Passenger Vessels Captain

Bar Harbor Whale Watch

Looking for a captain with some experience to operate vessels in the Bar Harbor, Maine area. Jetboat experience is a plus.

We are a passenger vessel company, so our captains enjoy sharing their passion for the seas and local wildlife with our passengers.

Our vessels conduct tendering operations with cruise ships and run lighthouse tours, nature tours, lobster fish, and whale watching. Our days are variable, some days we operate in the harbor, and other days we are 50 miles offshore. It can be fun and it is challenging, it is always an adventure.

Some of the basics of being captain for us:

• The Captain is the leader in ensuring the safe passage of the passengers, crew and vessel. He/she has responsibility for all aspects of the vessel.  While relying on department heads to do their job right, when it comes to overall performance of the boat, the Captain is the overall decision maker and held to the highest expectations.
   
• From the time a Bar Harbor Whale Watch (BHWW) Captain assumes command until the time he/she is relieved of command he/she is responsible for the safe, efficient operation and maintenance of the vessel, the safety and conduct of the crew and passengers.
   
• He/she is encouraged and expected to develop a sense of "team spirit" in his crew and to be cooperative and pleasant with all employees and companies personnel who have chartered the vessel.
   
• He/she gives guidance and direction to crew members and ensures that they comply with all BHWW and USCG regulations and perform their duties efficiently and safely.
   
• The Captain reports to the office on all matters pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the vessel and the performance and well-being of the crew. He/She keeps the office informed of all incidents, accidents, problems, etc. pertaining to the vessel, the crew, the passengers, and/or the personnel.
   
• BHWW is an Eco Tour company. Making efficient environmentally sound decisions in our daily operations to help conserve wildlife is encouraged.
   
• The captain job is a safety-sensitive position that requires pre-employment drug testing and being part of a random drug test pool.

 

Overview

• The Captain holds the appropriate USCG professional license to operate the vessel they are in charge of. Follows the laws that pertain to the operation of the vessel. As well as pays attention to the local practices of mariners when operating the vessel.
   
• Has studied and demonstrates the understanding of the unique handling characteristics and equipment of the vessel they operate. Makes sure the passengers know where the vessels safety equipment is located and how to use it. Knows what to expect for sea conditions that day, before the boat leaves the dock.
   
• Is responsible for trying to meet the expectations of the passengers for particular trip the vessel is on. The Captain works closely with the Naturalist/Narrator who gives the passengers the best trip possible for the given day’s conditions.
   
• Supervises the crew and should always set the best professional example for his/her crew. The Captain works closely with the mate/senior deckhand in directing the crew. The Captain ensures that the crew gets all their work done and cleans the boat before leaving at the end of the day.
   
• Conducts monthly safety drills and quarterly security drills according to the law. Ensures good communication between boat crew along with shore side employees, to aid in the prevention of problems/accidents. He/she follows the Vessels Security Plan and is the Vessel Security Officer (if applicable).
   
• Always makes sure the correct preventative maintenance is done on the vessel in a timely manner, with the assistance of the engineering staff.
   
• Is responsible for making sure the vessel operates on time and in a cost-effective manner.
   
• He/she keeps the daily ship's log when the vessel is operating.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Seamanship
  • Rules of the road must be observed at all times.
  • Appropriate navigation procedures must be practiced at all times.
  • Boat Handling: A Captain should be able to dock their boat in a professional manner using a minimum of power.
  • Boat Safety: A BHWW Captain should always be concerned for the safety of their boat, passengers, and crew.
  • Captain should be aware of:
    • Any unsafe condition or practice that may endanger the vessel. A Captain should be aware of anything that may be harmful to themselves, the passengers and his/her crew.
    • Any potentially delicate circumstances, a BHWW Captain should be on the bridge or in position to best effect operations. This duty includes when the vessel is loading or unloading or at any time the vessel is traversing channels, traveling in inlets, traveling in fog, or traveling in any waters where traffic, grounding, or debris may be a problem.
    • A BHWW Captain must always keep in mind that his/her vessel's wake can cause damage. A  Captain is responsible for the vessel's wake.
• All federal environmental rules that may apply to the vessel must be taken into consideration. Also be aware of state and local environmental rules that may apply to the vessel. In addition, NOAA Northeast Regional Wildlife Observing Guidelines must be followed.

Leadership

The title of Captain is given at our company by BHWW Management and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The crew’s respect of a Captain is earned by the Captain themselves.

There is no set rule for good leadership BHWW. Captains practice good leadership in different ways. No matter what style of leadership the Captain practices, a Captain is obligated to achieve the following goals:

• A clean, well maintained vessel.
• A well organized, efficient crew with everyone doing their job without being reminded.
• A courteous, happy, and content crew that enjoys the job it is doing.
• A safe crew.

To carry out these goals, the Captain must train their crew using effective positive communication. Captains must motivate his crew members to the point where they want to do their jobs. The secret to a good crew is to communicate and motivate.

The Captain must make sure that everyone knows the rules and regulations of BHWW and pertinent rules of our government regulators.

Technical Knowledge

While BHWW does not expect its Captains to be mechanical or electrical engineers, they are expected to learn as much as possible about the vessels they operate. A Captain should be able to:

• Train a new engineer to clean, maintain, and do minor repair jobs to the vessel.
• Spot and report problems to the office.
• Trouble shoots and helps with the never-ending job of vessel maintenance. A Captain should be willing to learn to diagnose symptoms of mechanical problems. Learning about the vessel will make for a safer captain.

 

Business Representative

• A Captain represents BHWW on the job.  When working with passengers, cruise ships, ship agents and charters, a professional courteous demeanor is always required.
• A Captain is in charge of vessel logs, expense reports, incident reports, accident reports, and evaluation forms. They should always handle paper work in a timely business-like manner.
• The Captain should always strive to make his/her crew, vessel and trips better, safer and more enjoyable for passengers every day.