Captain (Tour Operations)

This is a key role within the tour operations side of Woods’ Silver Fleet ensuring the safe management and passage of the vessels; developing and managing good relationships with the partner organisations, and their employees, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and customer service, representing the image and values of Woods’ Silver Fleet at all times.

The rota will work on a two days on/two days off basis, keeping the working hours within the Working Time Directive.

• Clear thinking during challenging situations
• Confident decision maker
• Mentor and leader to support crew and apprentices
• Passion and taking pride in working onboard a fleet like no other
• Excellent communication skills in order to relay instructions, expectations, and safety information to crew and passengers.
• Confident, calm problem-solver
• Ability to work in a fast paced and challenging environment.
• Take responsibility and ownership of your role within the company.
• Be curious and keen to progress as part of a growing business.
• Demonstrate flexibility to support the team on other company vessels according to business demands.

The Woods family have been Thames Watermen since 1866. They launched into the 20th Century with sightseeing tours by Lillian and Alfred Woods from the Tower of London. Lillian encouraged her son Alan’s inspired idea to gradually build the ‘Silver Fleet’ in the 1960s, each vessel handcrafted for the River Thames in Kent, Suffolk and Cornish Shipyards. The Woods family now operate a fleet of seven luxury vessels across the tour and private charter businesses. Woods’ Silver Fleet have taken a lead as the first Class V Passenger Vessel company on the River Thames to voluntarily sign up to the International Maritime Organisation’s International Safety Management (ISM) Code and got issued with the Interim Document of Compliance (DOC) on 14th July 2017.

The Expectations

• To ensure the safe passage of the vessel at all times.
• To ensure the safety of crew and passengers at all times.
• To liaise with other crew members to ensure the vessel is kept up to operational and safety standards in accordance with the ISM Code.
• Ensure compliance with the Safety Management Manual by ensuring that all statutory certification is in date and the vessel is operated in accordance with approved company procedures.
• Carry out a yearly review of the Safety Management System.
• To represent the Company in dealings with the public whilst onboard, and to conduct oneself in a professional and exemplary manner.
• Keeping the presentation of the vessel to the standard set by the Company.
• To wear the required uniform provided by the Company. This includes any uniform worn on the pier during maintenance.
• To work with any of the Company’s partners or sub-contractors to keep the vessel in service and liaise between the Marine Director and partners.
• To be available for the vessel’s dry-docking period, and, if needed, to go with the vessel and work onboard during the dry-dock period.
• To work with the MCA and Marine Director to retain the vessel’s Passenger Certificate and SMC during the yearly inspections and Mid Term Audits.

The Qualifications

• Tier 1 Level 2 Boatmasters Licence or equivalent with the following endorsements:
• Port of London Local Knowledge Endorsement
• Passenger Operations
• Large Passenger Operations (desirable)

Partner Relations

You will be the point of contact for our partners, vendors and internal teams ensuring every query is handled with care and professionalism.