Vessel Master | Sailaway Port Douglas

Be a part of sharing special places and shaping lasting memories with Australia’s leading experiential tourism business.

About Us

At Sailaway, we’re passionate about sharing the beauty and wonder of the Great Barrier Reef. Our mission is to provide guests with an unforgettable experience through expert reef interpretation and sustainable sailing adventures.

Our team brings together passionate experts who deliver engaging and informative presentations, helping guests appreciate the fragile marine environment and the incredible life beneath the surface. Complementing this knowledge are skilled professionals who ensure safety and comfort while delivering the thrill of pure sailing aboard state-of-the-art catamarans.

Based in Port Douglas, we offer daily access to spectacular reef sites, including Mackay Coral Cay and the idyllic Low Isles. These locations feature vibrant coral gardens, giant clams, and abundant marine life, making them perfect for snorkellers.

We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, sustainability, and creating memorable experiences for every guest.

About Journey Beyond

Journey Beyond is Australia's leading experiential tourism group, operating 35 brands across Australia and New Zealand that connect guests to the land and to each other. 
The group was formed in 2016 and now includes:
Rail & Touring: Iconic trains: The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, The Overland and Vintage Rail Journeys, the Murray Princess, Adelaide Sightseeing, premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit and New Zealand coach tour specialist Grand Pacific Tours.
Resorts & Lodges: Ayers Rock Resort, Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, Kingfisher Bay Resort and K'gari Beach Resort, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef and Monarto Safari Resort.
Experiences & Attractions: Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Sailaway Port Douglas, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises, Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney, Melbourne Skydeck, Eureka 89, Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Exmouth Dive and Whalesharks Ningaloo, Mosman Gorge Cultural Centre, Captain Cook Cruises Sydney & Perth, Starship Sydney, The Jackson, Bells Functions, Swan Valley Tours, Red Cat Adventures, Whitsunday Jetski Tours, K'gari Explorer Tours, and Island Connections: Bruny Island, the Whitsundays, K’gari, Darwin -Mandorah, Tiwi Islands and Groote Eylandt. 

About The Role

We are seeking a Vessel Master to join our team on a permanent part time basis. The Vessel Master is responsible for the operation of the vessel, the safety of passengers and crew. The Vessel Master will conduct Glass Bottom Boat tours, act as a safety lookout and ensure exceptional customer service through the coordination of the day’s itinerary.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Coordinate daily activities, supervise vessel cleanliness and conduct regular safety drills.
• Ensure all safety equipment is maintained and promptly address any defective machinery that could affect the safety or operation of the ship.
• Ensure the vessel operates in a safe, efficient, and effective manner while maintaining effective communication among all staff and accurately completing necessary logs and daily routines.
• Prioritise the safety, care, and satisfaction of crew and passengers by adhering to all policies, procedures, and legislative regulations.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by maintaining high standards of professionalism, ensuring crew members interact with passengers in a friendly and helpful manner

About You

The successful candidate will have expertise in vessel handling and safety. You will be enthusiastic and committed to providing exceptional service while adeptly managing diverse groups of people.

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• A thorough knowledge of snorkelling procedures, reef interpretation, and the history of Low Isles, enabling you to conduct engaging Glass Bottom Boat Tours and environmental interpretations.
• Strong organisational and time management skills to ensure you deliver product experiences in line with the itinerary and promotional standards.
• Excellent communication skills, allowing you to connect confidently with a diverse range of passengers while demonstrating patience and understanding.
• The ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, managing the vessel in all weather conditions and being physically fit to handle the demands of the role while actively contributing to a positive team environment.
• A strong ability to foster teamwork and lead by example, promoting a collaborative environment where crew members feel valued and engaged, while encouraging positive behaviour and adherence to safety protocols.

• Master 24m NC AMSA issued certificate AND MED 2 or Sailing Master Coastal NC and Coxswains Grade 1
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certification
• HLTAID015 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy certification

• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences
• Study Assistance Policy
• Employee Referral Policy
• Parental Leave program
• Purchased Leave policy
• Private Health discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on Journey Beyond merchandise