Captain - National Geographic Quest

Lindblad Expeditions•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Captain is responsible for the overall safety of the National Geographic Quest and oversees all crew and vessel operations. Maritime safety and protection of the marine environment are the Master’s primary concerns. The Captain is accountable for onboard actions and procedures affecting the Company, compliance with USCG, SOLAS, other applicable international conventions and requirements, and compliance with U.S. and foreign laws. The role directly supervises the Chief Engineer, Chief Mate, 2nd Mate, 3rd Mate, and Hotel Manager, and indirectly supervises all crew assigned to the vessel. The Captain coordinates vessel operations and guest welfare, evaluates and develops crew, manages administrative and regulatory responsibilities, performs navigation and watch duties as needed, and oversees safety, security, small-boat operations, and guest relations. The schedule is approximately 12 hours per day at varied hours, on a rotational schedule of approximately six weeks on and six weeks off. Compensation is listed at $700–$780 per day. Employment is contingent on required drug testing, a pre-offer background check, and a post-offer physical examination confirming fitness for sea duty. The company recommends that new hires be up to date on vaccines and requires compliance with country-specific vaccination requirements.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience as a Captain or Chief Mate on passenger-carrying vessels.
Required supervisory experience in a maritime environment.
Ability to perform voyage planning and navigational calculations.
Familiarity with communication 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.
Proficiency with computer systems and MS software applications in a Windows operating system.
Ability to troubleshoot, respond quickly with confidence, and make sound decisions using good judgment.
Excellent communication skills, including presenting sensitive information in one-on-one situations and speaking publicly to groups.
Excellent written English skills and ability to prepare professional documents and reports promptly.
Good customer-service skills and the ability to maintain a professional demeanor and use tact and courtesy.
Ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos in English, and communicate professionally both orally and in writing.
USCG Master 500 GRT Near Coastal and Master Less Than 3,000 GT STCW Endorsement.
Current USCG Medical Card valid according to the STCW expiration date (2 years).
Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
Valid TWIC card and valid U.S. Passport.
STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) Certification.
STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) completed within the last 5 years.
STCW Vessel Security Officer (VSO) Certificate.
STCW Bridge Resource Management (BRM).
STCW Medical Person in Charge (MedPIC).
STCW Crowd Management (CM).
STCW Crisis Management and Human Behavior (CMHB).
STCW 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.
Ability to meet the required post-offer physical examination and be determined fit for sea duty.
Consent to and successful completion of required post-offer, random, reasonable-cause, and serious-marine-incident drug tests, as well as the pre-offer background check.

Nice To Haves

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.
Additional 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 expedition leadership to support the guest expedition experience.
Monitor and counsel work performance, conduct written performance evaluations, ensure other officers complete evaluations, and coach, discipline, or terminate crew as appropriate.
Support 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, crew, staff, and guest incidents.
Oversee, through the officers, vessel management, operation, maintenance, and repair, as well as accounting reports, payroll, inventory, and requisitions.
Perform bridge navigation and deck watch as needed, especially during challenging transits and in harbor limits.
Determine the vessel’s geographical position using available navigational means and maintain required navigation and radio log entries.
Handle the vessel while docking, anchoring, piloting, en route, in close quarters, and in open-sea conditions.
Serve as Radio Officer for ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and radiotelephone communications.
Navigate to avoid marine hazards using navigational aids; assign and direct deckhands to lookout and helm duties as needed.
Complete pilotage logs for trips in Alaska, British Columbia, and on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, meeting pilotage requirements and standing watch unsupervised.
Drive inflatable boats as necessary and oversee or assist with loading guests, staff, and crew into and out of them.
Oversee guest safety briefings and coordinate onboard instructional drills with the Chief Mate.
Ensure compliance with company safety and pollution-prevention policies and procedures, and request supervisory assistance or guidance when needed.
Conduct periodic inspections to ensure crew and guests follow safe-vessel-operation regulations.
Oversee vessel security at sea and at dock, ensuring a gangway watch is posted at all times while docked.
Coordinate off-ship emergency medical aid, assist the Chief Mate with first aid, and document medical incident reports.
Oversee drug and alcohol testing required by the U.S. Coast Guard and company policy.
Prepare the vessel for and attend U.S. Coast Guard annual drydocks and other required inspections.
Participate in company and shoreside training as required.
Maintain familiarity with and compliance with the ISM and ISPS Codes, USCG, Transport Canada, Health Canada, and the company Safety Management System, including emergency-response activities.
Host onboard social functions, including Captain’s Welcome Aboard and Farewell Nights, and participate in guest activities such as recaps, barbecues, and dining with guests.
Help maintain a positive company image with local agents, officials, and area residents.