equipment

• Exercise overall control of vessel maintenance.
• Keep track of all soil conveying parts (deck lines, impellers, inner/outer pump houses, sheaves, suction mouth, etc.) by means of a register based on the characteristics of the dredge material and pumped volume.
• Track wear and tear of coating pipeline.
• Keep track and plan maintenance of vessel and schedule maintenance in alignment with the project team.
• Verify if maintenance is done on time and perform regular checks if all equipment is safe for operations.
• Implement the maintenance plan of vessel in accordance with Technical Department objectives.
• Advice the Dredging Superintendent in respect of planning of the work process, dredging patterns, shore connections, etc.

Environmental & Compliance

• Responsible for correct waste treatment on board.
• Investigate any environmental effects of the vessel.
• Execute work in accordance with local environmental prescriptions and regulations.

Project Integration

• Serve as an active member of the project team led by the Project Manager.
• Work with Project Management, Dredging Superintendent, Technical Superintendent, and other stakeholders to achieve operational objectives.

General Responsibilities

• Adopt a generalist view of assigned jobs; at times, be prepared to perform duties above and beyond the scope of this role due to operational and technical requirements.
• Direct final goal is to increase the net margin of NMDC.

Qualifications & Experience

• Valid Certificate of Competency (COC) and endorsements, Class 1 Master.
• Valid GMDSS and other STCW certificates.
• Hold valid statutory license issued by flag authority for specific on board job.

Skills & Competencies

• Safety Management System (SMS) familiarity.
• ISPS familiarity.
• Risk Assessment and Permit to Work (PTW).
• Knowledge of dredging operations and techniques.
• Crew supervision and training.
• Performance evaluation and personnel management.
• Maintenance planning and vessel management.
• Production reporting and data management.
• Environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Incident investigation.
• Communication and leadership.
• Decision-making under operational and technical pressure.

Additional Information

• Captain has ultimate responsibility for the safety and daily operation of vessel and crew as prescribed by Company procedures and guidelines.
• Role involves seagoing employment on a hopper dredger.