Boat Captain

Huna Totem Corporation•Hoonah, AK

About The Position

The Boat Captain is responsible for all aspects of tours, voyages, and vessel operations at Icy Strait Point. Under advisement of the Fleet Captain, the Captain follows set courses and speeds, directs crew members, maintains records of vessel movements and whale sightings, supervises passenger loading and unloading, and ensures guests have a safe, excellent experience and established procedures are followed. The Captain acts as a supervisor for assigned deckhands, holding them accountable for duties and standards, providing direction and coaching, leading during emergencies, and coordinating with other Captains, Marine Operations Management, and dock staff. The Captain sets a professional example and ensures crew members follow company and Marine Operations policies, procedures, and directives. The position operates and maintains vessels and onboard equipment; adapts navigation plans to weather and whale sightings; conducts and records required safety drills; maintains operational, passenger, personnel, weather, fuel, and maintenance records; manages vessel supplies; reports mechanical issues; and cleans and restocks the vessel after tours. The Captain serves as an ambassador for Icy Strait Point and follows its guiding principles of being a best, authentic, and profitable tour destination.

Requirements

At least three years of prior experience operating a boat.
Current USCG Master’s License of at least 25 tons; a 50-ton license is required for the 49-passenger boat.
Maintain an up-to-date medical certification.
Thorough knowledge of Coast Guard and CFR 46 regulations applicable to the vessel class.
Current First Aid/CPR certification and Radio Operator’s License.
Driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Must be insurable with Icy Strait Point; DUI, DWI, negligent-driving, or reckless-driving citations within the past five years make an applicant uninsurable.
Willingness to learn about Tlingit culture.
Knowledge of, or ability to gain knowledge of, the local area, including marine life, plants, animals, and birds.
Good customer-service, verbal-communication, and presentation skills.
Ability to work well with and encourage fellow staff so they operate as an effective team.
Willingness to undergo periodic performance evaluations.
Ability to lift 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and walk more than five miles daily.
Ability to speak for long periods while walking without becoming winded.
Willingness to live in a remote, rural community and travel by small plane or ferry to and from a remote setting.
Ability to walk and drive on gravel roads in inclement weather.
Desire to develop a career at Icy Strait Point.
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Conduct all activities and decisions according to Icy Strait Point’s guiding principles.
Steer and operate vessels using navigation and communication equipment, including GPS, electronic charts, radar, depth finders, radios, buoys, and lights.
Dock and undock vessels, including in tight spaces.
Adjust navigation plans based on weather and whale sightings to protect vessels and passengers and provide a good experience.
Inspect vessels and equipment for safe, efficient operation and regulatory compliance.
Monitor gauges for safe hydraulic fluid and oxygen or air pressure levels.
Compute positions, set approved courses and speeds, and maintain knowledge of local conditions and hazards.
Direct deckhands in tasks such as rigging dock lines and fenders, operating ramps and gates, and positioning guard chains.
Supervise deckhand tour-guide skills to support an excellent and authentic guest experience.
Maintain onboard equipment and detailed records of daily activities, personnel, vessel positions and movements, weather, passenger status, and counts.
Deliver a first-class guest experience and represent Icy Strait Point while maintaining a proper uniform and professional appearance.
Conduct and log required fire, flooding, man-overboard, abandon-ship, medical, and spill-response drills in accordance with CFR 46 § 185.520, and instruct crew in the use of lifesaving and firefighting equipment.
Manage vessel supplies and notify the Supervisor when supplies are needed.
Clean vessels after tours, including removing garbage, rinsing with fresh water, washing windows, and restocking as needed.
Maintain awareness of safety rules, workplace safety, and environmental respect.
Record daily tour passenger counts and fuel expenditures.
Record oil service hours in the logbook and communicate with the marine mechanic.
Report mechanical issues to the marine mechanic.
Hold deckhands accountable for assigned duties, including attendance, punctuality, preparedness, conduct, vessel appearance, equipment care, and operational tasks.
Provide leadership during emergencies and unexpected situations, directing deckhands according to established response procedures.
Coordinate staffing and vessel and passenger operations with other Captains, Marine Operations Management, and dock staff.
Set standards for professionalism, safety, customer service, and teamwork, and maintain a visible leadership presence.
Ensure deckhands meet uniform standards and follow company and Marine Operations policies, procedures, and directives.
Provide deckhands with clear expectations and direction regarding conduct, attendance, punctuality, communication, teamwork, and professional behavior.
Address performance, conduct, uniform, or policy issues through timely coaching and corrective direction, escalating serious or continuing concerns to Marine Operations management.
Lead by example with a professional appearance, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and adaptability.
Perform other duties as assigned.