Boatmaster Apprentice

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group’s portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group’s premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group’s Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually.

Are you ready to turn your passion for the maritime industry into an exciting career? We’re looking for 2 Maritime Trainee Apprentices to join our team and gain hands-on experience operating vessels on the iconic River Thames. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced crew members, develop valuable maritime skills and take the first step towards a long-term career on the water. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a new direction, this apprenticeship offers the chance to earn while you learn in one of London’s most unique working environments.

Position Summary: City Cruises UK is part of the City Experiences division of the Hornblower Group. We operate public dining and sightseeing cruises as well as private charters for corporate events, birthday parties, weddings, or other special occasions across London and York. This is a minimum of 2 years under the apprenticeship scheme.

As a Maritime Trainee Apprentice, you will:

• Learn knowledge of operating a vessel on the River Thames whilst learning to maintain and navigate a vessel.
• Complete all required training to fulfil the requirements of the apprenticeship.
• Take responsibility for your own learning.
• Learn best practice when operating our vessels and apply this learning to gain all relevant qualifications, knowledge, and skills to successfully obtain your BML.
• Comply with Company SMS regulations and assist the Captain in ensuring these regulations are followed by all onboard.
• Support the Captain in onboard safety training for all crew members.
• Ensure vessels meet Company standards in terms of safety.
• Learn to navigate vessels safely in accordance with the Company passage plan.
• Support safe mooring of the vessels at all times.
• Provide a vessel safety announcement after leaving each pier.
• Account for and safely embark and disembark passengers.
• Carry out daily vessel log checks.
• Report any maintenance checks or incidents.
• Assist the Captain in ensuring the vessel is fully stocked.
• Support the engineering department with various duties.
• Assist in vessel surveys and their preparation.
• Ensure the vessel is clean, tidy, and well presented.
• Carry out the duties of a third hand on board our vessels.
• Participate in dockings, stability tests, and shipyard operations.
• Provide passengers with a commentary during the sightseeing journey.
• Be well presented and groomed in Company uniform.
• Attend and participate in training across all City Cruises UK locations.
• Perform any other task set by the Operations team.
• Be an ambassador for the company whilst off site.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• GCSE’s including English and Maths (Level 2/Grade C and above).
• Willingness to learn and progress.
• Self-motivated and a problem solver.
• Act with integrity at all times.
• Exhibit a professional attitude.
• Calm and able to work well under pressure.
• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Highly organised.
• Able to work under direction and follow the chain of command.
• Flexible in carrying out your duties.
• To be able to write and speak English to the level required for the role.

All employees must commit to upholding our RESPECT values: Respect, Environment, Safety #1, Professionalism, Exceed, Communication, Teamwork.

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.