Captain -St. John’s River Ferry

land-sea-career; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Land & Sea in the United States is seeking a Captain to lead safe and efficient ferry operations. You will navigate the vessel, supervise onboard crew, and ensure compliance with USCG regulations while delivering excellent guest service.

As Captain, you will coordinate maintenance, oversee safety drills, manage logs, and serve as the primary liaison with regulators and clients. Strong leadership, communication, and regulatory knowledge are essential for success.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• USCG Master’s License for motor vessels 500 GT+.
• TWIC card or ability to obtain.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Experience in navigation and operations.
• Proven leadership and training ability.
• Excellent customer service and communication.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Pass USCG drug/alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Navigate and command vessel safely per regulations.
• Oversee crew, training, and performance.
• Maintain safety standards and equipment readiness.
• Ensure environmental compliance and waste handling.
• Coordinate with USCG and regulators.
• Manage vessel maintenance and readiness.
• Lead customer service and public relations onboard.
• Maintain logs and accurate reporting.

Skills

Vessel navigation

Crew leadership

Customer service

Safety compliance

Communication

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Get Ready to Go Beyond with Land & Sea

Grounded in our core values—integrity, a strong work ethic, and meaningful relationships—Land & Sea operates internationally across 11+ locations with 8 trusted partners, focusing on three key segments: Marine, Destinations, and Advisory.

We excel in delivering through contract services, driving value for clients and partners, and setting new industry standards—with a proven team dedicated to execution.

About the role

The Captain is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, ensuring compliance with all maritime laws and regulations. This role includes navigating the vessel, supervising onboard crew, maintaining safety standards, delivering exceptional customer service, and ensuring operational readiness. The Captain also serves as the primary point of contact with the USCG for compliance matters and supports other St. John’s River Ferry employees in areas of expertise, contributing to overall operational success.

What you'll do

• Safe Navigation & Operational Oversight
• Command and navigate the vessel safely, adhering to all maritime regulations and company policies.
• Ensure compliance with navigation protocols to guarantee the safety of passengers, crew, and vessels.
• Operate the vessel at economic engine speeds as per established policies.
• Oversee the transfer and pumping of sewage and water, ensuring compliance with environmental and operational standards.
• Monitor river conditions, vessel operations, and passenger safety during ferry operations.
• Crew Leadership & Management
• Lead and supervise the crew, ensuring all members are trained, certified, and compliant with safety protocols.
• Foster a positive work environment, promoting teamwork, professional growth, and a culture of safety.
• Conduct performance evaluations, providing mentorship, coaching, and training as needed.
• Ensure crew members are properly uniformed, demonstrate professionalism, and maintain technical competence.
• Vessel Maintenance & Readiness
• Oversee and coordinate maintenance and repairs to ensure the vessel's seaworthiness and optimal condition.
• Ensure maintenance activities are performed unobtrusively while guests are onboard.
• Promptly address mechanical or operational issues to minimize downtime.
• Regulatory Compliance & Safety Assurance
• Ensure full compliance with local, state, national, and international maritime laws, including environmental regulations.
• Maintain readiness for all USCG and other regulatory inspections, striving for zero deficiencies.
• Ensure all safety equipment is available and functional, with personnel equipped with appropriate PPE.
• Verify proper labeling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials in line with MSDS requirements.
• Emergency Preparedness & Response
• Develop and implement emergency response plans, ensuring crew preparedness for all scenarios.
• Conduct regular emergency drills and safety training sessions to maintain readiness.
• Coordinate emergency responses and ensure all personnel are aware of their station bill assignments.
• Client & Public Relations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and partners onboard, ensuring a high level of service and satisfaction.
• Represent the company professionally in all interactions with the public, community groups, and regulatory agencies.
• Provide information about ferry operations to the public, Coast Guard, and other relevant agencies.
• Record Keeping & Documentation
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records, including Vessel Operations Logs, Maintenance Logs, and Personnel Reports.
• Ensure compliance with USCG regulations for logs, including the official log, radio log, safety inspections, and training records.
• Generate USCG 2692 forms, incident reports, and Situation Reports (SitReps) as required.
• Safety Leadership & Culture
• Ensure a physically safe and environmentally sound working environment by providing the necessary tools, training, and materials.
• Advocate for and actively participate in the company’s safety culture, addressing safety concerns or incidents promptly.
• Ensure compliance with the Safety Management System (SMS) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Operational Administration
• Manage toll collection and reporting activities, including end-of-shift deposits.
• Ensure accuracy in passenger and vehicular counts.
• Review the Vessel Operations Guide and Pass Down Log to ensure operational continuity.
• Secure the vessel and set alarms before leaving at the end of the evening shift.
• Ensure cleanliness and organization of all workspaces, including restrooms, common areas, the pilot house, and gangways, especially at shift start and end.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by management to support vessel operations.
• Participate in meetings, training sessions, and safety audits as required by company policy.
• Primarily in a marine environment with outdoor conditions, exposure to varying temperatures, weather, and moderate to loud noise levels.
• Marine operations are subject to varied wake and motion.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid U.S.C.G. Master’s License for motor vessels of 500 gross tons or higher
• Valid TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) or ability to obtain and maintain.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Experience in vessel navigation and operational oversight.
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience with the ability to train and develop employees.
• Exceptional customer service and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal abilities.
• Must pass USCG-mandated alcohol and drug tests, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-incident testing.

Land & Sea is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices, including, but not limited to, selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, marital status, domestic partnership status, disability, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding status, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, service member status, citizenship status, arrest or conviction records, political affiliation, status as a victim of domestic violence, assault, or stalking, family care or medical leave status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.