Captain

The vessel’s Master directs the operations and activities of officers and crew on board, including safety, maintenance, certification, documentation, guest services and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and ADC requirements. The Master is also responsible for the prevention of pollution, and the safe navigation and efficient operation of the vessel.  In the execution of duties, the Master will comply with the company’s vessel safety manual, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and instructions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leads and manages according to the core Values of True Alaskan Hospitality as defined in our Mission Statement: Immerse each guest in personable and unsurpassed level of service we call True Alaskan Hospitality.

• The Master is identified on the Emergency Station Bill as being in overall charge of all persons and activities.  Provide leadership and direction to crew and passengers in a drill or an emergency, including situations of fire, flooding, rescue, man overboard, medical incident and pollution spill.  Is responsible for compliance with company and regulatory agencies requirements for drill content and frequency.   
•  Keep fully informed of, and adhere to, all U.S. and other relevant laws, regulations (Federal and state), and directives affecting the operation of the vessel. In addition, the Captain shall get acquainted fully with the regulations and local requirements of all ports visited. 
• Be knowledgeable of and ensure vessel compliance with the company’s Safety Management Program and procedures.  
• Draft detailed voyage plans for each itinerary and positioning trip, considering the tools needed by the Officer of the Watch for the safe navigation of the vessel as well as fulfilling the companies programming objectives; effectively communicate these plans to the Chief Mate and watch-standers and monitor their compliance with them.
•  Overall in charge of the performance and conduct of the vessel complement. 
• Fully support and guide the Chief Mate, Hotel Manager, Naturalist and Chief Engineer with the management of their department duties and responsibilities.  Work with and advise (as necessary) supervisors in their seeking and maintaining the highest levels of safety and guest service in their departments.  Coach staff and work with them to train subordinates to the highest level. 
•  Responsible for ensuring that the vessel’s overall condition and seaworthiness is continuously maintained, reporting to the Corporate Office any situation that may adversely affect the vessels satisfactory state of operations. 
• Maintain the Bridge Logbook, Standing Orders, Night Orders, Radio Logbook, Waste Management Log, ADEC Log, Safety and Drill Logs, and other manuals and records as prescribed by Alaskan Dream Cruises, Allen Marine Companies or other applicable regulatory agencies. 
• Maintain the vessel’s filing system of important documents as well as crew-training records.
• Maintain close communication with the main office in Sitka and outlying offices in the vessel’s operating area on matters and specifically on required shore support during turn around days.
• Communications must always be complete, detailed and delivered in a direct, tactful manner and written communications must be succinct, candid and courteous.
• Monitor vessel expenses & report any abnormal costs incurred.  Maintain close contact with the Marine Operations Manager to ensure all cost controls are utilized.  Plan to maximize efficiencies, thereby reducing expense.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely submission of any administrative, operational or accounting reports done in accordance with company guidelines.  These include, but are not limited to, Incident Report Forms, Witness Statement Forms and USCG 2692 Forms.  Also maintain a list of Current Vessel Maintenance Projects that need to be addressed on the vessel during the turn-around day with the help of shore side engineers.  Reply in a timely manner to safety or office memorandums.
• Develop required work lists and performance goals for crewmembers. Ensure the compliance of all on board with company and regulatory policies and regulations.  Take a proactive position with any person not following established policy.  Address all performance or conduct issues in a timely and effective manner and keep supervisory management in the office appraised of relevant issues.
• Effective public speaking when addressing guests, crew or the public; such as the Passenger Safety and Vessel Orientation meeting, announcements on the PA system, and performing public ceremonies on board.  
• Maintain a “Command Presence” as well as a courteous, friendly and informative interaction with the guests –the personal appearance and a high degree of customer service by you and the crew is essential, expected and of the utmost importance.
• Establish a teamwork mentality among all departments focused on displaying a Can-Do Approach to assigned duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education requires specialized or technical knowledge requiring formal training. 
• 2 years as Chief Mate or Captain.  Additional 5 years in the Maritime industry and involved in shipboard operations. 
• USCG license as Master, 200 GRT (Near Coastal). 
• License endorsement required for “Unlimited Radar Observer”. 
• In-depth knowledge of passenger vessel operations.
• Observed or documented managerial skills and personal traits necessary to effectively and efficiently guide ship’s crewmembers in a direct and respectful manner.
• Excellent skills in ship handling.   
• Excellent communication skills: verbal, non-verbal.
• Strong writing skills with ability to communicate technical information, maintain all ships logs, all vessel forms and documentation of vessel operations.
• Strong interpersonal skills require the ability to deal with discontented, argumentative and emotional crewmembers and passengers in a professional manner while maintaining Alaskan Dream Cruises high level of service and commitment to its guests.
•  Must pass a security background check and DOT drug test.
• First Aid and CPR Certification

Desired Qualifications 

• Endorsement with STCW-95 Basic Safety Training, Bridge Resource Management and Advanced Fire Fighting.
•  Proven team player and have a Can-Do attitude.
• Organized, even tempered.
•  Ability to take directions and work with a diverse team.
• Ability to interpret and follow rules, policy and procedures.
• Ability to maintain composure with courteous and professional demeanor.

Traits and Characteristics

• Strong commitment to safety.
• A genuine desire to serve the public.
• Positive, personable and professional demeanor.
• Adaptive to learning new skills and knowledge.
• Adaptive to changes in a progressive work environment.
• Strong record of being organized, dependable and punctual.
• Strong conflict resolution skills and ability to work within a diverse workforce.

Communication

It is strongly recommended that applicants have access to a computer and a mobile phone during the entire hiring process.  We expect to hear from candidates within a few days of our communication (request for interview, documentation, follow up, etc.) Recruitment process cannot continue if the candidate is not responsive.  Please note that how you communicate with a potential employer is part of the evaluation process.  Always be polite, prompt and professional when communicating with the office.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Captain stays in private quarters. Crew stays in shared quarters onboard with little privacy and relatively constant vibration and engine noise often for long periods of time.  This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce. Crew may be moved from one vessel to another at the discretion of Management. Due to remote locations of vessel routes, internet connectivity is limited.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel to the vessels in Alaska and extended stay up to 5 months on board is required.  Must be physically able to work a typical workday of about 10-14 hours per day, seven days a week.  Environmental conditions generally include ambient inside temperature, ambient inside lighting, ambient to loud noise levels, all weather conditions, occasional use of required protective clothing including raingear and life preserver. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces crossing from vessel to vessel.  Physically able to climb a 7-foot vertical ladder and fit through a 28-inch escape hatch.