Boat Captain

Lovango Resort + Beach Club; United States Virgin Islands; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe, professional, and reliable operation of the resort's privately owned vessel, transporting registered guests and employees to and from work locations throughout the US Virgin Islands. This role carries direct responsibility for the safety of everyone aboard, and for representing the resort's standard of hospitality and professionalism on every crossing.

Because the vessel is inspected and requires a full USCG Master license, compliance with federal

Qualifications

• Must hold a USCG Master license and comply with USCG/USVI regulations.
• Strong leadership and safety management are essential for overseeing crew and vessel operations.
• Ability to maintain logs, perform safety checks, and coordinate with authorities as required.

Responsibilities

• Safe Vessel Operation: Operate the vessel in strict accordance with USCG regulations and resort scheduling.
• Guest & Employee Transport: Provide punctual, professional transport for registered guests and employees.
• Crew Supervision: Oversee deckhands, mates, or other crew and ensure compliance with safety and service standards.
• Pre- and Post-Trip Checks: Conduct safety checks, headcounts, and equipment inspections before and after every run.
• Navigation & Depth Monitoring: Measure water depths and adjust routing to avoid hazards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain voyage and maintenance logs and ensure vessel compliance with USCG and USVI requirements.
• Emergency Response: Act as the vessel's point person in emergencies and coordinate with USCG and authorities.
• Coordination with Resort Operations: Communicate schedule changes and capacity constraints to management.
• Vessel Care: Assist with routine cleaning and maintenance to keep the vessel guest-ready.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Observational skills

Safety management

Decision making

Crew supervision

Adaptability

Job description

The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe, professional, and reliable operation of the resort's privately owned vessel, which transports registered guests and employees to and from work locations throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. This role carries direct responsibility for the safety of everyone aboard, for the vessel itself, and for representing the resort's standard of hospitality and professionalism on every crossing. Because the vessel is inspected and carries seven or more passengers, this position requires a full U.S. Coast Guard Master license and strict adherence to federal and territorial maritime regulations; there is no discretion to operate outside those requirements.

Core Responsibilities

• Safe Vessel Operation: Operate the vessel in strict accordance with USCG regulations, the vessel's COI, and resort scheduling, prioritizing safety over schedule at all times.
• Guest & Employee Transport: Provide punctual, professional transport for registered guests and employees between the resort and designated points in the USVI, maintaining a calm and welcoming presence aboard.
• Crew Supervision: Oversee any deckhands, mates, or other crew assigned to the vessel, assigning duties and confirming they follow safety and service standards.
• Pre- and Post-Trip Checks: Conduct and log required safety checks, headcounts, and equipment inspections before and after every run, including engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, life preservers, and life rafts.
• Navigation & Depth Monitoring: Measure and record water depths as needed and adjust routing to avoid hazards, shoaling, or changing channel conditions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain all required logs (for example, voyage/passenger logs, maintenance logs) and ensure the vessel and crew remain in compliance with USCG and USVI DPNR requirements at all times.
• Emergency Response: Serve as the vessel's responsible party in any onboard emergency, medical situation, or mechanical failure, including overseeing search and rescue efforts, and coordinating with USCG and local authorities as needed.
• Coordination with Resort Operations: Communicate schedule changes, weather holds, or capacity constraints clearly and promptly to the General Manager and relevant department heads.
• Vessel Care: Support routine cleanliness, basic upkeep, and timely escalation of maintenance needs to keep the vessel guest-ready.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and observational skills, with the ability to direct crew and reassure guests calmly under pressure.
• Sound judgment and the ability to prioritize competing demands (safety, schedule, guest experience) in real time.
• Good hand-eye coordination and visual and auditory acuity, including the ability to recognize navigation lights, buoys, and signal colors.
• Ability to tolerate high noise levels and vibration typical of marine engine environments.
• Dependability and sound personal judgment regarding alcohol and substance use, consistent with USCG drug and alcohol program standards.

Physical & Availability Requirements

• Must pass and maintain the USCG medical certification standard for vessel operation, including vision (including color vision), hearing, and general fitness for duty.
• Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including sun, heat, rough seas, and confined spaces, for extended periods.
• Able to climb vertical ladders, maintain balance on a moving deck, and stand or bend for long periods of time.
• Able to lift and carry equipment, supplies, and luggage in the 30 to 60 pound range.
• Able to assist guests boarding and disembarking, including those with mobility considerations, and to physically respond in an emergency, including launching life rafts and deploying safety equipment.
• Flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, aligned with guest arrival/departure patterns and employee shift transport needs.

Success Criteria

• Zero safety incidents; full compliance with USCG and USVI DPNR requirements at all times, with no lapses in required credentials.
• Consistent, on-time transport that guests and employees experience as smooth, safe, and welcoming.
• Complete and accurate logs, with proactive flagging of any vessel or compliance issue before it becomes a problem.
• Strong working relationship with front-of-house and operations teams, ensuring transport schedules support, rather than disrupt, the broader guest and staffing experience.

This position description outlines general requirements and is not exhaustive. Specific license tier (25/50/100 ton) should be confirmed against the vessel's actual gross tonnage once finalized. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to USCG regulations, USVI DPNR requirements, or resort policy.