Hiring Captains (MV Cascadia)


Hiring Captains
MV Cascadia: 138-foot expedition-style catamaran

Our Company:
Maple Leaf Adventures is a highly respected marine ecotourism company that operates small ship nature cruises to world-class wilderness destinations along the coasts of British Columbia and Alaska.

Our Ships:
Our ships are certified passenger vessels, but they are not cruise ships. Each is unique and hand-built with purpose. Maple Leaf is a classic, 92-foot schooner. She accommodates up to 8 guests, and a crew of 5. Swell is a beautiful, classic, converted tugboat. She accommodates up to 12, and a crew of 6. Cascadia is a luxury, expedition-style catamaran. She accommodates up to 24, and a crew of 10.

Successful Candidates and Duties:
Our Maple Leaf Crew have an immense amount of enthusiasm for environmental sustainability, natural history, fostering the local economy, connections with science and discovery, and sharing the coast’s wonders with our guests. Our ideal candidate is flexible and organized with proven ability to anticipate the needs of guests and overall operations.

The Captain aboard MV Cascadia is not only in command of the vessel but provides leadership for the entire crew and a leadership presence for guests throughout each expedition.

In addition to having experience as a Watchkeeping Officer or Master on equivalent-sized vessels, with extensive coastal experience specifically in British Columbia (B.C.), the ideal qualities for our Captains include:

  • Excellent management and leadership skills, for a crew of very competent mariners, including personnel management.
  • Ability to direct and coordinate work, and to seamlessly liase with our shore-based operations team to prepare, maintain, and operate the vessel for safe and amazing guest experiences.
  • Flexible and organized with proven ability to anticipate the needs of the operations.
  • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills to establish respectful relationships with guests and perform hosting and occasional public speaking.
  • Personal interest in the nature of the B.C. coast.

The captain will be responsible for the overall operations aboard MV Cascadia during each expedition, which includes:

  • Ensuring that the ship and crew adheres to all associated Transport Canada regulations to uphold all certifications and the integrity of the safe manning document throughout each expedition.
  • Ensuring that the vessel maintains all company standing orders and sails under company policy.
  • Ensuring that the vessel’s safety management system is adhered to.
  • Working with the Engineer and Mate to ensure maintenance and repairs are carried out in an efficient and timely manner.
  • Ensuring that all systems are in operational order and that an adequate level of supplies and routine parts are available aboard the vessel.
  • Maintaining and administering the preventative maintenance schedule for the vessel.
  • Standing watch as required.
  • Working with the Expedition Leader to plan and execute the best itineraries for our guests on each expedition.
  • Setting the crew schedule, evaluating and correcting crew performance, and communicating personnel feedback to Maple Leaf Adventures Management.
  • Strong leadership skills to form good working relationships with key crew members and HQ colleagues, especially the Expedition Leader, so that all team members work together toward the company’s common purpose.
  • Ensuring all crew’s conduct suits the respectful culture of Maple Leaf Adventures and its trips.
  • Providing written recommendations on the above duties for management’s consideration.

Required:

  • 500 Ton Domestic Masters License.
  • Eligible for Pilotage Waiver as per the Pacific Pilotage Regulations.
  • Extensive watchkeeping experience on B.C. coast.
  • Current Marine Medical and Marine First Aid (CPR)
  • STCW Advanced Firefighting
  • STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft
  • Marine Emergency Duties (MED) A1/A2 or higher (DVS)
  • ROC – MC

Preferred:

  • Experience as master operating in B.C. coastal waters, especially in the northern parts of the Inside Passage, Haida Gwaii, and northwest Vancouver Island.
  • Experience in passenger vessel operations and demonstrates excellent people skills.
  • Preferred candidates will have an interest in adventure tourism and the nature and environment of the B.C. coast.
  • Wilderness First aid
  • Expedition leadership experience and any guiding certifications.
    Compensation and Benefits:
  • Salary compensation commensurate with experience
  • Meals, accommodations onboard, transportation to and from the vessel
  • Opportunity for career development, with access to professional development fund
  • Flexible schedule where the operation can accommodate
  • Regular Employees are eligible for health benefits, including a health spending account.
  • Pro-deals on high-quality outdoor gear.

Maple Leaf Adventures:

  • We are proud to be a leader in regenerative travel and part of British Columbia’s conservation economy. We are the first adventure cruise company (and the first cruise company in the world) to be part of 1% For The Planet.
  • At Maple Leaf Adventures we have the privilege to visit unique communities and cultures. We are dedicated to creating a team that reflects the spaces in which we live and work. We are committed to fostering a place where all feel included and recognized. Our crew return year after year, as life on board our ships reflects both our shared values and a wide variety of experiences, backgrounds and interests.
  • Maple Leaf Adventures recognizes the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. All throughout the coast our tours travel through traditional lands of Coastal First Nations, which include the W’SANEC, Songhees, Qwuwtsun’, Sto:lo, Squamish, Sne-Nay-Mux, Se’shalt, Qualicum, Comox, Sliammon, Klahoose, Homalco, Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, Oweekeno, Nuxalk, Heiltsuk, Haisla, Tsimshian, Haida, Nisga’a, and Tlingit First Nations.

How to Apply:

  • Please send a Cover Letter and Resume to jobs@mapleleafadventures.com including the position you are applying for and your last name in the Subject line
  • Must be able to legally work in Canada.
  • No phone calls or drop-ins please.