What are the responsibilities and job description for the Boat Captain position at Olympic Tours?
Boat Captain
As the Boat Captain, you are responsible for the safe operation, presentation, and overall readiness of our vessel throughout the season. This position combines skilled boat handling, sound decision-making, and a strong commitment to passenger safety, with an ability to create an engaging, memorable experience on the water.
What You’ll Do
- Safely operate a USCG-inspected passenger vessel on scheduled whale watching and sightseeing tours
- Plan voyages and itineraries using weather forecasts, tides, marine conditions, and communication with other operators; adjust routes as needed
- Complete pre-departure safety checks to ensure vessel readiness, including navigation systems, safety equipment, and fuel levels
- Welcome guests aboard, conduct safety briefings, answer questions, and create a positive onboard experience
- Provide engaging narration about whales, wildlife, and the local marine environment while practicing responsible wildlife viewing
- Lead and direct deck crew during trips, including training, coordination of duties, and safety drills
- Monitor vessel systems and engine performance, performing daily checks and identifying mechanical concerns early
- Respond calmly and effectively to emergencies or changing conditions, making sound decisions about delays, route changes, or cancellations
- Fuel the vessel, complete pump-outs, manage onboard waste, and maintain compliance with environmental practices
- Clean and maintain the vessel after trips and oversee its overall cleanliness, presentation, and readiness throughout the season
- Perform routine seasonal maintenance and coordinate repairs when needed
- Maintain required logs and documentation including passenger counts, fuel usage, incident reports, and USCG drill and inspection records
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Boat Captain, preferably in whale watching or other maritime tourism operations
- Strong knowledge of local waters and marine wildlife
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills
- Approachable, professional, and comfortable interacting with guests
- Excellent organizational skills and details management
- Valid USCG License, 100T Master Captain
- Valid CPR/First Aid certification
- WA State Commercial Whale Watching Operator License
- Ability to pass all USCG mandated drug and alcohol testing
Pay
- $30 - $38 hour
We’re a growing company offering training, advancement, and long-term opportunity for those who want to grow with us.
Olympic Tours, LLC Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Olympic Tours, LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Job Type: Part-time
Work Location: In person
Pay: $30.00 - $38.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $30 - $38