Port Captain
About World Ocean School
On both the tall ships Roseway and Denis Sullivan, ship’s bells replace school bells. Teamwork takes the place of busy work. And salty breezes power an appetite for learning — about the ocean, community, and purpose.
For 20 years, the World Ocean School, Roseway, and now Denis Sullivan have been changing lives. More than 22,000 students have sailed on our vessels for hours, days or weeks. As they plot a course with chart and compass, hoist 2,000-pound sails up towering wooden masts, or stand watch in her tapered bow, these young people learn new skills and absorb an entirely new perspective. They come to see themselves as capable of so much more than they understood before. They return to shore with newfound confidence, pride, and the tools to be changemakers who can bring their communities together and work for a future where everyone can thrive.
To learn more about our exciting work, please visit www.worldoceanschool.org.
The Port Captain is responsible for managing, in collaboration with World Ocean School leadership, the seaworthiness of vessel(s), safety and security, effective operation, regulatory compliance and marine personnel. In addition, the Port Captain will also serve as Captain of the vessel and be directly responsible for its safe and efficient operation; adherence to the COI, USCG, and Environmental guidelines; managing the crew and students; and overseeing the maintenance of the vessel while physically on board.
As the primary representative of the ship, the Port Captain will:
Interface between the World Ocean School office and the on-board Captain(s), ensuring that that all Captains and Relief Captains are working together in partnership and that there is effective communication between them, and consistency in the execution of standards aboard.
Advocate for the ship’s needs in balance with program and organizational goals and objectives
Attend meetings and conferences as the ship’s representative, including but not limited to World Ocean School board and committee meetings, Tall Ships America conferences, et al, when appropriate and not in conflict with on-board duties
Maintain communication with the US Coast Guard and other related agencies as necessary
Act as a liaison between the vessel and other parties, including but not limited to other vessels and organizations, stakeholders, families and participants, programming partners, etc.
The Port Captain is responsible for maintaining the high standards of World Ocean School, and will ensure in collaboration with World Ocean School leadership:
the highest standards are being met in all practices and operations on board, including hiring, training, professional development, drills, educational delivery, etc.
compliance and maintenance of the Certificate of Inspection, including but not limited to required drills are taking place and that logs are complete
the highest standards for the safety of the crew in accordance with all applicable safety rules, regulations, industry standards and best practices.
compliance with all regulations, which may include interaction with regulatory agencies and civil authorities, and maintaining an awareness of current maritime regulatory issues and laws
new safety, navigational and engineering tools and equipment are researched and considered
Short- and long-term maintenance is planned for and well executed, including but not limited to the annual haul out/shipyard
The Port Captain will play a key role in planning for the activities of the ship and crew, including:
Assist in the planning of educational programming and other boat activities, including shipyard scheduling and coordination
Assist with logistics and support for the vessel as needed, which may include:
Manage dockage and port access
Monitor and relay weather forecasts
Manage pre-sailing paperwork and logistics
Procurement and purchasing of necessary supplies and equipment
The Port Captain will manage, directly and through the on-board Captain, the marine operations of the organization, which includes:
Overseeing on-going maintenance and repair activities
Sourcing and ordering parts, equipment and supplies
Working with management and staff in preparing an operational budget for the ship and programs
Ensuring that operations are within existing budget guidelines
Assisting in the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and development of on-board personnel, including additional professional development opportunities
the completion of Sea Time letters and other required documentation in a timely manner
Skills and Qualifications:
Multiple years of experience in the maritime industry as a Captain
Minimum 100-ton Near Coastal Master with sail endorsement USCG Captain’s License
STCW II/1, V/2, VI/1-4
Advanced knowledge of sail theory and seamanship
Flexible and adaptable to changing schedules and programs
Organized, thorough, decisive, and able to communicate clearly
Able to lead, manage, and train a crew with enthusiasm and competence
Able and willing to set a respectful and mature example for students and crew
Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with computers and technological savvy
Multi-tasking ability and hands-on attention to projects
Mature well-grounded sense of personal ethics, evident in the individual’s
integrity—upholding high standards in public and personal relations
Capable of representing the World Ocean School favorably
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and/or experience
Relevant experience at sea and working with students
Minimum Basic First Aid—Advanced, EMS or WFR
World Ocean School is an equal-opportunity employer. We seek to build a team that reflects the diversity we celebrate in our community. We welcome and encourage all qualified applicants who share our vision, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to our work and mission. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position and we do not discriminate on any basis prohibited by law.
Compensation for this position is competitive based on experience. World Ocean School provides a benefits package that includes health insurance, 401K with a matching option, two weeks of vacation in addition to federal holidays, and office closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Target start date is April 1, 2025, but the position will remain open until filled.
If interested, please send a letter describing your interest in the position and a current resume to Steve Kirk, Vice President/Director of Operations, steve@worldoceanschool.org.
