Boat Captain - Seaward Services - NSWC

Hornblower is seeking a Boat Captain for our Seaward Services operation in Norfolk VA.

About You:

This person will be adaptable, dynamic, and embody Hornblower's RESPECT Service System.

About the Opportunity:

This role will be piloting small watercraft at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, upon reward of contract. The Boat Captain is responsible for the safe and effective operation of military small watercraft in support of testing, training, maintenance, and operational missions. This role includes navigating and handling high-speed vessels in challenging environments, executing complex maritime support operations, and ensuring compliance with all applicable safety and regulatory standards. The Boat Captain provides technical expertise and operational leadership during maritime exercises, emergency operations, and mission support activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain small military and commercial-style watercraft in accordance with established procedures and maritime regulations.
• Navigate vessels in a variety of environments including high-speed, rough-water, and restricted operating areas.
• Provide operational support for military, commercial, and emergency diving operations.
• Conduct and support emergency salvage and rescue operations as directed.
• Participate in maritime operations planning and assist in mission execution.
• Perform pre- and post-operation inspections, documenting and reporting vessel condition and maintenance needs.
• Ensure vessel readiness, compliance with safety requirements, and adherence to maintenance schedules.
• Train and oversee crew members in safe boat handling, emergency response, and mission execution procedures.
• Coordinate with the Site Manager, maintenance personnel, and other support staff to ensure mission success.
• Maintain logs, reports, and certifications in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard and company requirements.
• Additional job duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) required.
• Valid United States Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with military small watercraft, including high-speed rough-water operation, military, commercial or emergency diving operation support, emergency salvage and rescue operation support, and maritime operations planning and execution required.
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) preferred.
• Qualified U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman (SWCC Boat Captain) or U.S. Coast Guard Heavy Weather Coxswain or Surfman preferred.
• Strong understanding of maritime navigation, communication systems, and emergency procedures.
• Proven leadership and decision-making ability under operational and environmental stress.
• Experience coordinating with government or military personnel in a mission-critical environment.
• May require travel, extended hours, and availability for mission-critical operations.
• Physical ability to operate and perform maintenance on vessels and associated equipment.

About Us:

Hornblower's passion is to provide amazing experiences on land and water. Our 40-year success through organic growth and acquisitions has resulted in a portfolio of over 25 brands that welcome upwards of 30 million guests/riders annually. If you’re an enthusiastic team player who thrives in an environment where communication, creativity, and cooperation are encouraged, this may just be the opportunity for you.

The RESPECT Service System embodies Hornblower's mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.