HOPPER CAPTAIN

Role Overview

Hopper Captain for Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) with NMDC Group.

Role Purpose

Take overall command and responsibility for the safe, efficient and economical operation of the trailing suction hopper dredger, leading dredging campaigns and coordinating all vessel operations across navigation, dredging, discharge and reclamation activities.

Key Responsibilities

Navigation & Vessel Operation

• Conduct safe navigation during steaming, dredging, loading, sailing, disposal and reclamation operations.
• Plan and execute passages considering bathymetry, seabed conditions, tides, currents, weather, traffic, under-keel clearance and navigational hazards.
• Ensure effective execution of trailing operations, including control of vessel speed, heading, track, under-keel clearance and dredging pattern.
• Supervise operation of DP/joystick systems, where fitted, during dredging, manoeuvring and positioning operations.

Dredging & Discharge Operations

• Plan and execute dredging campaigns in coordination with the Chief Officer, Dredge Operator, Project Manager, Client and Marine Superintendent.
• 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 and reclamation methods.
• Monitor weather, sea state and operational limitations and suspend or modify dredging operations when conditions become unsafe.

Systems & Navigation Equipment

• Ensure effective use and monitoring of ECDIS, DGPS, AIS, radar, echo sounder, dredging and navigation software and other bridge systems.

Compliance & Permits

• Ensure compliance with dredging permits, disposal-area requirements, Port and VTS instructions and project-specific marine procedures.
• Ensure compliance with COLREGs, SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, ISM, Flag State, Class and company SMS requirements.

Team Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate bridge and dredging teams during dredging operations and maintain effective communication with the Chief Officer, Pipe Operator and Engine Department.
• Liaise with Port Authorities, Pilots, VTS, survey teams, Client representatives and other vessels during project operations.

Emergency Response & Safety Management

• Lead emergency response, drills and contingency operations including grounding, collision, flooding, fire, pollution and loss of propulsion or steering.
• Ensure effective toolbox talks, risk assessments, permits to work and implementation of project-specific HSE requirements.
• Monitor crew competency, watchkeeping standards, fatigue management, discipline and adherence to safe working practices.

Records & Reporting

• Ensure accurate maintenance of deck, bridge, dredging, stability, cargo, hopper and statutory records and reports.

Vessel Maintenance & Condition

• Maintain the vessel in a safe, seaworthy and inspection-ready condition and ensure timely reporting of defects and incidents.

Leadership

• Provide strong leadership to the vessel's marine and dredging teams, ensuring safe and productive achievement of daily dredging targets.

Qualifications & Experience

• Valid Certificate of Competency and endorsements for Class 1 Master.
• 10 years experience onboard Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger.

Skills & Competencies

• Valid GMDSS certification.
• Medical fitness and other STCW certificates as required.