Captain - National Geographic Quest

Lindblad Expeditions•Seattle, WA

10d•$700 - $780

About The Position

Lindblad Expeditions is hiring a Captain for the National Geographic Quest. The Captain is responsible for the overall safety of the vessel and oversight of its crew and operations. Maritime safety and protection of the marine environment are the Captain’s primary concerns. The role is responsible for onboard actions and procedures affecting the Company, compliance with USCG, SOLAS, and other international requirements, and adherence to U.S. and foreign laws. The Captain supervises senior officers and the Hotel Manager, oversees crew performance and development, coordinates daily vessel operations, and communicates with company offices, officials, guests, and crew. The role oversees vessel administration, navigation and watch duties, small-boat operations, safety and security, emergency response, inspections, and guest and public relations. The position follows an approximately 6-weeks-on, 6-weeks-off rotational schedule, with approximately 12 working hours per day at varied hours.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience as Captain or Chief Mate on passenger-carrying vessels.
Experience operating port-to-port between Southeast Alaska, the Snake and Columbia Rivers, the Gulf of California, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama, including the Panama Canal, is preferred.
Ability to perform voyage planning and navigational calculations.
Familiarity with communications equipment including cell phones, satellite phones, email, SSB, VHF, SAT-C, and GMDSS.
Excellent crisis-management skills; ability to work under pressure and act quickly and decisively using sound judgment.
Supervisory experience in a maritime environment.
Proficiency with computer systems and MS software applications in a Windows operating system.
Ability to troubleshoot, act confidently, and make sound decisions using good judgment.
Excellent communication skills, including presenting sensitive information in one-on-one settings and public speaking in groups.
Excellent written English skills and ability to prepare professional documents and reports promptly.
Good customer-service skills, tact, courtesy, and a professional demeanor.
USCG Master 500 GRT Near Coastal and Master Less Than 3,000 GT STCW Endorsement.
Current USCG Medical Card per STCW expiration date (2 years).
Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
Valid TWIC card and valid US Passport.
STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) certification and STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) completed within the last 5 years.
STCW Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Certificate, Bridge Resource Management (BRM), Medical Person in Charge (MedPIC), Crowd Management (CM), Crisis Management and Human Behavior (CMHB), and Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Other than Fast Rescue Boat (PSC).
Radar Observer (RO) endorsement, GMDSS license, ECDIS endorsement, and ARPA endorsement.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Specimen Collector qualification.
Must complete required pre-employment screening, drug testing, and physical examination and be determined fit for sea duty; continued employment depends on consent to and passing applicable tests.
Ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos in English and communicate professionally in writing and orally.

Nice To Haves

Passenger-vessel route experience in the specified regions, including the Panama Canal.
Supervisory oversight of hotel operations.
Additional Spanish language skills.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise the Chief Engineer, Chief Mate, 2nd Mate, 3rd Mate, and Hotel Manager, and indirectly supervise all crew assigned to the vessel.
Coordinate with the Expedition Leader to provide guests with an effective expedition experience.
Monitor work performance, conduct written evaluations, ensure other officers complete evaluations, and coach, discipline, or terminate crew as appropriate.
Assist with training and development of direct reports and new or relief Captains.
Hold daily operational meetings with the Hotel Manager, Expedition Leader, Chief Engineer, and Chief Mate, and weekly informational meetings with staff, officers, and crew.
Respond to concerns, complaints, and allegations; investigate as necessary and notify Fleet Management of potentially escalating problems.
Distribute information among officers, crew, staff, guests, and the Seattle and New York offices.
Prepare customs and immigration paperwork with the Purser and attend vessel clearance meetings with officials.
Oversee reporting of vessel incidents and, through the officers, oversee vessel management, operations, maintenance, repairs, accounting reports, payroll, inventory, and requisitions.
Perform bridge navigation and deck watch as needed, determine the vessel’s position, maintain navigation and radio logs, and handle the vessel in docking, anchoring, piloting, and other conditions.
Act as Radio Officer for ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and radiotelephone communications.
Navigate to avoid marine hazards and direct deckhands in lookout and helm duties as needed.
Complete pilotage logs for trips in Alaska, British Columbia, and on the Columbia and Snake Rivers to meet pilotage requirements and stand watch unsupervised.
Drive inflatable boats as necessary and oversee or assist with loading guests, staff, and crew.
Oversee guest safety briefings and coordinate onboard drills with the Chief Mate.
Ensure compliance with company safety and pollution-prevention policies, inspect for safe vessel operations, and oversee vessel security, including gangway watch while docked.
Coordinate off-ship emergency medical aid, assist with first aid and medical incident documentation, and oversee required drug and alcohol testing.
Prepare for and attend USCG annual drydocks and other required inspections, participate in required training, and comply with applicable safety, security, and regulatory requirements.
Ensure compliance with the company Safety Management System, including emergency response activities.
Host onboard social functions and participate in guest activities.
Maintain a positive company image with local agents, officials, and area residents.