About this role
SUMMARY
The Bosun is the highest-ranking rating in the Nautical Department and is in charge of all subordinate nautical rating crew members on the yacht. The Bosun is responsible for overseeing all deck crew and ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of all marine operations and activities aboard the yacht. The Bosun prioritizes and ensures the highest standard of cleanliness on open decks to the golden standard of Four Seasons. The Bosun together with the Vice Captain or the First Officer Deck schedules all cleaning and maintenance on the yacht’s exterior and open decks to ensure the yacht operates with the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and guest satisfaction. The Bosun plays a key role in operations with respect to mooring, anchoring, tendering, watersports, launching of the platforms and Zodiacs. The Bosun is required to be well verse in handling lines and boats along with its management during guest operations where he/she priorities the safety of the guest at all times. The Bosun supervises and coaches the sailors and ensures his/her team members are embracing the golden standards of the Four Seasons brand. This position demands a strong understanding of maritime operations, deck management, and the ability to lead and train a diverse team of deckhands in maintaining the yacht’s impeccable standards.
DESIRED SKILLS & CAPABILITIES
People Management:
· Proven ability to manage, train, and motivate a team, fostering a positive work environment and high-performance culture.
Guest Experience Excellence:
· Understanding of the luxury yachting industry and commitment to delivering a luxury guest experience in all areas of deck operations.
Operational Oversight:
· Competence in assisting with operational oversight, including monitoring and reporting on equipment and maintenance needs.
Quality & Compliance:
· Strong attention to quality and compliance, ensuring the yacht adheres to all maritime regulations, company standards, and safety protocols.
Innovative Thinking:
• Ability to develop innovative solutions for deck operations, contributing to the continuous improvement of processes and guest experiences.
Operational Excellence:
• Deep understanding of yacht systems, deck equipment, and maintenance procedures, with a proactive approach to operational oversight and problem-solving.
EDUCATION
• Valid STCW courses and required national/flag certification.
• Advance Firefighting, Proficiency In Survival Craft Rescue Boats [PSCRB] and Crowd and Crisis management courses are required.
EXPERIENCE
• Holding RYA Power Boat license will be advantageous.
• Specialized training of any deck equipment or marine operations will be advantageous.
• Proven experience in a similar role onboard luxury yachts or cruise ships. Experience in leadership roles and crew management is essential.
• Three years’ experience as a Bosun or Assistant Bosun on luxury yachts or cruise ships.
• Tender operations management including handling of lines, setting up platforms and boat driving experience.
Outcomes
Operational Management
· Deck Crew Supervision: Supervise and lead the deck crew, ensuring they follow the best practices, work safely, and comply with international regulations, company policies, and safety standards.
· Work and Service Plans: Collaborate with the Vice Captain and First Officer Deck to create detailed work and service plans for the deck crew, ensuring efficient execution of daily tasks.
· Permit to Work: Ensure that all deck work is conducted with the appropriate safety permits, proper preparation, and documentation. Oversee the filing and administration of work permits.
· Maintenance of Deck Areas: Organize and oversee maintenance work for the yachts exterior and open decks, ensuring that all areas are clean, operational, and aesthetically pleasing.
· Planned Maintenance System (PMS): Manage the implementation of PMS tasks, ensuring maintenance tasks are scheduled, performed, and tracked in the system.
Deck Equipment & Vessel Maintenance
· Deck Equipment Maintenance: Oversee the repair and maintenance of deck equipment, survival crafts, mooring lines, and related tools. Ensure all tools are in good working condition and order necessary spares.
· Deck Equipment Maintenance: Ensure proper storage and maintenance of deck equipment such as ropes, mooring lines, and safety gear. Report any damages or needs for replacement to the Vice Captain or First Officer Deck.
· Preservation Works: Supervise preservation works on the yacht’s hull, ensuring the vessel is in excellent condition at all times.
· Inspection & Housekeeping: Perform regular inspections of ropes, lines, lashing materials, and all deck stores and workshops, ensuring cleanliness and proper storage of materials and tools.
Mooring, Anchoring & Tender Operations
· Mooring Operations: Assist with mooring and unmooring operations, ensuring safe and efficient handling of mooring lines. Organize mooring line checks and ratguard inspections as required.
· Anchoring Operations: Assist the officer in charge in anchoring operations as directed.
· Tender Operations: Coordinate tender operations in cooperation with the Vice Captain and Safety Officer. Ensure tenders are prepared, crewed, and maintained to meet guest needs and operational standards.
· Tender Training: Oversee tender crew training, ensuring all crew members are proficient in operating tender boats safely and effectively.
Guest Experience Enhancement
· Embarkation & Disembarkation Support: Work closely with the Housekeeping Department to coordinate the seamless handling of luggage during guest embarkation and disembarkation, ensuring guests have an effortless and luxurious experience.
· Gala & Festival Lights: Ensure the correct operation and maintenance of gala lights and festival flags, contributing to the high-end guest experience and aesthetic appeal of the yacht.
Health, Safety & Compliance
· Safety Supervision: Ensure the deck crew adheres to all safety regulations, including the use of PPE, and that all safety procedures are followed during work and tender operations.
· Hazardous Materials Handling: Supervise the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
· Training & Development: Provide training and development opportunities for deck crew members, including their safety duties, emergency procedures, and career progression. Ensure they are knowledgeable about shipboard systems, tools, and safety protocols.
Inventory, Stowage and Securing
· Inventory of Bosun store and paint store: Maintain inventory and consumption records for Bosun and paint store.
· Stores Loading: Carryout loading, unloading, and securing of stores and equipment when in port, assist in organising and stowage, ensuring secured for sea.
Team Management & Collaboration
· Scheduling & Crew Management: Plan and schedule the deck crew’s working and rest hours to ensure a smooth workflow while adhering to maritime labor regulations.
· Performance Evaluations: Conduct evaluations of deck crew performance and collaborate with the Vice Captain and HR Manager to plan career paths and provide professional development.
· Team Collaboration: Lead by example, maintaining high standards of professionalism, safety, and quality across all deck operations. Provide guidance and mentorship to junior crew members and ensure they are supported in their roles.
Key Skills and Competencies:
Leadership and Team Management:
Strong ability to lead and manage a diverse team, with experience in deck crew supervision, training, and performance management.
Operational Oversight:
Extensive knowledge of deck operations, including mooring, maintenance, and safety management, ensuring high standards and compliance with maritime regulations.
Guest-Centric Focus:
The ability to ensure that all deck operations, from embarkation to tender service, contribute to an exceptional guest experience.
Problem-Solving & Innovation:
Ability to anticipate challenges and provide effective solutions, driving operational efficiency and enhancing guest satisfaction.
Attention to Detail:
Meticulous approach to all tasks, ensuring that maintenance work, safety procedures, and guest services are carried out to the highest standards.
Safety and Compliance Awareness:
In-depth knowledge of safety regulations, safety management, and marine operations requirements.