Captain - Statue Cruises

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation, spanning a 100-year history with a portfolio of international offerings including water- and land-based experiences, ferry, and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group’s premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group’s Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually. The company operates services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systems. Hornblower Group’s subsidiaries also provide vessel maintenance, shipping, waterfront logistics, and reservation services.

About the role

The Captain operates United States Coast Guard Inspected Small Passenger Vessels under contract for the National Park Service between the New York and New Jersey Waterfront, Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and on adjacent routes. The role ensures the safety and security of the crew, enjoyment of passengers, and respect for the environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate the vessel as the Master in Navigational Command with due regard for proper Standards of Watch, Standing, and Wheelhouse Resources Management in accordance with good seamanship practices.
• Assign crew members work appropriate for their classification and conduct Safety Meetings in conformance with Statue Cruises policy to ensure efficient and safe vessel operation.
• Counsel and discipline crew members regarding performance issues and directly supervise the First Officer, Deckhands, and other crew in marine transportation safety, security, and training.
• Maintain Vessel Operations and Maintenance Logs, Personnel Reports, and all other ship’s business records.
• Conduct Watch Quarter Station Bill Emergency Drills in accordance with US Coast Guard regulations, inspect all vessel areas for unsafe conditions, perform accident investigations, and make safety announcements.
• Observe and evaluate crew under their command, wear the Statue Cruises Uniform at all times in the presence of guests, and follow all US Coast Guard regulations and Navigational Rules of the Road.
• Follow National Park Service directives and Liberty and Ellis Island policies to ensure an interpretive experience for all passengers and visitors.
• Implement the Vessel Safety and Security Plans to comply with US Coast Guard Office of Homeland Security Rules and Regulations.
• Supervise others in customer service and environmental practices, setting a good example as a team leader.
• Conduct employee job performance reviews and comply with and enforce established Company policies and procedures.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Merchant Mariner Credential
• Merchant Mariner Medical
• CPR / First Aid Certification
• U.S. Coast Guard Inland Masters (100 ton or more passengers) or equivalent
• FCC Marine Radio Telephony
• Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) Card
• Current New York or New Jersey Driver’s license and satisfactory driving record
• Two (2) years of boat handling experience preferred but not required
• Customer service experience is helpful
• Regular attendance is essential; irregular attendance may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination

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 safely 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, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and sunlight.
• Must be able to safely perform duties while the vessel is docked or underway.