Job Overview
Tiki Pub Cincinnati is hiring USCG licensed boat captains to operate our tiki-style passenger tour boats on the Ohio River. We host private celebrations, corporate outings, birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette groups, sightseeing cruises, and special events from our launch location at Morningstar Marina.
This is a fun, guest-facing captain role for someone who is safety-focused, reliable, professional, and comfortable creating a great experience for groups on the water. Our captains are responsible for safely operating the vessel, managing the tour route, communicating clearly with guests and crew, and helping make each event memorable.
The ideal candidate has strong boat-handling skills, a valid USCG credential, good judgment, and the ability to balance safety, hospitality, and fun.
Responsibilities
- Safely operate a passenger tour vessel on the Ohio River.
- Follow all USCG, company, marina, and local safety procedures.
- Complete pre-trip and post-trip vessel checks.
- Review weather, river conditions, fuel, safety equipment, and vessel readiness before each tour.
- Communicate clearly with guests before and during the tour.
- Work with deckhands/first mates to manage boarding, safety briefings, docking, lines, guest movement, and general tour flow.
- Maintain a professional, calm, and friendly presence with groups.
- Monitor guest behavior and intoxication levels when applicable.
- Keep tours on schedule and follow approved routes and operating procedures.
- Document tour details, incidents, maintenance concerns, or safety issues as needed.
- Help keep the boat clean, organized, and guest-ready.
- Represent Tiki Pub Cincinnati in a positive and professional way.
Required Qualifications
- Valid USCG Captain’s License appropriate for the vessel and route. (25 Ton Master's License)
- Ability to legally operate a small passenger vessel.
- Must be enrolled in, or willing to enroll in, a USCG-compliant drug testing program. The Coast Guard lists drug-test compliance options including an approved drug test, participation in a random testing program, or pre-employment drug testing documentation.
- Comfortable operating on the Ohio River.
- Strong docking, navigation, situational awareness, and communication skills.
- Ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and peak event times.
- Reliable transportation to Morningstar Marina.
- Professional, safety-focused, and guest-friendly attitude.
- Ability to pass company onboarding and training.
- Must be able to work outdoors in seasonal weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous commercial passenger vessel experience.
- Experience operating charter boats, tour boats, pontoons, tiki boats, or inspected passenger vessels.
- Knowledge of the Cincinnati riverfront, Ohio River, local landmarks, and boating conditions.
- CPR/First Aid certification.
- Mechanical awareness or basic troubleshooting experience.
- Experience managing groups, events, hospitality, tourism, or entertainment.
- Strong customer service background.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move around a boat safely.
- Ability to assist with lines, docking, cleaning, and basic vessel prep.
- Ability to lift up to 40–50 lbs when needed.
- Comfortable working outside in heat, sun, wind, rain, and changing river conditions.
- Ability to remain alert and professional during active guest events.
Schedule
This can be either a close to full time (from June - October) or a part-time seasonal position with most shifts taking place during afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Additional shifts may be available for private events, corporate outings, concerts, special events, and peak summer dates. I
Benefits / Perks
- Fun, unique work environment on the Ohio River.
- Flexible part-time scheduling.
- Tips and guest gratuities.
- Work with private parties, corporate groups, and special events.
- Be part of a growing tourism and entertainment brand.
- Great role for experienced captains looking for flexible seasonal work.
Pay: $37.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
License/Certification:
- 25 Ton Master Boating License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
