Captain - 2027

American Cruise Lines

12h•Onsite

About The Position

American Cruise Lines is seeking experienced Captains to lead its U.S.-flag fleet, which operates on inland and coastal waterways throughout the United States. The company’s modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests and are designed for safe navigation and exceptional service. Captains are responsible for safe vessel operations, compliance with company and regulatory standards, and professional leadership. They are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways, and serve guests and crews as meticulous professionals and role models. Captains work aboard vessels during the cruise season, typically from March through November, on a rotation of four weeks on and four weeks off. Depending on fleet needs, some routes use a six-weeks-on, three-weeks-off rotation. The full-time, exempt position includes onboard accommodations and chef-prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates a bridge simulator for recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. The company provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training. The role is based at job sites across the nation.

Requirements

U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license of at least 100 GRT with a Near Coastal endorsement.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
At least 2 years of Captain experience on coastal and river waterways.
Excellent communication and team-building skills.
Pass a pre-employment drug test and participate continually in random testing.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment subject to constant motion from wind, waves, and currents.
Ability to work around 12 hours per day and stand for the entire shift.
Ability to assist during an onboard emergency by quickly climbing a ladder and opening and passing through a 20-inch-diameter hatch.
Ability to frequently lift up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to frequently bend, squat, and reach, and to use stairs frequently.
Ability to live and work aboard a vessel for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Master’s license of 1,600 GRT or greater.
Five years of Captain experience on coastal and river waterways.
Z-drive experience.
For Great Lakes Captains, route familiarization and recency in all or several of these areas: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary’s River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.

Responsibilities

Ensure the safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.
Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
Oversee the Shipboard Engineer.
Coordinate major engineering repairs with port engineers.
Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
Provide visible leadership through announcements, rounds, and guest interaction.