Master with 50-Ton Credentials and Sailing Endorsement

*Position Overview*

Detroit Charter Company is seeking an experienced and professional *Captain *with sailing endorsement for HYDRA, a USCG-inspected small passenger vessel certified to carry up to 38 passengers. This role combines on-water command with shoreside operational oversight and is responsible for safety, compliance, crew leadership, and overall vessel readiness.

The Captain plays a central role in maintaining inspection standards, managing seasonal maintenance, and setting the operational tone for a premium charter program operating seven days per week during peak season.

*Key Responsibilities*

*Vessel Command & Safety*

* Serve as Captain for a USCG-inspected small passenger vessel
* Safely operate the vessel during scheduled charters and events
* Ensure compliance with USCG regulations, COLREGS, and company policies
* Maintain a professional, guest-facing presence onboard

*Crew Leadership*

* Lead and supervise a three-person crew
* Conduct safety briefings, drills, and crew training
* Set standards for professionalism, readiness, and conduct

*Regulatory Compliance & Inspections*

* Manage USCG inspection readiness and documentation
* Coordinate and attend USCG inspections
* Maintain logs, certificates, and compliance records
* Act as primary liaison with USCG Sector Detroit

*Maintenance & Seasonal Operations*

* Oversee seasonal maintenance, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs
* Coordinate with vendors, yards, and service providers
* Support spring commissioning and fall winterization
* Identify maintenance needs and assist with planning and budgeting

*Operational Coordination*

* Work with management on scheduling, provisioning, and logistics
* Support special events and charter operations
* Provide operational input to improve safety and efficiency

*Required Qualifications*

* USCG 50-Ton Master License
* Sailing endorsement required
* Valid TWIC
* Current First Aid / CPR
* Ability to pass drug screening and background check
* Experience operating USCG-inspected passenger vessels
* Working knowledge of USCG inspection processes

*Preferred Qualifications*

* Prior service as a Captain
* Great Lakes or Detroit River experience
* Experience with sailing yachts or performance sailboats
* Comfort working in a seasonal, guest-facing environment

*Compensation & Schedule*

* Seasonal full-time position
* Competitive compensation based on experience and credentials
* Potential off-season role supporting maintenance and planning

Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):
* Do you currently hold a United States Coast Guard Master license of 100 GRT or greater?
* Do you hold a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with no pending actions?
* Are you actively enrolled in a USCG-compliant random drug-testing consortium?
* Have you previously served as Master on a USCG-inspected passenger vessel (COI-regulated)?
* Do you have experience operating vessels on the Great Lakes, specifically the Detroit River and Lake St Clair?
* Are you comfortable with: Managing sail handling with guests aboard, Docking and undocking under variable wind conditions, Crew coordination during maneuvers
* Are you comfortable supervising: Licensed and unlicensed crew, Passenger safety briefings, Emergency drills (fire, man-overboard, abandon ship)
* Do you have experience maintaining: Vessel logs, Maintenance and safety records, Crew training documentation
* Are you available for weekends, evenings, and holiday charters?
* Is there anything in your background that could impact your ability to serve as Captain of Record on a USCG-inspected passenger vessel?
* Why are you interested in captaining HYDRA specifically?

Work Location: In person