Whale Watching Captain

San Juan Island Outfitters; Friday Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outdoor gear discounts

Free whale watching and kayaking (pace

Riptide Cafe discounts

Family outings discounts

Job summary

San Juan Safaris and San Juan Outfitters seek an experienced Captain to lead daily whale and wildlife tours from Friday Harbor. You will ensure safe vessel operation, train crew, and maintain detailed logs while adapting to weather and regulations.

Season runs May to October; availability on weekends, evenings, and holidays is required. Competitive hourly pay with tips, plus discounts and free wildlife experiences.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a Captain.
• Must hold 100-ton USCG Master License.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification.
• TWIC and WDFW Operator’s License required.
• Passport and Driver’s License valid.

Responsibilities

• Operate company vessels and conduct daily whale and wildlife tours.
• Maintain safety standards and oversee crew duties.
• Keep daily logs and ensure seaworthiness before departures.
• Coordinate with reservations desk and port captain.
• Provide safety instruction to new crew and adapt plans to weather.

Skills

Captain experience

Navigation systems

Vessel handling

Team leadership

Stamina/physical fitness

Education

USCG 100-ton Master License

First Aid/CPR Certification

TWIC

WDFW Operator's License

Passport

Driver’s License

Tools

NOAA Regulations knowledge

Job description

Mission San Juan Safaris (SJS) and San Juan Outfitters (SJO) are dedicated to sharing knowledge of the environment in hopes to encourage guests to develop a lifelong love of wildlife and its habitat and fostering marine stewardship. Our priorities are safety, education, and fun.

San Juan Safaris and Outfitters uphold high industry standards in professionalism, knowledge, and experience. We strive to be the leaders in our field and hope to continue to achieve this through the expertise and enthusiasm of our staff.

San Juan Safaris (SJS) and San Juan Outfitters (SJO) are within the upper echelon of the whale and wildlife watching companies in the Pacific Northwest: from the way our Captains drive out on the water, to the deep, meaningful connections that our staff forge with our guests.

OFFICIAL JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY

Perform daily whale and wildlife tours. Captain is responsible for safe operation and safety features, basic maintenance, accurate logs, overseeing Deckhand/Naturalist duties and setting a good example for wildlife viewing ethics and methods on the water. Steer and operate vessels using equipment such as radar, depth finders, radios, buoys, lights, and lighthouses. Follow daily weather and tidal conditions, port procedures, and current maritime laws/ rules of the road. Captains must have interpersonal skills and are responsible for communicating courteously and efficiently with all crew members in various situations out on the water and at port.

Season: May to October. Must be available on Saturdays, Sundays, evenings, and holidays.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Operate the company vessels and conduct regular daily whale and wildlife tours.
2. Perform ethical and responsible wildlife viewing practices.
3. Finding and identifying various forms of marine life
4. Oversee all operations and upkeep onboard the vessel while on duty, including navigation, maintenance, and compliance with local regulations; ensure the seaworthiness of the ship before every departure.
5. Oversee First Mate duties.
6. Maintain a high standard of quality for our tours.
7. Maintain positive relationships and communications with staff.
8. Abide by Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) (www.pacificwhalewatch.org/guidelines) Best Practices Guidelines for wildlife viewing.
9. Adhere to company standards.
10. Maintain a daily ship's log; Maintain all onboard equipment, and keep detailed records of daily activities, personnel reports, ship positions and movements, ports of call, weather conditions, passenger and cargo status and pollution control efforts.
11. Provide oversight on all safety issues; instruct all new crewmembers in safety procedures.
12. Alter navigation plans based on weather conditions to keep vessels and passengers safe; compute positions, set courses and determine speeds using charts, compasses, sextants, area plotting sheets and knowledge of local conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. 2+ years of experience as a Captain
2. Firm knowledge of marine craft communication, signaling and navigation systems
3. Strong single and twin-screw propulsion boat handling skills
4. Detail oriented and safety-oriented work ethic.
5. Must be team oriented and enjoy working with others; develop and build teams.
6. Capable of working long/flexible hours and available weekends, evenings, and holidays throughout the summer
7. Ability to comfortably lift 50 pounds and safely stand and move around on a dynamic moving platform for 5-10 hours a day.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. 100-ton USCG Master License
2. Must adhere to company dress code.
3. Must have current First Aid/AED/CPR Certification through a reputable, nationally recognized organization.
4. Valid Driver’s License and Passport
5. Current WDFW Operators License
6. Must have a current Transportation Worker Identification Credential(TWIC)
7. Subject to pre-employment and/or random drug testing
8. Working phone with available voicemail
9. Access to the Homebase App for schedule updates and the PWWA App for on water operations
10. Non-smoker
11. Reliable transportation

BASIC EXPECTATIONS

1. Well versed on local & federal laws regarding wildlife viewing. Must be familiar with the PWWA guidelines and No-Go Zones/wildlife sanctuaries and adhere to them strictly. The state and local governments have instituted laws that further protect all whales in the area. San Juan Safaris is serious about setting a good example for viewing etiquette. The techniques necessary to observe whales without interfering with their life processes take time to learn and requires additional skills apart from just captaining a boat.
2. Must be familiar with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, NOAA Regulations, and regulations varying between United States and Canadian waters.
3. Captains are expected to stay up to date on the latest research, regulations, and information regarding the Salish Sea Ecosystem.
4. Background in ecotourism preferred, special training in marine ecology recommended. The position is for a dedicated person who understands and respects marine mammals and our company's philosophy.
5. Able to easily multi-task, including performing administrative duties.
6. Ability to maintain a professional, well-groomed appearance per company standards and expected to be in uniform while on the clock and in front of guests.
7. Captains will be punctual when arriving at the boat and boarding guests.
8. Captains are expected to check in with the reservations desk on the morning of scheduled shifts for any last-minute updates. Additionally, maintaining consistent, clear, and respectful communication with the manager of vessel operations as well as the port captain.
9. No photography or personal cell phone use while on duty.

PAY & BENEFITS

Starting pay $30 - $35 per hour (depending on experience), plus good tips. Work in a world-class outdoor marine environment with likeminded people and abundant wildlife. Discounts on outdoor gear, Riptide Cafe, and local restaurants. Free whale watching and kayaking on a "space available" basis, discounts for family and friends.