Captain

Pacific Whale Foundation; Wailuku (HI); On-site; USD 64,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Ecotours

Health insurance

Job summary

Pacific Whale Foundation in Lahaina, HI seeks an experienced Captain to command vessels with USCG requirements, delivering safe, memorable whale-watching experiences for guests and crew alike.

You will lead the ship’s crew, ensure full compliance with USCG rules, and partner with naturalists to highlight ocean stewardship and Hawaiian culture on every trip. Competitive benefits accompany this essential role.

Qualifications

• USCG Master’s license (100 Gross Ton) with Sailing Endorsement must be valid.
• Experience sailing from Māʻalaea Harbor and around Maui Nui strongly preferred.
• Valid Marine Radio Operator’s Permit.
• First Aid/CPR, Oxygen and AED certifications, Hawaii Food Handlers Certification, and Maui Bar Card within 3 months of hire.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test; subject to USCG random testing.
• Current USCG medical certificate and TWIC card required.
• Familiarity with Native Hawaiian culture and Maui waters preferred.

Responsibilities

• Hold vessel and crew in full USCG compliance at all times.
• Lead vessel drills and ensure safety procedures are followed.
• Ensure passenger safety through vigilant supervision and first aid when needed.
• Deliver weather updates and issue warnings per policy.
• Oversee daily vessel maintenance and pre/post-trip checks.
• Direct navigation under sail and power; manage docking and mooring.
• Supervise crew during operations and provide mentorship.
• Support guest-facing services and collaborate with the Naturalist team.
• Engage in community education and conservation activities.

Skills

Crew leadership

Ship-handling skills

Navigation awareness

Education

USCG Master’s license, 100 Gross Ton, with Sailing Endorsement

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Captain

Lahaina, HI, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1238

Captain — USCG 100-Ton Master's License with Sail Endorsement Required

Are you an experienced charter captain with a passion for the ocean, wildlife, and Maui's waters, looking for a fun, purpose-driven workplace? We'd love to hear from you at PacWhale Eco-Adventures!

Position: Captain, Regular Full Time, Non-Exempt

Pay: Starting Pay from $32.00 + commissions and tips , actual rate dependent on experience

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay with potential earnings through commission sales and tips
• Comprehensive benefits including PTO, health insurance and 401(k) for eligible employees
• Free Ecotours

Role Overview

The Captain reports to the Port Captain and is responsible for the safe navigation, operation, and overall command of the vessel, the safety and wellbeing of all passengers and crew, and full compliance with all USCG and company regulations. The Captain sets the tone for the trip, leading the crew in delivering an outstanding, place-based guest experience rooted in Hawaiian cultural values and ocean stewardship. The ideal Captain is a seasoned mariner with strong ship-handling skills under sail and power, genuine local knowledge of Maui Nui's waters, and a natural ability to lead a crew while sharing a deep connection to this place with every guest aboard.

Key Responsibilities

• Hold vessel and crew in full USCG compliance at all times; comply with all USCG and company policies, procedures, and rules.
• Maintain working knowledge of vessel systems, safety requirements, and procedures; lead vessel drills and comply with our Substance Abuse Policy as required by the USCG.
• Ensure passenger safety through constant situational awareness and administering appropriate first aid as needed.
• Deliver weather concerns to guests and issue weather warnings when appropriate and according to policy.
• Oversee daily vessel maintenance, cleaning, and pre/post-trip checks, and report deficiencies promptly.
• Make necessary repairs to vessel and equipment; coordinate additional repairs with the Port Captain and/or Maintenance team as needed.
• Command the vessel and execute safe navigation under both sail and power, including route and weather assessment, docking, mooring, and anchoring, accounting for Maui Nui's currents, wind patterns, and channel conditions.
• Directly supervise and support crew during boarding, disembarking, line handling, docking, and mooring operations.
• Mentor and develop crew, reinforcing safety culture and service standards.
• Set the tone for a place-based, regenerative tourism experience, partnering with the Naturalist to put marine life and ocean stewardship at the heart of every trip.
• Support food and beverage service and other guest-facing operations as needed.
• Conduct community outreach/education/conservation activities as directed by the Port Captain.
• Attend Dry Dock.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

General Requirements

• USCG Master's license, 100 Gross Ton, with Sailing Endorsement required.
• Experience sailing from Māʻalaea Harbor and around Maui Nui strongly preferred.
• Valid Marine Radio Operator's Permit.
• First Aid/CPR, Oxygen and AED certifications, Hawaii Food Handlers Certification, and Maui Bar Card holder required within 3 months of hire.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test per company policy; ongoing participation in the USCG random drug testing program required.
• Current USCG medical certificate and TWIC card required.
• Familiarity with Native Hawaiian culture, mo'olelo , and place-based knowledge of Maui and its nearshore waters strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Strong swimmer, able to free dive to 30'.
• Work long days (12+ hours) in hot /humid/wet environment aboard a moving vessel at sea.
• Bend and safely lift up to 35 lbs. to a height of 3 feet and carry 30 feet.
• Team lift (with at least one other person) over 35 lbs.
• Ride on small transport vessels in rough, bumpy seas; climb from small transport vessels onto the main vessel in moving seas.
• Stand for extended periods on a moving vessel, with periodic stepping/running/jumping.
• Frequent bending and squatting.
• Climb and crawl into/within/out of small spaces on the vessel.
• Lift, carry, throw, pull, and coil/secure lines.

Why Join Us?

This role sits at the heart of our mission "to inspire and advance conservation for whales, dolphins, and the ocean."

Our core values include:

Embracing Reciprocal Responsibility ( Kuleana ) - We take responsibility for reciprocal interactions with the ocean, the land, the communities, and each other, and hold ourselves accountable for the outcomes of our actions.

Interact with Humility and Compassion (Aloha) - Through empathy, integrity, and mutual respect, we create and nurture a culture of belonging and collaboration.

Persevere with Wisdom and Creativity ( Ho'omau ) - We persevere with innovation, guided by the pursuit of knowlegde , to uplift our communities and protect the ocean for generations to come.

Pacific Whale Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

Pacific Whale Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, arrest and court record, domestic or sexual violence victim status, reproductive health decision-making, credit history, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace.

All applicants are subject to a background check and pre- employment drug testing and must be able to comply with DOT/USCG random drug testing requirements. Within 30 days of employment, must obtain CPR/First Aid certification, oxygen/AED certification, lifeguard certification, Hawai’i bar card, and TB clearance.