Boat Master - Skipper of MCA Class V Narrowboats

Boat Master of MCA Class V Passenger Vessel. At London Waterbus we operate high frequency services on narrow boats for locals and tourists along London's Regent's Canal, operating between Little Venice and Camden Town.

Job purpose: A Boatmaster’s primary concern is the safety of their passengers. Boat masters must operate vessels safely and responsibly throughout all services. Boat masters at London Waterbus are expected to be the primary skipper of the vessel. Our Boat Masters report to Designated Person and/or Operations while on the water and Senior Boatmaster at other times.

Responsibilities:

• General operation of the vessel.
• Set up of the vessel including engine room checks and cleaning, engine start-up and correct placement of safety equipment.
• Ensuring the exterior of the vessel is clean at the start of each shift, including mopping the roof, decks and polishing brass.
• Assisting with crew person cleaning duties such as cleaning of windows, seats & floor, and emptying of bins.
• Assisting with guest check-in.
• Safe loading and unloading of guests.
• Counting passengers and submitting numbers via PCN channels.
• Tying and untying the boat at moorings.
• Ensuring the safety and supervision of passengers and their adherence to the terms and conditions throughout the trip.
• Taking command and enacting emergency safety procedures during emergency situations.
• Ensuring the vessel has all relevant equipment (in working order) and paperwork onboard before first departure.
• Reporting all information to the Designated Person, Operations and any pertinent agencies (CRT, MCA, MAIB etc.) regarding any incidents involving customers, crew, other waterway users, equipment that may need action to be taken.

This list is an overview and not an exhaustive list of tasks you may be asked to undertake.

To Qualify for this Role:

• You must possess the following: MCA Boat Masters Licence which allows the holder to undertake work on Category A waters as a minimum, or equivalent/transferable licence, as per Merchant Shipping Notice 1853.
• Be willing to undertake an ML5 Medical or ENG 1 if required.
• Sea Survival First Aid.
• Be prepared to undertake a DBS & Background Check.

We are seeking individuals who are intrinsically driven and possess a track record of thriving within team dynamics, adept at cultivating strong professional rapport with colleagues. Candidates must exhibit both enthusiasm and capability for engaging with the public in a frontline, customer-centric setting.

Working days: Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. For the right candidate, we would also consider 2x days per week on Saturdays and Sundays. Additional days may be available should the candidate like them, but they’re not mandatory.

Where You’ll be based: on our boats, which are moored at our wharves in Little Venice and Camden Market. You will be expected to start and finish work from both these locations.

Start Date: March 15th. Flexible start date for the right candidate.

Company training and benefits: All new crew members and Boatmasters will receive adequate training to carry out their role. This includes training on how to operate our vessels safely, appropriate communication with guests and public, necessary rope skills, familiarity with our Domestic Safety Management System, emergency procedures (Emergency Stop, Man Over Board, Fire Procedure etc.).

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract, Temp to perm.