Captain

Pacific Whale Foundation•Lahaina, HI

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Captain reports to the Port Captain and is responsible for the safe navigation, operation, and overall command of the vessel, the safety and wellbeing of all passengers and crew, and full compliance with all USCG and company regulations. The Captain sets the tone for the trip, leading the crew in delivering an outstanding, place-based guest experience rooted in Hawaiian cultural values and ocean stewardship. The ideal Captain is a seasoned mariner with strong ship-handling skills under sail and power, genuine local knowledge of Maui Nui's waters, and a natural ability to lead a crew while sharing a deep connection to this place with every guest aboard.

Requirements

USCG Master's license, 100 Gross Ton, with Sailing Endorsement required.
Valid Marine Radio Operator's Permit.
First Aid/CPR, Oxygen and AED certifications, Hawaii Food Handlers Certification, and Maui Bar Card holder required within 3 months of hire.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test per company policy; ongoing participation in the USCG random drug testing program required.
Current USCG medical certificate and TWIC card required.
Strong swimmer, able to free dive to 30'.
Work long days (12+ hours) in hot /humid/wet environment aboard a moving vessel at sea.
Bend and safely lift up to 35 lbs. to a height of 3 feet and carry 30 feet.
Team lift (with at least one other person) over 35 lbs.
Ride on small transport vessels in rough, bumpy seas; climb from small transport vessels onto the main vessel in moving seas.
Stand for extended periods on a moving vessel, with periodic stepping/running/jumping.
Frequent bending and squatting.
Climb and crawl into/within/out of small spaces on the vessel.
Lift, carry, throw, pull, and coil/secure lines.

Nice To Haves

Experience sailing from Māʻalaea Harbor and around Maui Nui strongly preferred.
Familiarity with Native Hawaiian culture, mo'olelo , and place-based knowledge of Maui and its nearshore waters strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Hold vessel and crew in full USCG compliance at all times; comply with all USCG and company policies, procedures, and rules.
Maintain working knowledge of vessel systems, safety requirements, and procedures; lead vessel drills and comply with our Substance Abuse Policy as required by the USCG.
Ensure passenger safety through constant situational awareness and administering appropriate first aid as needed.
Deliver weather concerns to guests and issue weather warnings when appropriate and according to policy.
Oversee daily vessel maintenance, cleaning, and pre/post-trip checks, and report deficiencies promptly.
Make necessary repairs to vessel and equipment; coordinate additional repairs with the Port Captain and/or Maintenance team as needed.
Command the vessel and execute safe navigation under both sail and power, including route and weather assessment, docking, mooring, and anchoring, accounting for Maui Nui's currents, wind patterns, and channel conditions.
Directly supervise and support crew during boarding, disembarking, line handling, docking, and mooring operations.
Mentor and develop crew, reinforcing safety culture and service standards.
Set the tone for a place-based, regenerative tourism experience, partnering with the Naturalist to put marine life and ocean stewardship at the heart of every trip.
Support food and beverage service and other guest-facing operations as needed.
Conduct community outreach/education/conservation activities as directed by the Port Captain.
Attend Dry Dock.
Perform other duties as assigned.