Whale Watching Captain (SVOP)

Vancouver Island Whale Watch is currently inviting applications for Skipper/Captain (SVOP) for ethical wildlife excursions. The successful candidates must be enthusiastic about the marine environment, must have experience boating in the Salish Sea, and must be willing and able to fully comply with Transport Canada legislation, local laws, and specific commercial whale watching regulations. They must show absolute attention to detail while also being comfortable with an ever-changing environment.

Role and Responsibilities

Captain's responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Safe and efficient operation of the vessel and ensure the safety, health, and welfare of all crew and passengers onboard during whale watching tours.

- Compliance with Transport Canada policies, local laws, commercial whale watching regulations, and company rules and operational procedures.

- Operate 12 passenger RHIBs and/or Covered Vessels.

- Check the required supplies levels and marine equipment before and after tours.

- Keep the Captain's logbook updated daily.

- Complete of VIWW Captain Training Program and participate in safety drills.

- Produce accident / incident / injury / illness reports, if necessary.

- Ensuring all machinery is operable and reporting defects.

- Oversight and assistance with day-to-day general maintenance.

Qualification

- Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) or higher certification.

- Restricted Operator Certificate-Maritime (ROC-M).

- Small Domestic Vessel-Basic Safety (SDV-BS formerly called MED A3).

- Valid Marine Basic First Aid approved by Transport Canada.

- Whale-Safe Boating Course (MERS)

Preferred Skills:

- Three years of experience driving commercial boats up to 12 passengers.

- Local marine knowledge of the Salish Sea (Strait of Georgia, Gulf Islands, Howe Sound, etc).

- Knowledge of local marine wildlife and the natural environment

- Good communication and interpersonal skills.

- Very organized and reliable.

- Critical thinking and problem-solving.

- Comfortable working outdoors.

- Mechanical aptitude (Mechanical, Hydraulic, Electrical) is an asset.

- Post-secondary background in Biology, Oceanography, or Environmental Studies is also an asset.

Please send a resume and cover letter to apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Casual, Seasonal

Contract length: 7 months

Pay: From $24.00 per hour

Application question(s):

- Do you currently live in Nanaimo, BC?

Experience:

- marine: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) (required)

- Small Domestic Vessel-Basic Safety (SDV-BS or MED A3) (required)

- Restricted Operator Certificate-Maritime (ROC-M) (required)

- Marine Basic First Aid certification (required)

Work Location: In person