For over 27 years, Harbor Breeze Cruises has been a premier provider of public whale-watching tours, harbor cruises, and private charters in Southern California. Our company is dedicated to providing an incredible guest experience on some of California’s most scenic harbors and the incredible Pacific Ocean. Our team is dedicated to marine education, environmental conservation, and delivering exceptional experiences to guests from all over the world.
About the role
The Port Captain is a dual-role leadership and operational position responsible for overseeing the operational readiness, compliance, and performance of Harbor Breeze’s marine operations, while also serving as an active vessel Captain on a scheduled basis (approximately 2–3 days per week). This role ensures all vessel activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The Port Captain works closely with vessel captains, deckhands, and the General Manager, and is responsible for supervising marine personnel, developing crew schedules, and ensuring vessel safety, training, and readiness. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires both strong administrative and management capabilities as well as the ability to safely and professionally operate passenger vessels on a regular basis.
Reports to: General Manager
Location: Long Beach, California
Terms: Exempt (FLSA Designation)
Salary Range: $90,000 – $95,000 Per Year
What you'll do
Marine Operations Oversight:
- Ensure vessels are operated in compliance with all applicable USCG, environmental, and company safety standards.
- Coordinate and oversee daily vessel assignments, routing, and marine crew scheduling.
- Conduct regular vessel inspections and support maintenance needs in partnership with the Port Engineer.
Crew Supervision & Scheduling:
- Supervise and support all marine crew members including Captains and Deckhands.
- Create and maintain the marine operations crew schedule, ensuring adequate and compliant coverage.
- Ensure all crew certifications, logs, and training are current and documented.
Active Vessel Operation:
- Operate vessels on a scheduled basis (approximately 2–3 days per week), including whale watching tours, harbor cruises, and private charters, while delivering an exceptional guest experience.
- Conduct thorough pre-departure safety checks, passenger safety briefings, and ensure crew readiness before each departure.
- Maintain accurate vessel logs, fuel records, and trip documentation for each voyage in accordance with USCG requirements.
- Manage onboard crew performance and uphold Harbor Breeze service and safety standards during all vessel operating shifts.
- Serve as relief Captain as needed and provide hands-on support during peak seasons, special events, and charter operations.
Safety & Compliance:
- Promote a strong safety culture and lead safety drills and emergency preparedness training.
- Ensure all crew follow Harbor Breeze protocols and USCG safety requirements.
- Investigate incidents or safety violations and report findings to the General Manager.
Operational Readiness & Training:
- Coordinate with Captains to ensure vessels are stocked, fueled, and properly maintained for service.
- Lead onboarding and ongoing training for marine crew members.
- Support guest service standards by ensuring smooth boarding procedures and professional crew conduct.
- Provide a clear example of the GO BEYOND service culture through personal example while delivering ongoing coaching and counseling to crew members to reinforce Harbor Breeze’s standards of excellence.
Collaboration & Communication:
- Act as a liaison between crew, Port Engineer, and General Manager for operational updates and priorities.
- Assist with planning for special tours, charters, or marine-related events.
- Attend internal planning meetings and communicate changes in scheduling or regulations.
- Proactively collaborate with the General Manager to continuously refine crew scheduling practices, improve operational efficiency, and ensure optimal coverage across all routes and services.
- Manage all marine-related expenses as financial steward of the operations budget, monitoring expenditures, reviewing invoices, and ensuring spending remains within approved budget guidelines.
Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain accurate vessel logs, crew records, inspection reports, and incident documentation in compliance with USCG and company requirements.
- Track and report crew certifications, license renewals, and drug & alcohol testing compliance to ensure continuous regulatory standing.
- Prepare and submit operational reports to the General Manager as required, including safety summaries, maintenance needs, and crew performance updates.
Additional Duties:
- Perform other duties as assigned by the General Manager to support marine operations and company goals.
Qualifications
- Valid U.S. Coast Guard Master’s License (100 Ton or higher) with required endorsements.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in marine operations, vessel management, or similar leadership roles.
- Prior crew supervision and scheduling experience required.
- In-depth knowledge of maritime safety regulations and best practices.
- Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to respond to emergencies and work flexible schedules including weekends and holidays.
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC card) required.
- Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required.
- Must meet 46 CFR Part 16 drug and alcohol testing requirements, including pre-employment and random testing.
- Physical ability to board, disembark, and operate vessels safely in varying weather and sea conditions.
- Experience in passenger vessel operations strongly preferred; familiarity with whale watching, harbor cruises, or ecotourism a plus.
- Familiarity with Southern California coastal waters preferred.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Harbor Breeze Cruises is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment practices, including, but not limited to, selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, marital status, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizenship status, or any other category protected by law.
