Small Boat Captain

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

Description

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking an experienced and well-qualified captain to provide vessel support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) in Santa Barbara, CA. CINMS operates and maintains the 62’ research vessel Shearwater, the 28’ research vessel Minke, and occasionally other NOAA-owned vessels on the West Coast to conduct scientific research, monitoring, exploration, and education/outreach missions, while preserving submerged resources and increasing awareness of maritime heritage.

CPC is looking for a captain who is passionate about missions in the field of marine sciences (oceanographic missions, hydrographic missions, general research missions, etc.). Our ideal candidate will not only be a capable boat handler but also well versed in maintenance of small boats. and the vessels require regular maintenance and periodic troubleshooting.

Relocation

No relocation offered for this position

Worksite

NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

Status

Part-Time

Classification

Non-Exempt

Travel

Yes

Pay

$30-$42/hr, depending on license, qualifications, and experience

Tasks

• Ensure the safe navigation and mechanical operation of the vessels at all times, in accordance with all NOAA policy guidelines, vessel operations manuals, vessel standing orders, and specifically NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual (NSBSPM), NOA 209-125, MARPOL, and COLREGS.
• Exercise prudent judgment at all times. Be willing, able, and capable of responding to shipboard emergencies and actively participate in drills.
• Ensure vessels are maintained in accordance with the NOAA Small Boat Program requirements. Conduct an Operational Risk Assessment with crew members prior to getting underway. This includes assessing weather and sea-state forecasts for the mission area.
• Coordinate and support emergent repairs to CINMS small boat assets as required. Provide oversight during shipyard and repair periods. Help coordinate engineering work requiring certified technician assistance from engineering contractors, naval architects, electricians, and marine surveyors if required.
• Verify cruise and float plans and communicate with the shore-side point of contact frequently when underway.
• Conduct the vessel pre-departure checklist, hold a safety briefing for all embarked personnel at the start of every cruise day, and ensure that all safety procedures are understood and adhered to while underway.
• Operate deck equipment including A-frame, scientific winch, capstan, boat crane, Nitrox dive air compressor and small skiff.
• Document all vessel-related activities in the ship’s log.
• Be ready and available for emergency responses.

Requirements

Required certifications and experience

• Possess an active USCG license (100 tons or above).
• Current First Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
• At least 2 years of experience working on NOAA vessels, or similar research or law enforcement vessels.
• Ability to work collegially with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
• Experience operating overhead load handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A-Frames, and small cranes.
• Experience with deployment and recovery of scientific equipment, divers, and vessel skiff using A frame, oceanographic winch, capstan and boat crane.
• Experience performing maintenance tasks on marine engines and systems; engineering/mechanical background and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of current U.S. Coast Guard inland and International navigation rules.
• Working knowledge of FCC marine radio licensing requirements and operations procedures, including marine distress communications.
• Physically able to lift and carry 75 pounds to assist with mission mobilization and maintenance.
• Physically able to work in confined machinery spaces and in remote and rugged offshore environments.

Highly Desired Skills And Experience

• Knowledge and experience with California coastline, especially around the Channel Islands.
• Experience driving/following transect lines at low speed.
• Experience with Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) tracking.
• Experience with vessel operations for SCUBA diving operations at anchor and live boating.

AAP/EEO Statement

CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.