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Careers on Lake St. Clair
Bring your experience aboard.
Help students and charter guests experience Lake St. Clair with confidence. We welcome skilled, safety-minded captains and sailing instructors who care about seamanship, hospitality and teaching well.
Metro Detroit, Michigan · Seasonal scheduling varies
Choose your course
Two ways to make an impact on the water.
We are building a trusted network of maritime professionals who can create safe, welcoming and memorable sailing experiences.
Licensed captains
Join our approved captain list for sailing classes and open sailing charters aboard well-maintained sailboats on Lake St. Clair.
ASA instructors
Turn strong sailing knowledge into thoughtful instruction and help the next generation of Michigan sailors build real confidence.
Licensed captains wanted
Skill at the helm. Care for every guest.
This opportunity is for experienced captains who know Lake St. Clair, communicate calmly and place safe vessel operation above everything else.
Hold a valid US Coast Guard master’s license, US work authorization and the required supporting documents.
Be skilled in operating sailboats with a single outboard engine and comfortable handling the vessel in changing conditions.
Know Detroit-area waters, especially Lake St. Clair, and use sound judgment when planning and conducting each outing.
Understand firefighting, first aid and lifesaving procedures, and consistently follow school policies and safe operating practices.
Be able to operate and maintain onboard navigation equipment and recognize when equipment requires attention.
Communicate clearly in English, help guests feel at ease and contribute to a respectful, dependable team culture.
Captain applicants must be able to complete a physical examination and drug screen. Work may be scheduled on different days, with some regular weekend availability expected.
Teach with purpose
Your experience can become someone else’s confidence.
Already certified—or ready to become an ASA instructor? The pathway begins with strong sailing fundamentals and progresses through professional credentials and an Instructor Qualification Clinic.
Meet the sailing prerequisites
Be at least 18, bring a minimum of three years of sailing experience and perform at ASA 101 standards. Higher course certifications are required to teach those levels.
Earn the appropriate USCG credential
A Merchant Mariner Credential is needed to teach on federal waters, including Lake St. Clair. We can discuss how your current credentials fit the role.
Complete an ASA instructor clinic
Attend a multi-day Instructor Qualification Clinic to demonstrate knowledge, on-water skill and the ability to teach students effectively.
Want the complete instructor pathway? Review prerequisites, certification steps and instructor clinic information.
Become an ASA instructorApplication checklist
Ready to join the crew?
Tell us about your sailing background and availability. Captain applicants can make the process faster by preparing the following PDF documents before beginning.
Apply online
Use your existing WordPress application form here.
Captains wanted
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By applying, you confirm that your information is accurate and agree to the school’s privacy policy.
A welcoming workplace
Opportunity belongs to everyone.
Lake St. Clair Sailing School is committed to equal opportunity. Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We value safety, professionalism, mutual respect and the different experiences each team member brings aboard.
Applicant questions
Before you apply.
A few quick answers about captain and sailing instructor opportunities in Michigan.
Still unsure whether your background fits? Call (586) 770-2518.
We welcome qualified US Coast Guard-licensed captains for sailing classes and open sailing charters, along with qualified American Sailing instructors who enjoy helping students build real skills.
Yes. Captain applicants need a valid US Coast Guard master’s license and must meet the experience, safety and documentation requirements listed above.
Captain applicants must provide proof of at least three years of experience. Prospective ASA instructors should also have at least three years of sailing experience and meet the certification prerequisites for the level they want to teach.
Applicants should have some regular weekend availability. Scheduling can include different days depending on classes, charter demand, weather and the operating calendar.
Captain applicants should prepare a resume, a copy of their USCG captain’s license, proof of insurance and a completed W-9. The current application accepts each document as a PDF.
Compensation depends on your qualifications and experience. Contact the school to discuss the current opportunity and how your background fits the team.
