Port Captain

*Role:* The Tow Master is the technical authority for the towage. They own the tow arrangement, connection, passage and handover, and advise Owners, the tug Master and Vanguard on every go/no-go call. Masters keep their authority to act for safety.

*Responsibilities*
- Review and accept the towing arrangement, including the tug's bollard pull certificate, towline, pennants and gear inventory.
- Verify the vessel is prepared for an unmanned tow: rudder and shaft locked, emergency towing gear rigged, lights fitted, vessel closed up and condition recorded.
- Run the readiness gate. Co-sign with the Master and Vanguard, and do not release the tow until every line is initialled.
- Direct the connection and departure in daylight within the weather limits, with go/no-go authority on tow behaviour. Observe the tow before the Strait.
- Control the Strait of Hormuz transit: daylight entry inside a forecast window, assisting tug in company, correct lights, shapes and AIS, and traffic service and UKMTO reporting.
- Monitor the Gulf passage: towline tension, scope, yaw, trim and freeboard, trailing gear and weather. Decide on speed, shortening or lengthening the line, heaving to or running for refuge.
- Approve any boarding at sea against the weather limits.
- Run the pre-agreed emergency actions for a parted tow, flooding or loss of lights.
- Direct arrival, mooring party, harbour tugs and disconnection at ASRY, and recover the gear.
- Report daily to Vanguard Management and provide the passage log and photographic record for close-out.

*If remote:* Same authority and duties, run through the tug Master and Vanguard's attending representative. Report to Vanguard Management on the agreed schedule.

*Requirements*
- Master Mariner or equivalent with recent ocean and dead-ship towage experience.
- Emergency towing system and chain stopper experience, and salvage or casualty tow experience.
- Knowledge of bollard pull, towline sizing and weather limits.
- Experience with traffic separation schemes and high-risk area reporting.
- Valid STCW and passport. Able to board a vessel at sea by ladder.
- Clear written reporting. Calm and decisive under pressure.