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PART-TIME CAPTAIN

Department: Outdoor Pursuits
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Status: Part-Time
Reports To: Director of Outdoor Pursuits

General Definition of Work

The Spring Island Club Part-Time Captain is responsible for safely operating Club vessels while providing exceptional recreational boating experiences for Spring Island members and their guests. The Captain will primarily conduct private island cruises, dolphin-watching excursions, nature tours, sunset cruises, and other non-fishing recreational outings within the surrounding Lowcountry waterways.

This position requires strong boat-handling skills, sound judgment, detailed knowledge of local waterways, and a genuine commitment to safety and personalized member service. The Captain serves as an ambassador of Spring Island and is expected to create a welcoming, informative, and memorable experience for every passenger.

This is not a charter-fishing position. The primary focus is member and guest cruises, wildlife viewing, environmental interpretation, and recreational boating experiences.

The position is part-time, with the potential to develop into a full-time opportunity. A future full-time role may include additional responsibilities or assignments within other departments across Spring Island.

Essential Functions

• Safely captain Club vessels during island cruises, dolphin-watching excursions, nature tours, sunset cruises, and other scheduled or private recreational outings.
• Provide attentive, professional, and courteous service to Spring Island members and their guests.
• Conduct pre-departure safety briefings and ensure passengers follow all boating and safety requirements.
• Operate vessels in accordance with United States Coast Guard regulations, South Carolina boating laws, Club policies, and established marine safety procedures.
• Monitor weather, tides, currents, vessel traffic, and water conditions before and throughout each excursion.
• Determine whether conditions are safe for departure and modify, delay, or cancel an excursion when necessary.
• Assist passengers with safely boarding and departing vessels, including individuals who may require additional assistance.
• Share appropriate information regarding Spring Island, the surrounding Lowcountry waterways, local wildlife, dolphins, marine ecosystems, and points of interest.
• Maintain a professional and engaging presence while adjusting each cruise to the interests and comfort level of members and guests..
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip vessel inspections.
• Ensure required safety equipment, life jackets, communication devices, first-aid supplies, and emergency equipment are aboard, accessible, and in serviceable condition.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, fueling, and general presentation of assigned vessels.
• Report mechanical concerns, vessel damage, safety hazards, accidents, or unusual conditions promptly to the Director of Outdoor Pursuits.
• Assist with basic vessel care and coordinate maintenance needs with the appropriate Club personnel or marine service providers.
• Respond calmly and appropriately to emergencies, changing weather conditions, passenger concerns, and unexpected situations.
• Communicate effectively with the Outdoor Pursuits team regarding reservations, schedules, passenger needs, weather conditions, and vessel availability.
• Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of Spring Island members and guests.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of safe recreational vessel operation and passenger management.
• Strong understanding of local tides, currents, weather patterns, navigational hazards, marine traffic, and Lowcountry waterways.
• Ability to operate a vessel confidently in changing weather, tide, current, and traffic conditions.
• Knowledge of United States Coast Guard regulations and marine emergency procedures.
• Ability to deliver polished, personalized service in a private-club environment.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to speak comfortably and knowledgeably with individuals and groups.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive during emergencies or unexpected situations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining vessels in excellent condition.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing as part of the Outdoor Pursuits team.
• Ability to exercise discretion when interacting with members, guests, children, and families.
• Willingness to learn about Spring Island’s history, natural environment, wildlife, amenities, and service standards.
• Flexibility and willingness to assist in other Club departments as needed.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous professional boat-captaining or passenger-vessel experience strongly preferred.
• Experience conducting sightseeing cruises, dolphin tours, nature excursions, eco-tours, or private member outings preferred.
• Experience working in a private club, resort, hospitality, recreation, marina, or member-service environment preferred.
• Familiarity with the waterways surrounding Spring Island, the Chechessee River, Port Royal Sound, and the South Carolina Lowcountry is highly desirable.
• Equivalent combinations of relevant education, boating experience, and training may be considered.

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Current United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with an Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels endorsement, commonly known as a USCG OUPV or Six-Pack Captain’s License, appropriate for the waters and vessels being operated.
• Current United States Coast Guard medical certification and all other documentation required to exercise the privileges of the license.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, or the ability to obtain certification within a designated period following hire.
• Must meet all applicable United States Coast Guard drug-testing requirements and participate in an approved random drug-testing program when required.
• Additional boating-safety, towing, navigation, or marine certifications are preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely board, operate, dock, and depart vessels in varying tide and weather conditions.
• Ability to stand, sit, bend, kneel, reach, climb, and maintain balance aboard a moving vessel.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment, lines, supplies, coolers, and safety gear weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to assist passengers when boarding and departing a vessel.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in heat, humidity, wind, rain, direct sunlight, and other changing marine conditions.
• Ability to clearly see navigational markers, vessel traffic, passengers, equipment, and potential hazards.
• Ability to hear and respond to radio communications, alarms, passenger requests, and environmental sounds.

Work Schedule

This is a part-time position with hours based on member reservations, seasonal demand, special events, weather conditions, and departmental needs. The captain must be available to work a flexible schedule that may include mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional extended hours.

Scheduled hours are not guaranteed and may vary throughout the year. Increased availability may be required during peak boating and member-activity seasons.

Professional Standards

The Part-Time Captain is expected to represent Spring Island Club with professionalism, warmth, discretion, and sound judgment at all times. The successful candidate will place passenger safety first while delivering the exceptional and personalized service expected within the Spring Island community.

Spring Island Club is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

 Pay Range:  Salary will be determined based on relevant experience and the scope of responsibilities or assignments when combined with other departments.  This position may also include gratuities as applicable.

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