Assistant Dry Dock Master

Assistant Dry Dock Master

Location: Port Arthur, TX

Job Type: Direct Hire / Full-Time

Salary: Up to $95,000 annually, depending on experience

Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Dry Dock Master to support vessel dry-docking operations at a shipyard facility in Port Arthur, Texas.

This is an excellent opportunity for a marine or shipyard professional with hands-on experience in vessel docking and undocking operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of docking plans, vessel positioning, blocking arrangements, stability, and shipyard safety procedures.

Candidates must have direct dry-docking experience. General ship repair, vessel maintenance, or marine construction experience alone will not meet the requirements for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and executing vessel docking and undocking operations.
• Develop and review docking plans, blocking arrangements, and vessel positioning requirements.
• Monitor vessel draft, trim, stability, displacement, and weight distribution throughout docking operations.
• Coordinate with vessel representatives, project managers, production teams, tug operators, crane operators, and shipyard personnel.
• Verify proper placement of keel blocks, side blocks, shores, and other docking supports.
• Monitor vessels throughout docking and undocking evolutions and identify potential safety or stability concerns.
• Assist with inspections and maintenance of dry docks, pumping systems, blocking systems, and mooring equipment.
• Ensure all docking activities follow established safety procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Participate in pre-docking meetings, job safety analyses, and operational planning.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to docking and undocking activities.
• Support emergency response procedures and waterfront operations.

Required Qualifications

• Direct, hands-on experience with vessel dry-docking operations.
• Previous experience participating in vessel docking and undocking evolutions.
• Working knowledge of vessel blocking, shoring, docking plans, draft, trim, stability, and weight distribution.
• Experience working with floating or graving dry docks.
• Background in commercial shipyards, government shipyards, military shipyards, or major vessel repair facilities.
• Ability to read and interpret vessel drawings, docking plans, and technical specifications.
• Strong understanding of shipyard and marine safety procedures.
• Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Assistant Dry Dock Master, Dry Dock Supervisor, Docking Officer, Docking Foreman, Dockmaster, or similar position.
• Experience with large commercial, industrial, government, or military vessels.
• Supervisory or leadership experience in dry dock or waterfront operations.
• Knowledge of OSHA shipyard regulations and applicable marine industry safety standards.
• High school diploma or GED required; additional marine, engineering, or technical education is preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive annual salary of up to $95,000, depending on experience.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Full-time, direct-hire opportunity.
• Opportunity to work in a specialized marine and vessel repair environment.
• A key role supporting critical shipyard and dry-docking operations.

Important: Candidates must have actual vessel dry-docking experience. Experience limited to general ship repair, welding, shipfitting, vessel maintenance, marine construction, or port operations will not qualify without direct involvement in docking and undocking procedures.

If you have hands-on dry-docking experience and are looking for your next opportunity in the marine industry, we encourage you to apply!