Position Overview

The part-time boat captain prepares and operates The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) boats during college-sanctioned events. Hours will vary according to need and will be determined on a weekly basis. This position typically maintains a 5 to 25-hour work schedule and reports to the Director, Marine Science and Technology, or designee.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares CFK vessel(s) for operation.
• Maintains strict inventory and control of all equipment on the vessel.
• Provides a safety briefing to passengers.
• Refuels the vessel after use.
• Ensures the college vessel has all necessary and required safety equipment as required by U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations for safe vessel operations.
• Works cooperatively with the deckhand to decide if the weather is reasonable for the planned dives or excursion.
• Be familiar with risk management and can implement emergency action plans.
• Logs incident/accident reports, as necessary.
• Work in a supervisory capacity on an CFK vessel that conducts dive training.
• Ensures that vessel is operational prior to college use.
• Operates and navigates CFK vessel during college sanctioned events.
• Provides other support services to Division of Marine Science and Technology, as needed.
• Conducts safety drills (e.g. MOB, fire, abandon ship) in accordance with USCG requirements as assigned by the Director of Marine Science and Technology, or designee.
• Works cooperatively with other captains, deckhands, faculty, lab technical advisors, and College staff.
• Maintain the vessel's documentation according to the CFK procedure.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of local water preferred.
• Knowledge of local diving environment including the underwater training area, reef, and wrecks.
• Knowledge and experience in monitoring the weather for approaching storms.
• Communication skills and working in a team environment.
• Ability to carry out clerical duties (e.g., collect, check and maintain required paperwork)
• Ability to carry out job duties with minimal or no direct supervision.
• Ability to communicate on a regular basis with the Director, Marine Science and Technology, Faculty, other Captains, deckhands, and the Dive Facilities Manager.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Possess strong critical thinking, decision making, and strong communication skills.
• Knowledge of basic vessel maintenance, especially outboard engine maintenance
• Possess interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student body
• Understanding of, and commitment to, Equal Access/Equal Opportunity.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of College mission, policies, procedures, and services.
• Proficient in the use of technology.

Education and Qualifications

• High School Degree or equivalent required.
• Experience supporting activities related to CFK preferred.
• Minimum one-year professional experience as a deckhand preferred.
• Must be a part of the Maritime Consortium and able to pass random drug testing or ability to pass a drug test at the time of employment required.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential - Master 25 Gross Tons or higher required
• Current (within 24 months) CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
• Open Water Scuba Instructor certification (PADI, NAUI, SDI, SSDI etc.) preferred.
• Current (within 24 months) Emergency Oxygen Provider certification preferred.
• State boater's safety course preferred.

Required Skills