Position Function:
Support the Marine Operations in the safe, reliable and efficient day-to-day operation of the Authority's fleet. Assist Marine Operations in tracking fleet regulatory compliance and follow-through on Safety and Quality Management System (SQMS) audits and corrective actions. Assume the responsibilities of the Port Captain in the Port Captain's absence.

Key Responsibilities:
• Direct and coordinate assigned vessel activities, crew coverage and vessel moves, and assist in preparing and modifying operating schedules, in coordination with the Port
Captain.
• Participate in the Marine Operations duty rotation. Communicate with assigned vessels during operations and help lead the response to emerging events, including weather,
mechanical casualties and service disruptions.
• Maintain the fleet compliance calendar for all vessel certificates, inspections, surveys, licenses and permits, including United States Coast Guard (USCG) Certificates of Inspection,
drydock examinations and FCC ship radio station licenses. Give the Director advance written notice of due dates and document completion before each deadline.
• Work with Human Resources Department and Vessel Operations Center to monitor crew credential and training compliance, including Merchant Mariner Credentials, medical
certificates, TWIC, drug and alcohol testing, and required drills. Maintain records ready for regulatory review.
• Inspect vessels for conformance with USCG requirements and SSA safety and cleanliness standards. Coordinate preparation for USCG inspections and internal and third-party
audits and track all findings to closure.
• Help develop and review vessel operational policies and procedures within the SQMS, consistent with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and applicable
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and help ensure they are followed throughout the fleet.
• Administer SQMS document control for Marine Operations and manage non-conformity reports and corrective actions through to verified closure.
• Observe vessel personnel and review vessel logs for conformance with SSA policies. Recommend changes in work practices and procedures to improve operations.
• Assist with investigations of accidents, incidents, injuries, near misses and customer complaints. Recommend corrective and disciplinary actions in coordination with the Port
Captain and Human Resources.
• Assist in scheduling and delivering vessel personnel training and monitor fleet-wide compliance with training requirements.
• Assist with union contract negotiations and grievances, including hearings and arbitrations.
• Track and report operational performance and compliance metrics and assist in preparing and monitoring the vessel operating budget.
• May represent SSA with the USCG and other government authorities concerning vessel operations.
• Serve as an ambassador and role model for the SQMS at all levels of the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Marine Operations.

Required Qualifications:
• Possess, at a minimum, a USCG as Master of Inland Motor Vessels of 1600 Gross Tons.
• Working knowledge of federal and state maritime regulations, including USCG vessel inspection and certification requirements, and the ISM Code.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to manage recurring deadlines, records and corrective actions through to completion.

Desired Qualifications:
• Minimum of three (3) years as Master onboard vessels of at least 1600 GRT and 150 passengers and/or high-speed craft with High-Speed Craft Code experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Marine Transportation or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Knowledge of HSQE programs, including ISO/ISM; internal or lead auditor training.
• Experience with incident investigation and root cause analysis.
• Familiarity with the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) and its implementing regulations.

Working Conditions:
This position requires availability outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, and regular travel among Authority terminals and vessels in varied weather conditions.

Salary range - $111,500 - $143,750

About the Steamship Authority:
Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority is the public ferry authority that provides lifeline transportation to the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Each year, our fleet of 11 vessels completes more than 24,000 trips, carrying close to 3 million passengers and over 675,000 vehicles. For the island communities we serve, our ferries are the primary link for residents, visitors, emergency services, and the freight that keeps daily life moving.

Position Summary:
The Director of Marine Operations leads the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Steamship Authority fleet. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director is accountable
for vessel operations, regulatory compliance, safety and environmental performance, and the financial performance of the fleet, while upholding a high standard of customer service. This role requires hands-on leadership in a fast-paced, year-round operation with tight schedules and high public visibility.

Key Responsibilities:
• Direct the day-to-day operations of the fleet in a fast-paced, schedule-driven environment.
• Set clear goals and objectives for Marine Operations team and lead them in achieving those goals.
• Identify and implement operational improvements on a continuous basis.
• Review and establish best practices, policies, and procedures that guide vessel crews in the safe operation of the fleet consistent with the Authority’s Safety and Quality Management
System (SQMS).
• Recommend, develop, and implement policies related to marine personnel and vessel operations.
• Maintain and continuously improve safety and environmental standards and procedures and ensure their full implementation across the fleet.
• Serve as an ambassador and role model for the Authority’s SQMS, using an engaging communication style to influence and drive positive change at all levels of the organization.
• Oversee the development and implementation of vessel training programs and ensure fleetwide compliance with training requirements.
• Investigate incidents and injuries, including near misses, and develop corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Oversee audits and inspections of vessel performance and compliance by the U.S. Coast Guard and other regulatory bodies.
• Communicate with vessels during operations for planning and support and lead the response to emerging events.
• Develop operating budgets for vessel operations and marine services and manage the financial performance of the fleet.
• Assist in creating and modifying operating schedules.
• Participate in and contribute to labor negotiations and dispute resolutions with three (3) marine employee bargaining units.
• Lead and develop a staff that includes both union and non-union employees, and maintain open, effective communication across teams.
• Represent the Authority at public meetings and in activities related to vessel planning and operations
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
• Minimum of five (5) years of maritime leadership experience.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation or related fields.
• U.S. Coast Guard license as Master or Chief Engineer, or equivalent related experience.
• Strong knowledge of marine operations and the maritime industry, including federal and state maritime regulations.
• Knowledge of and experience with high-speed craft operations.
• Strong knowledge of Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental (HSQE) programs, including International Safety Management (ISM) Code and International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) standards and industry best practices.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, including the ability to design and analyze operational performance metrics.
• Superior leadership, communication, and people management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Five (5) or more years of executive-level management experience in transportation planning and operations.
• Experience operating vessels, ferry systems, harbors and ports, or comparable marine transportation systems.
• Experience with daily passenger and freight service operating on tight schedules.
• Extensive experience with the regulatory and safety requirements of operating a fleet of passenger vessels, including thorough working knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard regulations
as they apply to different vessel types.
• Knowledge of emergency response protocols and coordination with emergency responders.
• Familiarity with the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) and its implementing regulations.

Working Conditions:
This position requires availability outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to respond to operational needs and emerging events. Regular travel among Authority terminals and facilities and boarding of vessels in varied weather conditions as required.