Captain Hourly- City Experiences

About the Company

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation, with a 100-year history. Its portfolio includes water- and land-based experiences, ferry and transportation services, vessel maintenance, shipping, logistics, and reservation/ticketing services. Operating in over 10 countries and 50 U.S. cities, Hornblower serves more than 20 million guests annually through brands like City Cruises, Walks, Devour, NYC Ferry, and Puerto Rico Ferry. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, the company has additional offices across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Ireland.

About the Role

The successful Captain will ensure consistently high levels of safety, quality, service, and guest satisfaction while maintaining profitability. Responsibilities include cruise execution, operations team management, guest service, and administrative duties.

Responsibilities

• Cruise Execution:
  • Rotate as cruise captain, ensuring adherence to procedures in the Product Management Guide, including pre-cruise preparation, cruise scripts, crew supervision, vessel piloting, Coast Guard compliance, and guest satisfaction.
  • Gather cruise event details from other departments to fulfill special guest requests.
  • Conduct pre-cruise meetings to communicate necessary information (e.g., special needs, boarding procedures) to crew.
  • Ensure staff and guests adhere to all safety standards and procedures.
  • Participate in the Safety Program, including emergency drills.
  • Maintain all ship’s systems (gangways, diesel, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, water, fire suppression, communications, navigation) and boarding facilities.
  • Ensure adherence to Coast Guard, federal, and local regulations.
  • Strictly comply with the Emergency Response Plan.
  • Execute other projects as assigned by management.
• Operations Team Management:
  • Recruit non-exempt operations staff (crew) to fill vacant positions.
  • Deliver training to new crew.
  • Schedule crew according to the staffing matrix.
  • Adhere to the Company’s performance management guidelines for discipline and termination.
  • Recommend crew promotions to full-time annual positions to Marine Management.
  • Develop positive working relationships with city department heads and peers.
  • Foster strong teamwork within the staff.
• Guest Service:
  • Resolve guest problems using strong service skills and effective communication to align with company objectives and guest retention.
  • Oversee the implementation and execution of safety programs in accordance with Coast Guard regulations and company policies.
• Administration:
  • Complete all shift records: checklists, logbooks, payroll, and safety training documentation.
  • Ensure incident reports are completed accurately and promptly.
  • Participate in payroll system administration, including scheduling, checking, transmitting, and processing.
  • Execute collateral duties assigned by Marine Management (e.g., uniforms, crew training, safety training, recruiting, scheduling, routine vessel maintenance).
  • Schedule crew work periods to maximize payroll efficiency.
  • Attend all scheduled meetings.
  • Assist with accounting tasks, including invoice processing.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Currently possess a 100-ton license with a satisfactory record.
• Minimum of five (5) years of marine experience, preferably including two (2) years as a captain with an outstanding record.
• Detailed working knowledge of all ship’s systems (gangways, diesel, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, water, fire suppression, communications, navigation) and their proper maintenance.
• Ability to operate a vessel in accordance with all Coast Guard rules and procedures.
• Vessel handling and navigation knowledge.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (especially Word & Excel).

Skills

• Effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to deal with internal and external guests, requiring patience, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work onboard a moving vessel in varying weather and sea conditions, including maintaining balance and stability while underway.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout a shift.
• Ability to navigate stairs, ladders, narrow passageways, and confined spaces commonly found onboard vessels.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull supplies, equipment, and inventory weighing up to 40 pounds independently.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, and perform repetitive motions as required in food service and hospitality operations.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively during normal operations, guest service situations, and emergency procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to moving equipment, wet surfaces, temperature variations, and moderate noise levels.
• Ability to visually inspect service areas, food presentation, cleanliness standards, and safety conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests, crew members, and management in person and via radio or other communication devices.
• Successfully complete vessel-specific safety and emergency training.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operational needs require.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily onboard a Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessel, with duties split between dining, service, storage, galley-adjacent, and administrative areas.
• Requires regular movement throughout multiple decks and may involve occasional exposure to outdoor marine environments (heat, humidity, rain, wind, sunlight).
• Must safely perform duties while the vessel is docked or underway.