Assistant Boat Captain

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. • Maintain vessel cleanliness, presentation, and guest readiness to the required standard. • Identify and report defects, damage, abnormal operating conditions, or maintenance requirements. • Support preventative and routine vessel maintenance activities. • Assist with refuelling, freshwater replenishment, waste management, and other vessel servicing activities in accordance with approved procedures. • Ensure equipment is properly secured before departure and following completion of activities. • Maintain accurate vessel inspection, maintenance, and operational records.   Marine Activities Support • Support GALAXEA's diving, marine exploration, island transfer, and other approved marine experiences. • Assist Dive Guides and marine teams with safe access to and from the vessel. • Support the safe deployment and recovery of diving and marine activity equipment where required. • Assist with guest movement and equipment handling during dive and marine excursions. • Maintain awareness of divers, swimmers, tenders, and other water users during marine operations. • Support safe vessel positioning during diving and other in-water activities. • Maintain effective communication with activity teams throughout the experience.   Environmental Stewardship • Support RSSE and GALAXEA's commitment to marine conservation and responsible tourism. • Follow environmental protection procedures relating to reefs, marine life, anchoring, waste management, fuel handling, and vessel operations. • Prevent avoidable damage to coral reefs and marine habitats through responsible vessel handling and anchoring practices. • Promote responsible behaviour among guests and crew when operating within environmentally sensitive areas. • Report environmental incidents or concerns promptly.   Policies, Systems, Processes, Procedures, Standards & Reporting • Comply with all RSSE and GALAXEA policies, Standard Operating Procedures, work instructions, safety requirements, and applicable maritime regulations. • Maintain accurate vessel logs, inspection records, fuel records, maintenance documentation, trip records, and other required operational reports. • Support the preparation of daily operational reports and incident documentation. • Ensure required vessel certificates, permits, licenses, and operational documents are available and maintained appropriately. • Maintain confidentiality of guest, operational, and company information. • Ensure all activities are conducted within the scope of applicable licenses, certifications, and delegated authority.   Health, Safety, Quality & Environment • Apply all Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental (HSQE) policies and procedures. • Maintain high standards of marine safety throughout all vessel operations. • Ensure safety equipment and emergency systems are inspected and operational. • Promote safe working practices among crew members and contractors. • Support compliance with applicable local and international maritime requirements. • Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, environmentally responsible, and professionally operated vessel.   Continuous Improvement • Identify opportunities to improve vessel operations, guest experience, safety, efficiency, and crew coordination. • Provide constructive operational feedback to the Boat Captain and GALAXEA Management. • Participate in training, competency assessments, emergency drills, and professional development programmes. • Maintain awareness of developments in marine operations, navigation technology, safety practices, and vessel management. • Support the implementation of operational improvements and recognised marine industry best practices.   Key Stakeholders Internal • Boat Captain • Marine Operations Manager • GALAXEA Management • Dive Operations Team • Dive Guides and Divemasters • Marine Crew • Guest Experience • Resort Operations • Health, Safety & Compliance • Asset Management • Procurement • Maintenance Teams • Other relevant RSSE and RSG departments   External • Guests • Resort Partners • Marina Operators • Vessel Maintenance Providers • Marine Equipment Suppliers • Maritime Authorities • Emergency Services • Classification and Certification Bodies • Marine Service Providers • Other relevant marine stakeholders   Qualifications & Experience • 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