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Captain, R/V David Packard
Monterey Bay Aquariam Research Institute
Posted on Aug 27, 2025
Founded in 1987 by the late David Packard, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is a nonprofit oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. Located in Moss Landing, California, the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, MBARI offers ready access to the open ocean and deep sea. Ongoing research programs range across autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicle systems, control technologies, ocean physics, chemistry, geology, biology, ocean instrumentation, and information management. MBARI hosts approximately 200 employees, with shore facilities that include state-of-the-art science and engineering laboratories, manufacturing and electrical fabrication shops, and dock facilities for MBARI vessels. MBARI had commissioned the building of a new flagship vessel, R/V David Packard, which became available in the spring of 2025. David Packard is a Coast Guard inspected subchapter U vessel, DNV Classed 1A, STCW, SOLAS, and ISM regulated vessel. Its home port is Moss Landing, California.
MBARI is seeking an experienced, safety-focused Captain to command a newly delivered dynamic positioning diesel-electric research vessel operating on the U.S. West Coast. This is a full time, permanent role. The successful candidate will lead complex, multidisciplinary science missions emphasizing ROV operations, multibeam hydrographic surveys, and precision station-keeping. This position requires demonstrated technical competence with integrated bridge systems and dynamic positioning systems, proven operational leadership, regulatory/compliance expertise, and the ability to motivate and develop a small technical ship’s team. The ship will be tasked with supporting 5-10 day multi-disciplinary science missions (longer trips are possible). In an average year, the vessel supports about 18-20 science missions.
Under the general direction of the Director of Marine Operations, the incumbent initiates and completes actions necessary to carry out assigned tasks.
Shipboard living conditions: Standard two-person cabins (single person for Captain and Chief Engineer) meeting MLC standards. Personnel have access to satellite internet with bandwidth restrictions. The ship also offers a small gym and good coffee.
Primary responsibilities:
- Overall command and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel and embarked personnel during research and support missions, ensuring safe navigation and mission success.
- Operate and supervise integrated bridge systems and dynamic positioning systems, lead dynamic positioning watch teams.
- Voyage planning for scientific missions on the US West Coast primarily, and occasional international expeditions.
- Providing leadership necessary to enhance the ship’s research and operational activities.
- Works with the Chief Scientist and Chief ROV Pilot to plan and execute the ship’s missions competently.
- Implementation of the MBARI safety management system on board the vessel, including an annual review.
- Leads vessel surveys, audits, and inspections for both internal and external parties.
- Assigns and directs the crew in the operation and maintenance of the vessel.
- Ensures professional working relations with co-workers and external users.
- Maintains and manages the use of all medical supplies in a competent manner.
- Under the guidance of the division director, assist in managing and developing the ship’s operational budget.
- Foster a collaborative, fun, and safe working environment.
- Manages and monitors Crew STCW work and rest hours.
- Performs other related tasks as assigned.
Required qualifications:
- Passport
- USCG STCW I/9 – Medical Certificate
- TSA Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC)
- National Master 1600GRT STCW II/1, II/2 – Master 500-3000GT
- ECDIS
- STCW IV/2 – GMDSS Operator
- ARPA
- RADAR Observer
- STCW II/4 – Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch
- STCW VI/1 – Basic Training
- National Lifeboatman STCW VI/2 (A-VI/2 Paragraphs 1-4) – Proficiency in Survival Craft
- STCW VI/3 – Advanced Fire Fighting
- STCS VI/4 (A-VI/4 Paragraphs 1-3) – Medical Care Provider
- STCW VI/4 (A-VI/4 Paragraphs 4-6) – Medical Person in Charge
- STCW VI/5 – Vessel Security Officer
- STCW VI/6 – Vessel Personnel w/ Designated Security Duties / Security Awareness
- Demonstrated experience with Kongsberg dynamic positioning systems
- Ship handling experience for draft-restricted harbors and ROV operations
- Must be able to perform all crew positions except engineer
- Demonstrated ability in supervising crew in the safe and effective operation of the vessel
- Must be able to lift 35 pounds
- Ability to step up three feet
- Ability to work in a hazardous marine environment
- Ability to work up to one month continuously at sea between port calls