NOAA Research Vessel Captain – Channel Islands

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 58,000; Part time

Job summary

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. in Santa Barbara, CA, seeks an experienced captain to provide vessel support to CINMS for NOAA missions, operating research vessels and maintaining safety procedures on deck and in the engine room.

Primary duties include navigation, maintenance, and coordinating field operations with scientists and educators. Requires 100-ton+ USCG license and hands-on experience with seabed equipment, divers, and small boats.

Qualifications

• Active USCG license (100 tons+).
• Current First Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
• At least 2 years on NOAA vessels or similar research/law enforcement vessels.
• Able to work with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
• Experience operating winches, cranes, A-Frame, and small cranes.
• Experience deploying/recovering scientific equipment and skiffs.
• Maintenance tasks on marine engines; engineering background.
• Knowledge of US inland and international navigation rules.
• FCC marine radio licensing knowledge and operations.
• Physically able to lift 75 pounds and work in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe navigation and operation per NOAA guidelines.
• Respond to shipboard emergencies and participate in drills.
• Maintain vessels per NOAA Small Boat Program; perform risk assessments.
• Coordinate repairs and oversee engineering work with technicians.
• Verify cruise and float plans; communicate with shore contacts.
• Perform pre-departure checklists and safety briefings.
• Document all vessel activities and manage deck equipment.

Skills

USCG license 100+ tons

First Aid/CPR/AED

NOAA vessel experience

Team collaboration with scientists

Overhead load handling equipment

Scientific equipment deployment/retrre

Marine engine maintenance

Coast Guard navigation rules knowledge

FCC marine radio licensing knowledge

Physical ability to lift 75 pounds

Job description

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. in Santa Barbara, CA, seeks an experienced captain to provide vessel support to CINMS for NOAA missions, operating research vessels and maintaining safety procedures on deck and in the engine room.

Primary duties include navigation, maintenance, and coordinating field operations with scientists and educators. Requires 100-ton+ USCG license and hands-on experience with seabed equipment, divers, and small boats.