Marine Ops

Boat Captain

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The Captain is responsible for every aspect of the tour, voyage and vessel. Under advisement of the Fleet Captain follows set courses and speed, direct crew members, and ensure that the guests are happy and proper procedures are followed. Maintains logs and records of the ship's movements and whale sightings. They ensure the guest experience is excellent and supervises the loading and unloading of passengers.

Supervision Responsibilities:

  • Deckhands assigned to your whale tour

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Conduct all activities and decisions according to Icy Strait Point’s guiding principles: Best, Authentic and Profitable Tour Destination.
  • Steer and operate vessels using equipment such as GPS, electronic chart, radar, depth finders, radios, buoys, and lights.
  • Dock and undock vessels, sometimes navigating through tight spaces.
  • Alter navigation plans based on weather conditions and whale sightings to keep vessels, passengers safe and create a great experience.
  • Inspect boat to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and their conformity to regulations
  • Read gauges to ensure safe levels of hydraulic fluid and oxygen or air pressure
  • Compute positions, set approved courses and speed, gain excellent knowledge of local conditions and hazardous areas.
  • Signal deckhands to perform necessary tasks, including rigging dock lines and fenders, open or close ramps and gates and pull guard chains across entries.
  • Supervise Deckhand tour guide skills to ensure experience is excellent and authentic.
  • Maintain all onboard equipment, and keep detailed records of daily activities, personnel reports, ship positions and movements, weather conditions, passenger status and counts
  • Deliver a first-class experience to all guests and visitors, acting as an ambassador of Icy Strait Point, presentable always in proper uniform while on site. 
  • Must conduct and log all drills including fire, flooding, man overboard, abandon ship, medical, and spill response in accordance with CFR 46 ss 185.520 and provide instruction on the use of all lifesaving & firefighting equipment. 
  • Inventory management of vessel supplies and inform Supervisor when supplies are needed.
  • Responsible for clean-up of vessel after each tour, remove garbage, hose down vessel with fresh water, wash windows, and re-stock as necessary
  • Maintain awareness of safety rules, workplace safety and respect for the environment. Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Record keeping of tour pax count and fuel expenditures daily.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:

  • Must hold and maintain at minimum a current, 25-ton USCG Master’s License, 50-ton for 49 Pax boat.
  • Three years prior experience operating a boat.
  • Thorough knowledge of Coast Guard and CFR 46 regulations applicable to class of vessel.
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification and Radio Operators License
  • Driver’s License with clean driving record.
  • Must be insurable with Icy Strait Point (DUI, DWI, negligent or reckless driving citations within the past 5 years is uninsurable).
  • Must have a willingness to learn about Tlingit culture.
  • Knowledge of (or ability to gain knowledge of) the local area (marine life, plants, animals, birds).
  • Must have good customer service, verbal communication and presentation skills
  • Work well with and encourage fellow staff so they operate as an effective team.
  • Undergo periodic performance evaluations for continued success.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

  • Able to lift 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and walk 5+ miles daily.
  • Prolonged periods standing and walking.
  • Physically able to speak for long periods of time while walking without becoming winded.
  • Willing to live in a remote, rural community 
  • Comfortable traveling by small plane or ferry to and from a remote setting
  • Able to walk and drive on gravel roads in inclement weather
  • Desire to develop a career at Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned and operated enterprise and offers Native Preference under P.O. 93-638.