Interview questions for a Captain

There are many questions to ask. Some of them would be what situation the Captain is looking for. Is he looking for a long term position? Is he looking at staying in one area or visiting many. What are his qualifications. Where he has travelled to and what size vessels he has worked on as well as how long. What salary he is looking for. How much time he is looking for off. How mechanical the captain is and what projects he knows how to do and is willing to do and where he draws the line on calling in someone else. etc.

questions for a captain interview

I will take a controversial approach and will advise you to first set a profile that you would be looking in a captain, thus asking the questions to yourself first.

1- What kind of scope you are expecting from a captain's duty? Do you want him to be a manager for your boat's expenses and repairs, arranging things and handling finances on his own.
2- Are you going to have a number of crew reporting to him and expect him to arrange their duties as well?
3- How is your character in general? Do you use your boat yourself often? Are you detailed oriented and want to get involved in most things about your boat, or do you delegate responsibility?
4- Do you like to be friendly with the people around you or do you like to keep a distance with them?

Etc..

Once you can clarify a profile that will suit your needs than
one can take the technical aspects of running a boat as a must have issues, granted to be possessed by an experienced captain. In this respect, I suggest you check at least few references before you hire.

As to the profile of the nominees for the job, although there are personality tests that are somehow indicating traits of characters, I am sure you can sit down for a friendly interview and have a feeling for most of the points that you would like to have in a person with his reactions and descriptions during the course of your discussion.

If he is somebody who want to socialize easily, then he will not be comfortable if you keep a distance. If he is somebody who want to take responsibilty and you do not delegate, again it will be a difficult environement for him. If he is somebody who wants to work on his own, but you want him to manage a large number of crew, same sad ending.

Nilo did a pretty good job with his post.

It is great when an owner knows what his expectations are, and communicate these effectively to a potential new hire. This really goes a long way towards establishing a long term relationship with your captain when the "bloom is off the rose".

Sounds like you are well on your way. Communication with an open, and honest dialogue is key.

Question No:- 1

Do you like him, remember you're not only spending every vacation with him (and his 'family') but also do you trust him to run your business/major asset.

If the answer is no to any of these, say thankyou but no and walk away.

I would pose this question to your current captain. He knows what you like and will be best able to steer you in the right direction.