About the position
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to Captain the Saltchuk historic 120-foot, 269 GRT Thea Foss motor yacht homeported on Seattle's Lake Union! As Master, you will manage a team of up to six crew to host day and overnight voyages for up to 20 customers and guests of the Saltchuk family of companies. The 120-foot, 260 GRT Thea Foss is a steel-hulled luxury yacht designed by famed naval architect L.E. (Ted) Geary and built by Craig Shipbuilding Co. in Long Beach, California in 1930. The vessel carries between 5 and 6 crew members and up to 20 day-cruise guests or 10 overnight guests. The yacht owner, Saltchuk Resources, committed to an extensive restoration a few years ago and the vessel is in excellent operational and cosmetic condition. Today, the Thea Foss is home-ported in Seattle on Lake Union and is used for the enjoyment of the customers and guests of the Saltchuk family of companies. The boat is operated and maintained year-round. The ship has three main operational modes: spring and fall engaged with short dinner cruises on Lake Washington, mid-winter maintenance and repair often at a shipyard, and summer, multi-day cruises from ports of call along the Inside Passage through Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the implementation and continuous utilization of the Thea Foss Crew Guidelines and the Thea Foss Safety Manual designed to reduce all operational, safety, and environmental risks.
- Leverage the collective knowledge and skills of the crew and implement a strong (safety) culture.
- Expertly maneuver and pilot the 120-foot direct-reversing diesel engine vessel in difficult marine environments.
- Plan itineraries and conduct comprehensive voyage planning and execution to ensure safe navigation.
- Follow the recommendations of the Large Yacht Code and USCG rules for small passenger vessels.
- Understand all vessel machinery, operational, and safety systems.
- Build a positive team environment with crew to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience for guests.
- Assist in maintaining the vessel in excellent condition.
- Research, plan and lead all aspects of maintenance and repair projects and haul-out periods in cooperation with the Chief Engineer.
- Supervise, evaluate, and train all reporting crew members.
- Conduct periodic fire, abandon, evacuation, and other emergency drills.
- Provide safety orientation briefings to guests.
- Be the face of Saltchuk - always professional, appropriately groomed, and courteous.
- Manage crew schedules and supervise their individual responsibilities.
- Communicate personally with hosts and guests to ensure each trip is a success.
- Work with Saltchuk management on schedule, budget, and maintenance of the vessel.
- Conduct oversight of shipyard and out-of-service periods.
Requirements
- Minimum of 5 years employment history as master of coastal or ocean-going motor vessels, antique or traditional yachts highly preferred.
- Experience in implementing and maintaining safety management systems.
- Recent employment as Captain for a 100+ foot charter yacht or small passenger vessel of 100 to 500 gross tons.
- Possess an up-to-date USCG Merchant Mariner Credential.
- Skilled and safe ship handler, preferably with direct reversing engines.
- Strong leader, effective communicator, good collaboration skills.
- Strong voyage planning skills.
- Familiarity with the waters of the Pacific Northwest: Washington, British Columbia, Alaska.
- US citizen.
- A flexible schedule is required - schedules include some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Nice-to-haves
- Minimum two-years attendance at a Maritime School, Trade School, Junior College or University in appropriate maritime subjects.
- Hold up-to-date certificates for Basic Safety Training, Marine Firefighting or Advanced Fire Fighting, Advanced First Aid or USCG Med Pro or Med PIC, Radar Observer or Automatic radar plotting aid (ARAP), Electronic Chart Display and Info System (ECDIS), Leadership and Managerial Skills, FCC First Class Radio Operator or Global Maritime Distress System (GMDSS).
Benefits
- Market-competitive benefits: medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, and disability benefits.
- Generous 401(k) company matching.
- Pay Range $130,000 to $170,000 (depending on experience).
- A generous Annual Bonus opportunity with upside potential.
- 3 Weeks of Vacation per year.
- 9 Holidays per year.
- 2 Personal Holidays Days per year.
- 12 Days of Sick Leave per year.
- Employer-subsidized Medical/Dental/Vision Plans.
- Employer-paid Life/AD&D/Long-term Disability insurance.
- 401(k) Retirement Match of 4% + 3% additional Company Discretionary Contribution.
- Free ORCA Transportation Card.
- Generous charitable contribution matching program.
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