Boat Captain - Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Role overview

The Boat Captain is accountable for the safe handling, navigation, and upkeep of rescue and tour boats at one or more global destination sites owned and run by Carnival Corporation. The position focuses on keeping guests and crew safe and comfortable while ensuring every trip meets legal, maritime, and company safety standards. The captain is expected to demonstrate strong seamanship, sound judgment, and constant awareness of changing conditions to keep operations reliable and compliant.

Core duties

• Carry out inspections before departure and after arrival to confirm the vessel is ready for service.
• Check that all safety gear is available and meets maritime compliance requirements.
• Operate the vessel within legal speed limits, navigation rules, and all applicable operating restrictions.
• Track weather, sea state, and other hazards to support safe decision-making.
• Manage safe docking, anchoring, and movement of the boat during all phases of transit.
• Stay in contact with shore-side teams about marina entry and exit conditions.
• Complete incident reports whenever an event needs formal documentation.

Maintenance and equipment upkeep

• Monitor routine service needs for engines, generators, navigation systems, and electrical parts.
• Inspect rescue equipment, VHF radios, life jackets, and first-aid supplies to make sure they remain serviceable.
• Handle or coordinate minor fixes so the boat stays operational.
• Keep maintenance records current, including inspections, repair requirements, and completed work.
• Take part in fueling tasks with proper attention to handling, storage, and safety procedures.
• Support regular cleaning to preserve vessel presentation and sanitation.
• Escalate mechanical or operational concerns to management without delay.

Guest service and vessel records

• Oversee the safe boarding and disembarking of guests to avoid injury or delay.
• Offer clear direction and reassurance to passengers during loading, travel, and unloading.
• Maintain accurate daily logs covering vessel activity, passenger numbers, and operational notes.
• Help ensure guests remain comfortable and safe throughout the journey through professional awareness and conduct.
• Respond politely and helpfully to guest questions and concerns.
• Coordinate tour timing and flow so schedules are met as planned.

Communication and administration

• Keep the Guest Experience Manager or Supervisor informed of any issue that could affect tour operations.
• Provide timely updates on weather, vessel condition, and possible schedule disruptions.
• Submit required paperwork, including maintenance and operational documentation.
• Join team briefings and debriefings when needed.
• Carry out additional tasks assigned by management to support overall operations.

Education and experience

• A High School diploma or GED-equivalent background is required; additional study in Hospitality or a related field is considered an advantage.
• Current CPR and First Aid training is required.
• A valid Class B boat licence and lifeguard certification are required.
• Typically 3 to 5 years of experience operating and maintaining small to mid-size commercial vessels, rescue boats, or tour boats is expected.
• Experience in supervision or leadership, usually 1 to 2 years, is often preferred.

Skills and working style

• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication.
• Solid knowledge of seamanship and vessel piloting.
• Comfort working in and above water in changing weather conditions.
• Good analytical ability and practical problem-solving.
• Well-developed organization, customer service, and coordination skills.

Language requirements

The role requires clear, friendly English communication with both employees and guests. Candidates must also be able to read and write English well enough to understand procedures, follow written and verbal instructions, share information, and respond to questions from guests, managers, and co-workers.

Physical requirements

• The candidate must be physically fit.
• Work may need to be performed outdoors.
• Standing for long stretches may be necessary.

Other requirements

• Strong planning, organizing, and time-management ability with good multitasking skills.
• Excellent written and spoken communication, along with strong interpersonal skills.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office Suite plus data entry and reporting tools.
• Attention to detail and a proactive approach to troubleshooting.
• Ability to think critically, manage multiple tasks, and make sound decisions.
• Capacity to coordinate several priorities under tight deadlines.
• May be required to work a shift-based schedule at any destination.

About the company

Carnival Corporation & plc is a major global cruise group and one of the world’s largest leisure travel businesses. Its cruise brands include Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in North America; P&O Cruises and Cunard in the United Kingdom; AIDA Cruises in Germany; and Costa Cruises in Southern Europe.

Caribbean destination portfolio

• Celebration Key – The Bahamas
• RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay – The Bahamas
• Princess Cays – The Bahamas
• Isla Tropical – Honduras
• Amber Cove – Dominican Republic
• Grand Turk – Turks & Caicos
• Puerta Maya – Mexico