Senior Captain (FT)

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND 

The mission of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For more than 35 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium historically hosts nearly 500,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals. Altogether, the Aquarium is home to over 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 54,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 60 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to volunteers who contribute over 19,000 hours annually.  

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Senior Captain is responsible for the safe and timely operation of The Maritime Aquarium’s (TMA) vessels which conduct activities and programming related to education and research for school groups, the public, and TMA staff and volunteers. TMA’s fleet consists of two sub-chapter T inspected passenger vessels — 64-foot hybrid-electric catamaran (R/V Spirit of the Sound) and a 46-foot Chesapeake Deadrise — and a 14-foot rigid hull inflatable boat. The Senior Captain will manage the maintenance schedule for the three vessels.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

• US Coast Guard (USCG) MMC Master (50GRT or above).
• Current Red Cross Certifications in First Aid, CPR & AED, or ability to obtain promptly.

Knowledge of and demonstrated experience maintaining mechanical and electrical systems found in a maritime environment. Able to adapt to new technologies and have meticulous attention to detail.

Ability to lift/carry in excess of 60 lbs. of vessel gear, haul fishing and research gear, and other physical activities required to operate marine vessels.

Ability to stand for long periods; enter small spaces; ascend and descend ladders/steps; perform mechanical functions while crouching, crawling, bending, etc.

Ability to handle emergencies by reacting quickly and professionally.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team on vessel maintenance and vessel improvement projects.

Understanding of safety requirements and best practices aboard a vessel carrying passengers and conducting research activities with gear in the water.

Excellent interpersonal skills, as this position requires frequent communication with Aquarium staff, passengers, vendors and partners. Willingness to work with students.

Participation in USCG mandatory chemical testing as required by regulations

Ability to work weekends and occasional evenings.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Works together with the Associate Director of Education to help ensure the successful operation and maintenance of the Aquarium’s vessels through professional maritime practices, a high level of passenger and crew safety, and innovative programming.
• Navigates vessels on waterways in accordance with current Federal and State regulations and TMA protocols.
• Conducts bi-monthly checks on vessels’ safety and mechanical systems and perform routine and preventative maintenance. Documents in vessels’ hull and machinery logs. Arranges for outside vendors to service when needed. Maintains spare parts and equipment inventory.
• Supports delivery of the Aquarium’s shipboard education programs when required (e.g. retrieval of samples, interacting with passengers). Interacts and communicates with educators/crew/staff and members of the public in a professional manner.
• Provides guidance, training and supervision to vessel staff during drills and cruises. Help ensure part-time captains and crew compliance with relevant USCG and TMA regulations and operational guidelines.
• Ensures the safety of the vessel and that crew has secured lines, shore power and security locks, and completes daily ships logs. Reports and documents all non-routine operations, such as but not limited to catching debris in nets, incidents with passengers, other vessels and weather.
• Maintain and update the Vessel Operations Department’s Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

 

This job description is not designed to co