How To Become a Launch Driver or Water Taxi Captain
Blue skies, beautiful days, and rolling waves are not often associated with a day on the job.Does the idea of getting paid to go boating appeal to you?Boat yards and yacht clubs can be found in many summer communities.Launching drivers are employed by these maritime businesses.Boaters are shuttled between their vessels and shore by water taxi captains.The usual duties of a launch driver, the necessary qualifications for employment, and ideas about where to get hired are covered in this article.
Step 1: You should know the duties of the job.
A launch driver is responsible for the operation of a launch boat.The launch driver is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vessel, as well as providing passengers with friendly service and useful information.The level and condition of the engine oil should be at the proper level as indicated on the dipstick and not too dirty.The level of the coolant should be visible when the cap is removed.The transmission fluid should be dark red and translucent and must be flushed out before the transmission is engaged.You don't want to run out of fuel while untied in open water.Passengers are being picked up at the dock/pier while the launch boat is being towed.As the passengers enter the boat, greet them warmly with up-to-date weather information and harbor information.If passengers need help with additional gear, we will assist them.In accordance with local navigation rules, you should navigate the waterways safely.Drop-off and pickup routes around the harbor should be planned and executed.Approaching and landing on a boat.Helping boaters with battery jump starts, boat tows and mooring assistance.
Step 2: Understand what the pros do.
Launching vehicles is a great occupation.It is relaxing and fun to pass workdays under the sun and on the open water.Free boat services, discounts on marine products, and flexible schedules are some of the benefits that launch drivers receive.Launching drivers who work where tipping is the norm may make a handsome amount of money in cash.
Step 3: Understand the pros and cons.
The job can include long hours, physically demanding days, and periods of high stress.It can be taxing to work outdoors after twelve hours.It is the sole responsibility of the driver on duty to remember on the go which customers have radioed requesting pickup, while simultaneously completing pickup already on their route.Sometimes a pickup can lead to stress, as it can slip your mind and anger a waiting customer.
Step 4: Make sure that you have the right personality for the job.
Being a launch driver requires a lot of skills.You need to be independent.Being a launch driver needs the confidence to take responsibility for the safety of passengers and respond to variable situations at a moment's notice.You need to be friendly.Although your main duty is to pilot the boat, it is important to remember to interact with the passengers and make them feel at ease.You have to be responsible.It takes a risk-averse and conservative attitude to navigate weather, tides, and boats.
Step 5: The demographic requirements need to be met.
To carry more than seven passengers, be at least seventeen years of age, an English speaker, and a US citizen.It's important to be familiar with the basics of boat operation.
Step 6: Print the required forms from the website.
These include the application, physical, entry level, and drug testing.
Step 7: You have to log the sea service hours.
Sea service hours prove to the Coast Guard that the person is familiar with the local waters.You can log these hours on the form.120 days of self- documented sea time with 90 days in the last year are required for a USCG limited masters license.90 days of self-documented sea time in the last year is required for a USCG limited OUPV license.
Step 8: The physical exam needs to be completed.
The physical makes sure you are able to do your job.It is very similar to a doctor's office physical, but focuses more on vision.Most maritime markers and buoy are either red or green because of colorblindness.The physician should fill out the form.A pre-employment physical can be done at an occupational center such as Concentra.
Step 9: You have to take a pre-employment drug test.
You need to pass a DOT-5 drug panel that tests for marijuana, cocaine, and opiates.The results should be recorded on the form.
Step 10: Become certified in first aid for adults, children, and infants.
If a passenger is injured, the captain of the boat needs to be able to address the situation.
Step 11: You have to take a safe boating class.
This class is necessary for you to be knowledgeable about basic navigation, operation, and boat safety.
Step 12: The exam is approved by the USCG.
You need to pass a multiple-choice exam to ensure your knowledge of maritime information.You will include the certificate in your application packet after you pass the exam.
Step 13: TWIC is a transportation worker identification credential.
TWIC is a license.To get one, you have to visit an enrollee center, take a photo, and pay a fee.
Step 14: Send in your application once all the steps have been completed.
The forms that should be completed are: application, physical, entry level, drug testing, and sea service.All of them should be sent to your local USCG office.You will be able to start work as a launch driver if your application is approved.There are links at the bottom of the article.
Step 15: Personal connections should be used.
Launching and maritime work consists of a close-knit community.If you live in a coastal community, you may know someone who was a launch driver.They should recommend you to your employer.For quick employment, this personal introduction can work wonders.
Step 16: Contacts can be made with your local maritime community.
Look for opportunities to get to know maritime professionals, recreational boaters, and dock-hands.These people are always around the waterfront and will be aware of job opportunities for the aspiring launch driver.
Step 17: Look at yacht clubs, boatyards, and boat repair shops.
If there are openings, ask businesses that have established launch services if they have openings.When many of the previous season's drivers leave to work elsewhere, it is a good time to ask about available positions.
Step 18: You can contact dock managers directly.
Launching driving is a very niche profession.Managers and business owners are often hard-pressed to find suitable employees since there aren't many people qualified to drive launch boats.It can seem daunting to approach a business owner directly, but it is often the fastest way to get hired as a launch driver.
Step 19: During training, pay attention.
During the training period, learn the basics of boat operation, maintenance, and customer service.Launching drivers will often work without supervision.You will need to prove to your employer that you can handle the demands of the job on your own.