Job Purpose
The Assistant Boat Captain supports the Boat Captain in the safe, efficient, and professional operation of GALAXEA vessels across The Red Sea destination. The role assists with vessel navigation, marine operations, guest transfers, activity support, crew coordination, and vessel readiness while ensuring compliance with applicable maritime regulations, company procedures, and safety standards. Working closely with the Boat Captain, marine crew, dive and watersports teams, and wider GALAXEA Operations function, the Assistant Boat Captain contributes to the smooth delivery of premium marine experiences. The role is expected to maintain a high standard of vessel preparedness, support safe guest operations, and act decisively and professionally during routine and emergency situations. The position also supports vessel maintenance, equipment checks, operational documentation, environmental protection, and the continuous improvement of marine operations across The Red Sea.
Key Responsibilities
Vessel Operations & Navigation
- Support the Boat Captain in the safe and efficient operation of GALAXEA vessels.
- Assist with vessel navigation, manoeuvring, docking, anchoring, mooring, and departure and arrival procedures.
- Operate the vessel when delegated and authorised by the Boat Captain and in accordance with applicable certification and company requirements.
- Assist with voyage planning, route preparation, navigation checks, and assessment of prevailing sea and weather conditions.
- Monitor vessel position, navigation systems, charts, communication equipment, and relevant navigational information.
- Support the Boat Captain in maintaining safe operating speeds and appropriate navigation practices.
- Assist with pre-departure and post-arrival checks to ensure the vessel is operationally ready.
- Maintain awareness of navigational hazards, restricted areas, marine traffic, reefs, shallow waters, and changing environmental conditions.
- Support safe anchoring and positioning of vessels at designated marine activity locations.
- Assist with vessel movement between marinas, resorts, islands, dive sites, watersports locations, and other approved destinations.
Safety & Emergency Response
- Maintain a proactive approach to passenger, crew, vessel, and operational safety.
- Conduct and support pre-departure safety checks and guest safety briefings.
- Ensure emergency and lifesaving equipment is present, accessible, and in good working condition.
- Support emergency response procedures, including man-overboard, fire, medical emergencies, vessel breakdown, grounding, and evacuation scenarios.
- Participate in emergency drills and safety exercises as required.
- Report accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards, and safety concerns through approved procedures.
- Support the implementation of Risk Assessments, Method Statements, Standard Operating Procedures, and Emergency Response Plans.
- Maintain appropriate situational awareness throughout all marine operations.
- Escalate any safety, mechanical, environmental, or operational concerns to the Boat Captain or Marine Management immediately.
Guest Experience
- Support the delivery of safe, professional, and memorable marine experiences for guests.
- Welcome guests onboard and assist with boarding, disembarkation, seating, luggage, and general vessel requirements.
- Provide clear and professional safety and operational briefings.
- Respond to guest requests appropriately while maintaining safety and operational priorities.
- Support the smooth coordination of guest transfers, excursions, diving activities, watersports, and other approved marine experiences.
- Maintain a professional appearance and service-oriented approach consistent with RSSE's luxury guest experience standards.
- Assist guests who require additional support while boarding, moving around the vessel, or participating in marine activities.
- Communicate relevant information to guests regarding marine conditions, journey duration, destinations, and operational requirements.
Crew & Operational Coordination
- Work closely with the Boat Captain and marine crew to ensure smooth daily vessel operations.
- Support the coordination of crew duties, operational tasks, guest movements, and activity requirements.
- Communicate effectively with Dive Guides, Dive Masters, Watersports teams, Guest Experience teams, and other operational functions.
- Assist with the preparation and coordination of daily vessel schedules and activity requirements.
- Support the Boat Captain in ensuring crew members understand their assigned duties and operational responsibilities.
- Participate in daily operational briefings and post-trip debriefs.
- Provide operational feedback to the Boat Captain regarding vessel performance, guest feedback, crew coordination, and operational challenges.
Vessel & Equipment Readiness
- Conduct routine inspections of the vessel, machinery, navigation systems, safety equipment, communication systems, and operational equipment.
- Assist with engine room and machinery checks within the scope of the role and applicable qualifications.
- Ensure fuel, water, safety equipment, first aid supplies, and other essential resources are available before departure.
High School Diploma or equivalent; a Diploma or qualification in Marine Operations, Nautical Studies, Maritime Transport, or a related discipline is preferred. Valid and recognised marine/vessel operator certification appropriate to the vessel type and operating area. Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in marine operations, vessel operations, maritime tourism, diving operations, watersports, or a comparable marine environment. Previous experience operating or supporting the operation of passenger, leisure, dive, excursion, or tourism vessels is preferred. Valid First Aid, CPR, and AED certification from an internationally recognised training provider. Valid marine safety or equivalent certification as required for the applicable vessel and operating area. Experience with vessel navigation systems, marine communications, GPS, radar, depth sounders, and other relevant onboard equipment is preferred. Previous experience within luxury resorts, marine tourism, remote destinations, or island operations is advantageous. Strong practical knowledge of vessel operations and marine safety. Sound understanding of navigation, seamanship, vessel handling, and marine operational procedures. Ability to safely support vessel manoeuvring, docking, anchoring, and guest transfers. Strong situational awareness and ability to assess changing sea and weather conditions. Ability to respond calmly and effectively during emergency situations. Good understanding of vessel safety equipment and emergency procedures. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Professional and guest-focused approach with excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and dynamic operational environment. Strong attention to detail and commitment to vessel readiness. Physically fit and capable of working extended periods in a marine environment. Fluent in written and spoken English; Arabic is advantageous.
