Fleet Manager

The Fleet Manager is a senior management position responsible for the material condition and readiness, as well as the overall safe, efficient, and compliant operation of a fleet of scallop and fishing vessels managed by Ocean Fleet Services.  The Fleet Manager will work closely with captains, maintenance crew, and regulatory bodies to optimize fleet performance and uphold high standards of safety, sustainability, quality and productivity.

Requirements: A minimum of 10 years’ experience in commercial scallop fishing or maritime fleet operations, including managing ship structural and mechanical systems repairs and modifications is preferred.  Candidates should have strong demonstrated leadership abilities in shipyard and operational marine fleet management.  Candidates should also have well-rounded knowledge and experience in the operation and repair of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, and  marine electrical systems.  A business-minded, hands-on manager demonstrating initiative, creative problem solving abilities, and fortitude is ideal.  Valid U.S. Coast Guard master or engineer’s license preferred.  Knowledge of the scallop fishery, including familiarity with NOAA fisheries regulations, state fishery requirements and regulations, permitting, and quota management and reporting systems also preferred.    

Primary Responsibilities:

• This role involves ensuring compliance with maritime safety and fisheries protocols, including maintaining adequate crew qualifications and sizes, and ensuring all necessary equipment is onboard all vessels.  
• Maintain fishing productivity to expected levels in all fisheries.
• Manage the costs and revenues associated with fleet operations to ensure optimal performance targets are met.
• Manage scheduling and deployment of vessels in coordination with seasonal openings and quotas.  
• Monitor fleet performance and catch data, and ensure compliance with state and federal fishing regulations (i.e., quotas, size limits, restricted areas).
• Responsible for daily vessel management, including procurement of equipment, supplies, and fuel for fleet operations.   
• Maintain all vessels in accordance with published maintenance standards and operating procedures and maintain documentation on each vessel’s material condition relative to established standards.
• Read, accurately interpret, maintain, and implement US Coast Guard regulations, with assistance from the Director of Marine Safety and Compliance.
• Ensure all electronics and vessel monitoring systems are kept in operational condition.
• Supervise vessel maintenance programs and ensure timely inspections, repairs, and regulatory certifications.  
• Develop annual repair and maintenance plans with accurate budget targets, and maintain an engine overhaul program and associated inventory of parts and spares.
• Work with the purchasing department to source and select parts suppliers and service/repair contractors/dry docks.
• Plan for and manage all vessel dockings.
• Direct tasking dock side repair operation with constantly changing priorities and work levels, including execution of emergency repair plans to optimize vessel operations.  
• Execute planned work using contracted and in house repair resources both dockside and at commercial dry dock facilities.
• Implement and enforce safety procedures and emergency response plans across the fleet.
• Ensure vessel captains complete all tasks safely, comply with proper operating procedures, maintain appropriate vessel records, and complete safety drills.
• Ensure vessel captains report all hazards, accidents, injuries, or environmental concerns immediately.
• Monitor weather conditions to support navigational decisions and respond to vessel emergencies.
• Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Participate in industry science and management seminars and meetings as required.
• Other duties as assigned.  

 This is a full-time position based in Newport News, Virginia.   Occasional travel to New Bedford, Massachusetts and other locations for industry meetings as required.

 About Ocean Fleet Services, Inc. 

Ocean Fleet Services specializes in the management of U.S. flagged fishing and aquaculture support vessels.  Ocean Fleet Services is committed to the safe and sustainable operation of these vessel fleets, delivering management and support services to vessel fleets on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.  The company also provides administrative, managerial, and operational support services to U.S. shore-side seafood processors.  Together, we focus on efficiency, compliance, and safety, and we streamline maritime logistics and shore-based operations to help our business partners thrive in a competitive seafood market.