NOAA Research Vessel Captain (Part‑Time)

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 support CINMS NOAA missions. The role covers safe navigation, vessel maintenance, and liaison with scientists and educators aboard NOAA vessels along the California coast.

This part-time, on-site position requires an active USCG license (100+ tons), current safety certifications, and the ability to work in rugged offshore environments. Familiarity with Channel Islands operations is a plus.

Qualifications

• Active USCG license (100 tons+) required.
• Current First Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
• At least 2 years of experience working on NOAA vessels or similar research vessels.
• Ability to work with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
• Experience operating overhead load handling equipment (winches, cranes, A-frames, small cranes).
• Experience with deployment/recovery of scientific equipment and vessel skiff operations.
• Maintenance tasks on marine engines with troubleshooting background.
• Knowledge of COLREGS and inland navigation rules.
• FCC marine radio licensing knowledge and operations procedures.
• Physically able to lift 75 pounds and work in confined spaces and offshore environments.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe navigation and mechanical operation of vessels per NOAA guidelines and standards.
• Respond to shipboard emergencies and participate in drills.
• Maintain vessels per NOAA Small Boat Program requirements; perform risk assessments before underway.
• Coordinate repairs with engineering contractors and oversee shipyard work.
• Verify cruise/float plans and communicate with shore-side contacts when underway.
• Conduct pre-departure checklists and safety briefings for all crew.
• Operate deck equipment: A-frame, winch, capstan, crane, dive air compressor, skiffs.
• Document vessel activities in the ship's log.
• Be available for emergency responses.

Skills

USCG license 100+ tons

NOAA vessels experience

Vessel maintenance

Navigation rules knowledge

FCC marine radio licensing

First Aid/CPR/AED

Lift 75 lbs

Team coordination with scientists

Overhead load handling equipment

Job description

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. in Santa Barbara, CA seeks an experienced captain to support CINMS NOAA missions. The role covers safe navigation, vessel maintenance, and liaison with scientists and educators aboard NOAA vessels along the California coast.

This part-time, on-site position requires an active USCG license (100+ tons), current safety certifications, and the ability to work in rugged offshore environments. Familiarity with Channel Islands operations is a plus.