About this role
Summary
The Deckhand/Deck Watchkeeper/Safety Deckhand is a member of the deck crew who assist in the smooth and safe operation of the yacht. This role combines the proficiency in supporting the bridge team and deck work with a focus on maintaining the high standards expected aboard an ultra-luxury yacht. The Deckhand/Deck Watchkeeper/Safety Deckhand is responsible for a variety of duties, including watchkeeping on bridge as a lookout or helmsperson, deck maintenance, vessel safety operations, and assisting with guest service when required. The position demands strong operational knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-end maritime environment and to the golden standards of Four Seasons.
DESIRED SKILL AND CAPABILITIES
People Management:
· Ability to work effectively in a team environment, demonstrating leadership qualities when required.
Guest-Centric Focus:
· Ensuring that guest safety and comfort are always prioritized, even during operational tasks.
Operational Oversight:
· Competence in assisting with operational oversight, including monitoring and reporting on equipment and maintenance needs.
Attention to Detail:
· Ability to focus on the finer details, ensuring every operational task, maintenance procedure, and guest service is executed flawlessly.
Problem-Solving:
• Quick thinking and efficient problem-solving skills, particularly in emergency situations or high-pressure environments
EDUCATION
Completed apprenticeship as Deckhand. STCW II/5 certification required. Valid AFF and PSCRB course certificates.
EXPERIENCE
Experience in watchkeeping duties as a lookout and helmsperson onboard cruise ships or yacht of similar or larger size, deck operations, maritime safety, and tender operations. Competent for steering the yacht and executing commands given by the conning officer. Competent for tender and Zodiac boat driving. Previous experience onboard luxury yachts or high-end cruise vessels is advantageous. RYA power boat license and OOW Certificate of Competence is advantageous
Outcomes
Operational Management
· Bridge Watch: Act as lookout or helmsperson during navigation watch, ensuring safety and smooth operation during these periods.
· Hand Steering & Navigation Assistance: Assist with hand steering during maneuvers and navigation as required, ensuring smooth operations.
· Tender Boat and Lifeboat Operations: Operate tender boats, lifeboats, zodiacs and rescue boats when required. Ensure the safety and experience of the passengers as the topmost priority during these operations.
· Anchor, Mooring & Unmooring Operations: Assist with unmooring, mooring and anchor operations, ensuring safe operations. Provide support at the mooring and anchor station as required.
· Gangway Rigging & Securing: Assist with gangway rigging and securing, adjusting the gangway, etc, ensuring safe operations.
· Lowering, Launching & Recovery of Tender boats & Various water toys: Assist with lowering, launching of Tender boats & Various water toys followed by securing for sea. Shall include lifeboats, rescue boats, zodiac boats, jet ski, floating platforms, kayaks, etc.
Deck Maintenance & Preservation
· Deck Washing: Carry out washing of the exposed decks and stairwells to the luxurious cleanliness standards of Four Seasons.
· Deck Maintenance: Carry out, greasing, and painting works on the ship's hull and various onboard areas as instructed by the Bosun or Assistant Bosun. Maintain deck equipment, perform rope splicing, and handle hazardous materials safely and efficiently.
· Seaworthiness Support: Support the seaworthiness of the yacht by ensuring lashings are secure and other related maintenance tasks are completed to ensure safety during operations.
· Preservation Works: Assist with preservation works on the ship’s hull and interior, including sanding, and performing basic painting tasks as directed by the Bosun.
· Tank & Void Space Maintenance: Assist with the maintenance and cleaning of Freshwater (FW) tanks, Ballast Water (BW) tanks, and void spaces.
Safety and Emergencies
· Safety Assistance: Provide support in safety operations, including drills, trainings, emergency procedures, as guided by the Safety Officer. Adhere to the safety management systems on board.
· Emergency Response: In the event of an emergency, assist with the safe evacuation of passengers and crew, operating life-saving equipment (boats, life rafts, etc.), and assisting with rescue operations as needed. Carry out the emergency duties as directed in the Muster list.
Guest Experience Enhancement (when required)
· Guest-Centric Operations: While the primary responsibility is operational, there may be occasions where the sailor is required to interact with guests, ensuring their safety during embarkation/disembarkation and assisting with water-based activities.
· Guest Service Support: Assist with the preparation and maintenance of the yacht’s watersports equipment, tender boats, and other guest-facing maritime services, ensuring that everything is in pristine condition for the guests.
Health and Safety
· Health and Safety Support: Work closely with the Safety Officer and Bosun to ensure that all safety equipment and procedures are followed. Assist with regular safety drills and equipment checks
Stowage and Securing
· 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 Bosun or officer on duty.
· Stores Loading Assistance: Assist with the loading, unloading, and securing of stores and equipment when in port, assist in organizing and stowage.
Attention to Detail & Support
· Operational Assistance: Support the bridge and deck team during watch, operational activities, and any other tasks that require attention to detail, including preparing the yacht for departure, conducting checks, and ensuring operational readiness.
· Support for Yacht Integration: Contribute to the smooth integration of all operational systems, ensuring that the yacht is fully prepared for all sailing conditions and guest requirements.
Operational Knowledge:
Familiarity with the basic principles of bridge operations, including COLREGs, hand steering, and basic understanding of Bridge Resource Management (BRM).
Deck Maintenance Skills:
Proficiency in routine deck maintenance, including the use of tools, painting, rope handling, and basic preservation work on the yacht’s hull and deck equipment.
Safety and Security Awareness:
A good understanding of safety procedures, emergency preparedness, ensuring the yacht is operated in compliance with maritime regulations.
Boat Driving & Maritime Skills:
Proficient in operating tender boats, lifeboats, rescue boats, zodiacs and paint boats. Ability to handle various maritime operations safely and efficiently.
Guest-Focused Attitude
Ability to assist guests in a courteous and professional manner when required, ensuring their safety during embarkation and disembarkation.
Team Player:
Strong collaborative skills, working well with Bosun, officers, crew, and guests to ensure smooth operations.
Attention to Detail:
Ability to perform tasks with a high level of attention to detail, ensuring that all operational duties, safety checks, and maintenance tasks are completed to the highest standards.