Skippers navigate and supervise the safe operation of guide boats and skiffs, share watch duty while at sea, in port, and at anchor. Skippers assist the captain and deck crew with routine maintenance, cargo stowage, and loading and unloading operations. They coordinate the daily guided fishing and sightseeing activities of the guests and are responsible for their enjoyment and safety.

Skipper / Fishing Guides may be required to perform the following tasks:

• Keep watch from the bridge in watches (shifts) while at sea.
• Determine the position of the ship and other vessels and obstructions.
• Handle lines while berthing and conducting towing operations.
• Assist captain and deck crew with routine maintenance and cleaning.
• Assist and instruct guests with sport fishing for salmon and bottom fish.
• Assist guests and crew with setting and pulling crab and shrimp pots.
• Provide medical and/or first aid treatment for guests and crew.
• Ability to follow and enforce safety regulations and rules.
• Record all required data in the ADFG saltwater charter boat logbook daily.
• Assist with cargo loading and discharge operations and maintenance.
• Conduct routine and periodic maintenance on guide boats.
• Assist crew with routine and periodic maintenance of vessel.
• Assist crew in refueling operations.
• Clean and process fish for guests each day upon return to vessel.
• Maintain, care for and rig all necessary tackle and equipment.

Daily activities include guiding up to four guests fishing, including trolling for salmon and jigging for halibut and other bottom fish. Guided sightseeing of whales, bears, sea lions, glaciers and icebergs will be performed in tandem with fishing and separately. Most days require the handling of pots, lines, fish, fish cleaning equipment and winches. Hospitality services such as assisting guests with the operation of fishing equipment, explaining the flora and fauna of Southeast Alaska. Skippers/Guides work in all types of weather conditions and spend long periods living aboard the vessel. Conditions can be cramped, and skippers/guides may be required to work odd hours. Shifts could be several hours of work, followed by time off, then several more hours of work.

A skipper/fishing guide’s daily duties will vary greatly. A typical day might include:

• 6:00 a.m. Generator startup/wakeup call. Organize guide boats for the day, check weather, prepare bait, tackle, drinks, fuel, check oil, water filters, electronics, discuss plans for the day with skippers/crew. On occasion shrimp and crab pots may be pulled before breakfast.
• 7:00am breakfast.
• 8:00am Load guests and gear in guide boats, handle lines for embarking guide boats.
• Day time Fish and sight see as per daily plan, guest’s wishes and weather conditions.
• 5:00pm Return to Perseverance, assist with lines and disembarking guests, off load fish, assist guests with photo ops of fish, cut and fillet fish, assist deck hand with packing fish, clean up packing area. Clean and organize guide boats. Assist guests with setting crab and shrimp pots, some days pots will be set before 5pm other days after dinner depending on circumstances.
• 7:00pm Enjoy dinner
• After dinner, assist guests with kayaks or guest skiff operation as needed. On occasion assist or direct guests with trips to shore for stream fishing. Free Time.

Personal Requirements:

• Possession of USCG OUPV or Master of inland waters.
• Possession of valid Alaska fishing and Alaska sport fishing guide licenses.
• Possession of current CPR and First aid card.
• Willingness to spend time aboard ship in remote locations for up to six months.
• Ability to pass a pre- employment drug test and subsequent random drug tests.
• Responsibility and punctuality.
• Physical fitness.
• Knowledge of safety procedures.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Good sense of balance.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Alertness and common sense.
• Enjoyment of practical work, working outdoors, and working with people.
• Friendly and courteous manner when interacting with guests and crew.
• Good communication skills.
• Good visualization skills with the ability to follow instructions.
• Good customer service and good customer relations skills

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