Whale Watching Captain (SVOP)

Vancouver Island Whale Watch – Nanaimo, BC

Vancouver Island Whale Watch is currently inviting applications for the position of Skipper/Captain (SVOP) for daily excursions (3-4 hours). The successful candidates must be enthusiastic about the marine environment, must have experience boating on 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 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.
• Check the required supplies levels and equipment before and after tours.
• Crew management and vessel inventory.
• Compliance with Transport Canada policies, local laws, commercial whale watching regulations, and company rules.
• Ensure the accurate execution of all COVID-19 onboard safety protocols.
• Maintaining ship’s certificates and documentation by producing daily and monthly reports.
• 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).
• Transport Canada approved Marine First Aid

Preferred Skills:

• Minimum of one year of experience driving boats with 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
• Ability to learn a variety of job descriptions.
• 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 an asset.

Competitive wages are to be discussed.

Please send a resume and cover letter to apply.
Part-time hours: 20-30 per week
Expected start date: 4/1/2022
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Casual, Seasonal

Additional pay:

• Tips

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Holidays
• On-call
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
All guests and staff are required to show proof of two doses of vaccine, and to wear masks in our office and on our boats. If you do not have a mask with you we will provide one.

Application question(s):

• Do you currently live in Nanaimo, BC?

Experience:

• marine: 1 year (preferred)

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)

Direct contact: Rodrigo Menezes – Vancouver Island Whale Watch Nanaimo: rodrigo@vancouverislandwhalewatch.com