Bosun – Senior Deck Department Leader

About the role

The Bosun is the senior deck rating and team leader within the deck department, responsible for overseeing daily exterior operations, deck maintenance, and vessel safety. Reporting directly to the Chief Officer/First Officer, the Bosun leads the deckhand team to maintain luxury standards of presentation, guest service, and seamanship.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and supervise deckhands in wash‑downs, teak care, brightwork, painting, varnishing and stainless‑steel polishing.
• Plan and manage exterior work schedules, maintenance plans and deck inventories, ensuring tools and chemicals are safely stored.
• Stand bridge or deck watches, supervise watch‑keeping routines and lead safety drills (fire, man‑over‑board, abandon ship).
• Direct mooring, anchoring and tender operations, handling lines, fenders and anchor work.
• Oversee safe operation, maintenance and launching of tenders, skiffs and water‑sports equipment, acting as senior tender captain when required.
• Coordinate guest transfers, luggage handling and excursion support with professionalism and discretion.

Required profile

• Valid STCW Basic Safety Training, ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate and Designated Security Duties.
• STCW Navigational Watch Rating (II/4) or Able Seafarer Deck (II/5) preferred.
• 3‑5+ years of maritime deck experience, including 1‑2 years in a leadership role on luxury passenger vessels or expedition ships.
• Proven leadership ability, advanced seamanship (line handling, knot tying, splicing, anchoring, mooring) and expertise in exterior detailing (teak maintenance, high‑end paint systems, varnishing, gelcoat repair).
• Fluent English, excellent physical fitness and ability to work long hours in diverse weather conditions.

Required skills

• STCW Basic Safety Training
• ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate
• STCW Navigational Watch Rating / Able Seafarer Deck
• Commercial Powerboat Level 2, RYA Yachtmaster or equivalent Tender Operations License
• Designated Security Duties (STCW A‑VI/6‑2)
• Line handling, wire‑rope work, advanced knot tying, splicing, anchoring and mooring systems
• Teak maintenance, high‑end paint systems, varnishing, gelcoat repair, polishing
• Tender handling and boat driving in varied sea conditions

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work for an award‑winning, worldwide company at the forefront of luxury expedition travel.
• Collaboration with a passionate, dedicated team.
• Ability to make meaningful contributions that drive company success.