Ferry Captain: Safe Navigation & Guest Experience Leader

Flagshipsd; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Flagship Cruises & Events is seeking a Captain to lead safe and efficient vessel operations while delivering exceptional guest service in a fast-paced hospitality setting. The role requires a positive attitude, teamwork, and composure under pressure.

You will oversee readiness and operational prep and must be available for evenings, weekends and holidays. Responsibilities include commanding vessel operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, conducting safety drills, managing crew, and

Qualifications

• Must pass pre-employment drug screening and maintain random screenings.
• Hold a Merchant Mariner Credential (25 GT, 50 GT or 100 GT or higher).
• CPR certification or provide equivalent certification.
• Demonstrate strong communication, leadership and decision-making skills.
• Ability to stay calm and effective in emergency situations.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends and major holidays.
• Possess TWIC and be able to work independently or as a team player.

Responsibilities

• Maintain full command and responsibility for safe operation, navigation and management of the vessel, passengers and crew.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, US Coast Guard regulations and maritime safety standards.
• Safely navigate, dock, undock and maneuver the vessel in varying conditions.
• Participate in safety procedures and emergency drills for crew and guests.
• Ongoing crew management, training and drills in compliance with laws.
• Conduct pre-departure inspections to ensure readiness, safety and cleanliness.
• Provide excellent guest service and hospitality to guests and coworkers.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of all ship systems and maintenance.
• Analyze and solve problems while prioritizing tasks.
• Foster teamwork and professional working relationships.
• Handle administrative and documentation duties as required.
• Provide training to new Captains and Deckhands.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision-making

Calm under pressure

TWIC card

Crew management

Safety compliance

Education

Merchant Mariner Credential (25/50/100 GT)

Job description

The Captain is responsible for ensuring safe and efficient vessel operations while delivering exceptional guest service in a fast-paced hospitality environment. This role requires a positive attitude, strong teamwork skills, and the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. Captains support vessel readiness and operational preparations and must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Success in this role is measured through management evaluations, peer feedback, and a demonstrated commitment to growth and skill development.

• Maintain full command and responsibility for safe operation, navigation, and management of the vessel, passengers, and crew.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and maritime safety standards.
• Safely navigate, dock, undock, and maneuver the vessel in varying weather, traffic, and operational efficiency.
• Participate in the execution of all safety procedures, including emergency drills for all crew and passengers.
• Ongoing crew management, training & drilling adhering to all applicable United States Coast Guard, Federal, and State laws.
• Conduct pre-departure inspections to ensure vessel readiness, safety, cleanliness, and operational efficiency.
• Attention to customer service and guest satisfaction while providing exceptional hospitality to guests and coworkers.
• Detailed working knowledge of all ships systems and their proper maintenance
• Ability to analyze and solve problems while prioritizing tasks in order of importance
• Strong focus on teamwork with the ability to establish & maintain effective professional relationships
• Administrative and documentation duties as required
• Provide training to new and existing Captains and Deckhands
• Additional job duties as assigned

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Must be able to pass pre-employment and ongoing random drug and alcohol screenings.
• 25 GT, 50 GT or 100 GT or higher Merchant Mariner Credential with satisfactory record.
• CPR certified or certification can be provided
• Strong communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in emergency situations.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and major holidays.
• Will be required to apply for a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC).
• Team player and have ability to work independently

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift/pull/push 50lbs
• Ability to bend, rotate and reach frequently
• Ascending/descending stairs or ladders safely
• Ability to maneuver through/in/around small and/or confined areas within the vessel
• Must be able to maintain both static and dynamic standing balance to complete various duties associated with job

Flagship Cruises & Events is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We prohibit discrimination and or/harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based on race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental) medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, Flagship Cruises & Events participates in the E-Verify.