The Port Captain is responsible for managing, in collaboration with World Ocean School leadership, the seaworthiness of vessel(s), safety and security, effective operation, regulatory compliance and marine personnel. In addition, the Port Captain will also serve as Captain of the vessel and be directly responsible for its safe and efficient operation; adherence to the COI, USCG, and Environmental guidelines; managing the crew and students; and overseeing the maintenance of the vessel while physically on board.

Interface between the World Ocean School office and the on-board Captain(s), ensuring that all Captains and Relief Captains are working together in partnership and that there is effective communication between them and consistency in the execution of standards aboard.

Advocate for the ship’s needs in balance with program and organizational goals and objectives.

Attend meetings and conferences as the ship’s representative, including, but not limited to, World Ocean School board and committee meetings, Tall Ships America conferences, etc., when appropriate and not in conflict with onboard duties.

Maintain communication with the US Coast Guard and other related agencies as necessary.

Act as a liaison between the vessel and other parties, including but not limited to other ships and organizations, stakeholders, families and participants, programming partners, etc.

The Port Captain is responsible for maintaining the high standards of World Ocean School and will ensure in collaboration with World Ocean School leadership:

The highest standards are being met in all practices and operations on board, including hiring, training, professional development, drills, educational delivery, etc.

Compliance and maintenance of the Certificate of Inspection, including required drills, are underway, and logs are complete.

The crew’s safety standards comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations, industry standards, and best practices.

Compliance with all regulations, which may include interaction with regulatory agencies and civil authorities, and maintaining an awareness of current maritime regulatory issues and laws

New safety, navigational, and engineering tools and equipment are researched and considered.

Short- and long-term maintenance is planned for and well executed, including but not limited to the annual haul out/shipyard.

The Port Captain will play a key role in planning the activities of the ship and crew, including:

Assist in planning educational programming and other boat activities, including shipyard scheduling and coordination.

Assist with logistics and support for the vessel as needed, which may include:

Manage dockage and port access.

Monitor and relay weather forecasts.

Manage pre-sailing paperwork and logistics.

Procurement and purchasing of necessary supplies and equipment

The Port Captain will manage, directly and through the on-board Captain, the marine operations of the organization, which includes:

Overseeing ongoing maintenance and repair activities

Sourcing and ordering parts, equipment, and supplies

Working with management and staff in preparing an operational budget for the ship and programs

Ensuring that operations are within existing budget guidelines

Assisting in the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and development of on-board personnel, including additional professional development opportunities

the completion of Sea Time letters and other required documentation promptly

Multiple years of experience in the maritime industry as a Captain

Minimum 100-ton Near Coastal Master with sail endorsement USCG Captain’s License

STCW II/1, V/2, VI/1-4

Advanced knowledge of sail theory and seamanship

Flexible and adaptable to changing schedules and programs

Organized, thorough, decisive, and able to communicate clearly

Able to lead, manage, and train a crew with enthusiasm and competence

Able and willing to set a respectful and mature example for students and crew

Well-developed written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency with computers and technological savvy

Multi-tasking ability and hands-on attention to projects

Mature, well-grounded sense of personal ethics, evident in the individual’s

integrity—upholding high standards in public and personal relations

Capable of representing the World Ocean School favorably

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and/or experience

Relevant experience at sea and working with students

Minimum Basic First Aid—Advanced, EMS, or WFR

World Ocean School is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to build a team that reflects the diversity we celebrate in our community. We welcome and encourage all qualified applicants who share our vision, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to our work and mission. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position, and we do not discriminate on any basis prohibited by law.

Compensation for this position is competitive based on experience. World Ocean School provides a benefits package that includes health insurance, 401K with a matching option, two weeks of vacation in addition to federal holidays, and office closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

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