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
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