Training & Support for captains & Crew

Between protecting marine life and the environment, and making the manta ray swim a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all guests, we would almost forget that boat captains and ocean crew play a crucial role in this.

However, crew members are often unprepared for the chaotic situations they end up in.

Why is additional training necessary?

  • Inexperienced crew guiding unskilled guests

    People who join a marine life experience are often not just unskilled, but also unaware of risks and dangers.

    And while passionate but untrained crew members do their best to keep an eye on everyone and everything, they are more likely to overlook subtle signs when something is amiss.

  • Lack of relevant experience

    While most crew members are experienced in their own way, they often come from a different background and are not accustomed to the specific and chaotic situations e.g. at manta viewing sites.

    For instance, a certified PADI divemaster may not know how to lead a night dive with group members who may not know how to swim well.

  • Unfamiliarity with Hawaii-specific circumstances

    The constant need for new personnel attracts professionals from other parts of the world; for instance, a captain who usually work in Alaska comes to earn extra income in Hawaii during the off-season.

    But these captains are not familiar with the sudden changes in winds, swells, and currents specific to this coast, let alone navigating them in the dark.

A PERSISTENT VICIOUS CIRCLE

Most ocean crew members start out wanting to educate guests about marine life and share their passion and appreciation of the ocean.

But these feelings are often quickly replaced with overwhelm when they’re faced with the amount of work, new responsibilities, as well as frustration with the situation.

On top of this, Hawaii is the most expensive state (highest cost of living) in the United States - and being an inexperienced ocean crew member doesn’t bring in the big bucks.

The workforce turnover in the ocean tourism industry is through the roof: many experienced dive masters and ocean lovers quit their “dream job” early, and tour operators then have to turn to new and inexperienced crew members.

Often, these newbies lack the skills and know-how to work with unaware, low-skilled, and under-informed guests.

the solution: crew training and support

Training new employees ongoingly poses a heavy burden on most Hawaii companies. We want to help the tour operators by offering a maritime skills training program, to insure a positive and safe experience for all.

The US Coast Guard, State of Hawaii officials, seasoned captains, staff, and boat managers will be consulted to create a curriculum that is

  • Highly efficient

  • Specific to the Kona coast

  • Designed to increase standards in regards to boating, customer service, and overall safety

That way, the West Coast of Hawaii can go back to being a highly desirable destination where one can enjoy the magnificent ocean and unique marine life encounters, all under the safe guidance of highly skilled and educated ocean crews and captains.

We believe that even though chaos reigns at manta-viewing sites, the situation could be a lot safer already if staff had access to relevant training. We are currently looking for one or more people who can help us turn this project into reality!