Captains

Minimum skills and qualifications

• Must adhere to company dress code, policies and procedures
• Must arrive at dock at least one hour before scheduled departure. Must have vessel fueled and ready 30 minutes prior to trip
• Subject to pre-employment and/or random drug testing
• Land line and/or cell phone with voice mail
• Email address and check daily
• Reliable transportation
• Available Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidays
• No personal cell phone use, texting or Social Media while on the clock

Job summary

Captains are responsible for safe operation and safety features, basic maintenance, accurate logs, overseeing Crew/Naturalist duties and setting a good example for wildlife viewing ethics and methods on the water.

Season: April to October. Must be available Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidays.

Essential functions and responsibilities

1. Drive the boat and conduct regular daily tours
2. Employ ethical and responsible wildlife viewing practices
3. Oversee the upkeep and maintenance of vessels
4. Clean and prepare vessel pre- and post-trip (including ensuring marine head is sanitized and stocked)
5. Oversee Crew/Naturalist duties
6. Maintain a high standard of quality for tours
7. Maintain positive relationships with staff
8. Abide by Pacific Whale Watch Association Best Practices Guidelines for wildlife viewing
9. Adhere to company standards
10. Maintain a daily ship’s log
11. Check weather frequently and provide oversight on all safety issues
12. Safely and efficiently pick up/drop off hotel passengers in company van (if necessary)
13. Provide office staff with content for daily Captain’s Blog
14. Suit up passengers before trips and put suits away after trips (if no naturalist onboard)

Technical skills

1. Masters Limited 60-Tonne License
2. If not Master, then Transport Canada Small Vessel Operator Proficiency
3. Transport Canada Marine Emergency Duties A2 (currently, DVS)
4. Transport Canada approved Marine First Aid with CPR Level C
5. Transport Canada Radio Operators Certification – Marine Commercial
6. Transport Canada Small Vessel Operator’s Certificate
7. Strong boat-handling skills
8. Detail-oriented. Safety-oriented work ethic
9. Must be team-oriented and enjoy working with others
10. Capable of working long hours/flexible hours

General information

• Well-versed on Canadian and US laws regarding marine wildlife viewing. Must be familiar with the PWWA guidelines and adhere to them strictly. Eagle Wing Tours is very serious about setting a good example for viewing etiquette. The techniques necessary to observe whales without interfering with their life processes takes time to learn and require additional skills other than just captaining a boat.
• Background in ecotourism preferred, special training in marine ecology recommended. Position is for a dedicated person who understands and respects marine mammals and our company’s philosophy.