Boat Captain Apprentice (65571)

Boat Captain Apprentice I Salary Range $16.00 - $16.00 Hourly Position Type Full Time Overview The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) is dedicated to preserving and exploring the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and making this resource available to all. As an educational institution, staff fulfill CBMM's mission, goals, and vision, working individually and collaboratively to encourage the public's access to our collections, programs, and resources. The Museum's Vessel Operations Department manages a diverse fleet of traditional and modern vessels ranging from small outboard workboats to large historic sailing ships and Subchapter T-certified commercial passenger vessels. This department plays a critical role in public interpretation, museum operations, and maritime heritage preservation. Description CBMM's Boat Captain Apprentice will acquire a comprehensive foundation in traditional and modern seamanship with the ultimate goal of preparing for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) 100-ton Master's License. Over the course of this two-year program, the apprentice will accumulate the documented hours, skills, and competencies required to initiate the licensing process. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience in vessel handling under power and sail, marine systems diagnostics and repair, rules of the road, navigation, weather interpretation, and crew management. Apprentices will rotate through a schedule that includes system maintenance, trip planning, off-season preparation, and underway operations aboard vessels ranging from 18' center consoles to 65' Subchapter T steel-hulled passenger vessels and 60' historic wooden boats. Principal Responsibilities Participate in the safe operation of CBMM's fleet of vessels under the direct supervision of licensed captains Assist in vessel preparation, crew briefings, passenger communication, and underway logistics Participate in marine systems troubleshooting, maintenance, and seasonal upkeep (inboard, outboard, electrical, plumbing) Learn and demonstrate growing proficiency in navigational planning, weather assessment, VHF radio operation, and logkeeping Assist with dockside maintenance and participate in haul-outs, inspections, and winterization Practice effective crew communication, safety drills, and situational awareness aboard vessels Support public programs, private charters, and educational trips as needed Complete training in seamanship, Rules of the Road, safety protocols, and vessel-specific operations Accumulate sea service time and maintain a log of underway hours and related training Schedule This is a full-time, hourly position with a standard schedule of Wednesday–Sunday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Wednesdays will focus on marine systems and mechanical training with CBMM's marine mechanic. Thursday through Sunday will be primarily underway or supporting vessel operations alongside licensed captains. Additional Expectations The Boat Captain Apprentice is expected to participate in major CBMM events and assist in a variety of institutional needs when appropriate. All staff must be available to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Apprentices will be held to high standards of responsibility, professionalism, and engagement as public-facing representatives of CBMM. Qualifications Basic Requirements • High school diploma or GED • Strong motivation to pursue a 100-ton USCG license • Valid driver's license • Basic comfort aboard boats and with marine terminology • Physical ability to work in a dynamic, hands-on marine environment • Must be an excellent team player, flexible, and comfortable interfacing with the public • Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and evenings • Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) • Ability to obtain Merchant Mariner Credentials and USCG Medical Certificate • Drug testing is required upon acceptance and will be done randomly • Basic familiarity with marine vessels Physical Requirements • Prolonged periods standing, climbing, crouching, and lifting • Must be able to lift up to 80 pounds • Must be able to safely operate and maneuver aboard vessels in motion • Must be comfortable in a variety of weather conditions and marine environments • Must have excellent balance, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination • Comfortable working in an outside environment all four seasons