Assistant Dockmaster

Company Overview:

Gulf Copper LLC, a subsidiary of Davie Defense, is a leading Marine Repair and New Construction company based in Galveston, Texas, with more than 75 years of ship repair and fabrication experience on the Gulf Coast. Gulf Copper’s primary business is the repair and refurbishment of marine vessels, ship construction, and fabrication for transportation, government, and oil and gas markets.

Benefits:

• 401 (k)
• Group Health & Dental Plan
• Short-& Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life & Voluntary Life Insurance
• Holiday & Vacation Pay
• Employee Assistance Program

1. Docking & Undocking Operations 

• Assist the Dock Master planning and executing vessel docking and undocking procedures. 

• Help position and secure vessels using blocks, lines, and support equipment. 

• Monitor ballast operations, dock flooding, and pumping procedures. 

• Ensure all safety protocols and operational checklists are followed during movements. 

2. Operational Support 

• Inspect dry dock equipment, block setups, pumps, valves, and mechanical systems before operations. 

• Assist in maintaining accurate measurements for block placement and keel support. 

• Perform routine checks and help troubleshoot dock machinery, valves, cranes, and support equipment. 

• Maintain clean, safe, and hazard-free dock work areas. 

3. Safety & Compliance 

• Enforce safety procedures and PPE compliance for all personnel working around the dock. 

• Participate in Job Safety Analysis, safety drills, hazard assessments, and toolbox meetings. 

• Ensure operations follow company policies, USCG, OSHA, and environmental regulations. 

• Report unsafe conditions, equipment failures, or operational concerns immediately. 

4. Communications & Coordination 

• Coordinate with vessel crews, production teams, maintenance staff, and supervisors. 

• Relay instructions from the Dock Master to support crews and contractors. 

• Maintain accurate logs, checklists, and reports on dock activities and equipment status. 

• Assist in scheduling and planning docks operations when needed. 

5. Maintenance & Facility Support 

• Assist with preventive and corrective maintenance of dry dock systems. 

• Help ensure block inventories, rigging, and support gear are stored and maintained properly. 

• Support facility upkeep between docking operations. 

Required Education & Experience: 

1. High school diploma or GED required; technical or safety-related education preferred. 

2. Associate’s degree or technical training in maritime operations, marine engineering, or related maritime field. 

3. Four (4) to seven (7) years of shipyard or maritime operations experience. 

4. Two (2) – three (3) years of direct dry dock experience (floating dock or graving dock) 

5. Prior participation in multiple docking and undocking evolutions. 

6. Experience with commercial, offshore, or government vessels.  

7. OSHA Maritime Safety Training is preferred. 

8. Crane/Rigging Certification preferred.  

9. Confined Space & working at heights preferred training. 

Working Conditions: 

1. Work is performed primarily in an active shipyard and dry dock environment, including floating and/or graving docks. 

2. Regular exposure to outdoor conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, rain, wind, and marine weather. 

3. Exposure to industrial hazards such as heavy equipment, moving vessels, crane, noise, welding operations, fuels, and chemicals; strict adherence to safety procedures is required. 

4. Requires frequent walking, standing, climbing ladders and stairs, and working on uneven or wet surfaces. 

5. May require entry into confined spaces and working at heights while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE). 

6. Must be able to respond to emergency situations quickly and decisively during dock operations. 

7. Work schedule may include extended hours, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage, particularly during docking and undocking evolutions. 

8. High-pressure environment during critical vessel movements requiring strong situational awareness and decision-making. 

9. Direct interaction with shipyard personnel, vessel crews, inspectors, and third-party throughout operations.  

Necessary Equipment Operation: 

1. Use of two-way radios and headsets. 

2. Use of basic computer systems for logging dock data and reports. 

3. Assist with operation & monitoring of dry dock ballast systems, including pumps, valves, control panels, and alarms. 

4. Verify correct placement and condition of blocking materials during docking preparations.  

Special Skills: 

1. Strong understanding of vessel structures, hull shapes, and stability fundamentals. 

2. Ability to read dock plans, blueprints, and technical drawings. 

3. Basic mechanical/electrical troubleshooting skills. 

4. Strong communication and teamwork skills. 

5. Ability to perform tanks inspections. 

6. Ability to work outdoors in all weather and perform physical labor.  

* An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters. If you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please email: [email protected].  If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail: [email protected].