Boatswain - National Geographic Quest

WHO WE ARE

Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The Boatswain is responsible for the care and maintenance of USCG COI’d inflatable boats, rescue boats, and related gear such as outboard motors, tool kits, fuel, fuel tanks, inflatable boat safety equipment and the deck cranes used for raising/lowering the inflatable boats, paddle boards and kayaks.  Occasionally, this position fills in as a deckhand.  

WORK SCHEDULE

The Boatswains work a rotational schedule of approximately 6 weeks on/6 weeks off, approximately 12 hours per dayaround operational requirements. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Small Boat Maintenance:

• Performs routine upkeep and maintenance of the inflatable boats and rescue boat, adhering to an outlined schedule on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.  Makes repairs to equipment in a timely fashion, such as patching, replacing worn parts, varnishing wood, and replacing worn lines.   
• Coordinates necessary boat operation arrangements with the Captain, Expedition Leader, Field Staff and Hotel Manager for various guest activities. 
• Operates the inflatable boats during small boat excursions. 
• Assists in training of new crew and staff members in the proper operation of the inflatable boats. 
• Performs routine maintenance on the outboard motors, coordinating with the engineers when necessary to correct major mechanical problems. 
• Performs routine maintenance on the Sea Crane per an outlined schedule on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis which may involve coordination with the Engineering Department. 
• Maintains up-to-date inventory of all small boat gear and equipment.  Notifies the Chief Mate well in advance when products become low, allowing for replacements to be requisitioned and received in a timely manner. 
• Oversees the fantail cleanup for pre-boarding of inflatable boats, directing assigned deckhands. 
• Prepares the inflatable boats for guest boarding. 
• Prepares the inflatable boats for stowage following completion of the day’s excursions.
• Operates sea crane safely and efficiently during boat operations 

Safety and Security:

• Ensures the cleanliness and readiness of the rescue boat.  Performs weekly test launching, running and raising to insure readiness in case of an emergency situation. 
• Fulfills Fire and Emergency Station Billet by acting as fire hose nozzle-person donning full firefighting gear and serving at the scene of the fire. 
• Participates in on board safety training, meetings and drills, as directed by the Captain, including fire, security, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding and medical emergencies. 
• Participates in shore side training as required by the company.   
• Relieves and/or performs gangway watch as directed by the duty schedule. 
• Familiar with all duties under the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response activities. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Mechanical aptitude and interest.
• Maritime/boating experience preferred.
• Good customer service skills: professional demeanor, ability to use necessary levels of tact and courtesy. 
• Detail oriented and thorough: able to follow through on assigned tasks. 
• Works well independently using initiative and creativity to complete assigned tasks. 
• Strong time management skills: able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines. 
• Works well under pressure. 
• Able to get along well with co-workers. 

Licenses/Certificates, Registrations:

• 25 Ton Masters License required.
• 100 Ton Masters License preferred.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification required.
• Valid TWIC card required.
• Valid US Passport required.
• STCW Basic Safety Training required.
• STCW Crowd Management preferred.
• STCW Crisis preferred.
• VPDSD required.
• Current Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting certification preferred.

Our Benefits

Vacation Pay (10% of the daily rate for each day worked)

7 Paid Holidays

Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision  

401(k) plan with employer match  

Room and board when scheduled

Travel Day Pay

Travel Expenses Paid

Travel benefits for employees and their family  

Uniforms Provided

Training Opportunities

Short Pay

Emergency Coverage Pay

Employment is contingent on the following:

- In compliance with U.S. Coast Guard Regulations, 46 CFR Parts 4, 5, and 16, you will be required to undergo the following drug tests: post-offer prior to start date, random, reasonable cause, and serious marine incident per US Federal guidelines.

- Pre-offer background check; employment is contingent upon the results of this screening.

- Post-offer physical examination; your employment is dependent upon being determined fit for sea duty. 

Continued employment is dependent upon consent to and passing these tests.

Lindblad Expeditions continues to highly recommend that all new hires be up to date with all vaccines prior to the first day of employment and getting boosted annually when eligible, including those vaccines that protect against COVID-19. All crew must still comply with all country-specific vaccination requirements.

Communication Skills 

Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos.   Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  The employee will also be required to write and type. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The physical demands per position are described in the Job Analysis sheet and are available to all applicants upon request.

COMPENSATION STATEMENT

Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.

Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.