Port Captain

Job Description

Job Description

Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) was founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt in 2009 with a goal to advance the frontiers of ocean exploration and research through technological advancement, intelligent observation, and open sharing of information. This is achieved by making ship time and associated assets freely available to scientists globally. In exchange, SOI supports public sharing of acquired scientific observations, data, and other information about the ocean to stimulate the growth of data applications and user community and to amplify and enable further exploration, discovery, deeper understanding, and effective conservation and management of our environment.

Port Captain - Job Description

Permanent Full-time Professional Staff position based in Woodinville, WA (salaried)

The Port Captain is an integral member of Schmidt Ocean Institute’s (SOI) Maritime Infrastructure Division and part of the shore-based management team responsible for operating the Institute’s Global-Class research vessel Falkor (too). This involves ship management, including oversight of the recruitment and management of vessel crew, shoreside management of interior and deck departments, and assisting with logistics during in-port and shipyard periods, the preparation of budgets, cruise planning, and implementing procedures and documentation to meet regulatory and policy requirements.

Responsibilities

Crewing

• Ensure the Ship is properly crewed, including oversight of recruitment and termination, interviews, and selection of permanent and temporary crew.
• Serve as shoreside administrative supervisor for permanent and temporary crew, in collaboration with Purser and Operations Associate.
• Shoreside Manager of the Deck and Interior Departments,, in collaboration with Captains.
• Assist Captains and Heads of Department to maintain crew schedules / identify crew change dates.
• Ensure crew have proper training, documentation, and up-to-date and accurate records in collaboration with the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and Operations Associate.
• Plan and coordinate promotions and permanent positions in collaboration with the Captains and Senior Director of Maritime Infrastructure.
• Assist Purser as needed to plan and organize crew arrivals and departures to include entry requirements for foreign countries.
• Create and maintain crew-related policies in collaboration with the DPA.
• Address low to mid-level crew HR issues in collaboration with Captains and Senior Director of Maritime Infrastructure and escalate high level HR issues to senior management.
• In collaboration with the DPA, ensure compliance with international maritime crew regulations and SPS Maritime Ltd and SOI policies.
• Maintain a pool of qualified applicants for shipboard positions.
• Actively recruit qualified applicants from the global workforce with emphasis on inclusivity in hiring practices, ensuring an international crew.
• Manage the performance review system and feedback mechanisms for crew.
• Propose and assist SOI Leadership and Captains with initiatives focused on crew recruitment and retention.
• Maintain the crew training and travel budgets.

Port Logistics

Cruise Planning

Regulatory

Other Duties

Skills

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

This is an exempt position.

Schmidt Ocean Institute is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe that diversity brings about greater results on all levels and we aim to use our resources to generate greater impact through our work. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.