Master

Kelsian Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SeaLink Sydney Harbour seeks a Master to lead on Sydney Harbour's flagship vessels, MV Sydney 2000 and the Jackson, full-time, working with Hospitality and Catering teams to deliver a first-class guest experience.

You will be responsible for safe operation, pre-departure checks, navigation and routine shutdowns, ensuring safety drills and maintaining a high standard aboard. Applications close by 5pm on Sunday 4 October 2026.

Qualifications

• Hold a Master <45m license and a current First Aid Certificate.
• Able to satisfactorily complete the company's yearly medical.
• You bring a calm, commanding presence on the bridge and maintain high standards without raising your voice.
• You understand being Master means responsibility for everyone aboard.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for the vessel and ensure its safe operation at all times.
• Conduct pre-departure checks and routine tests on navigation, steering and engine control systems.
• Ensure all safety equipment is regularly tested and maintained, and the vessel is properly shut down and secured.
• Oversee the crew's activities, safety and well-being, and ensure the vessel is guest-ready before boarding.
• Conduct safety drills and manage emergency situations.
• Supervise the safe, efficient and timely boarding and disembarkation of passengers.
• Maintain the vessel's seaworthiness and report defects through the maintenance system.
• Maintain effective communication with shoreside and onboard teams.
• Report and follow up on accidents, incidents and near-misses, and keep accurate logs.

Job description

Command Sydney Harbour's biggest and best-known vessels

There are captains, and then there are the people trusted to run the largest, most recognisable vessels on Sydney Harbour - MV Sydney 2000 and the Jackson. We're looking for a Master to lead on Sydney Harbour full-time, working alongside our Hospitality and Catering teams to deliver a first-class guest experience.

About the Role - Full Time or Casual

As Master, you carry responsibility for the safe operation of your vessel — from pre-departure checks and navigation through to shutdown and securing at the end of the day. You'll ensure the Safety Management System is followed to the letter, run safety drills, manage any emergency situations, and keep the vessel seaworthy and well maintained. You'll train and mentor your crew, holding a high standard, while working closely with the Venue Manager and Head Chef so the guest experience runs as smoothly as the vessel does.

Your key measures are simple: vessels running on time, without incident, and zero safety incidents on your watch.

What You'll Do

• Take full responsibility for the vessel and ensure its safe operation at all times
• Conduct pre-departure checks and routine tests on navigation, steering and engine control systems
• Ensure all safety equipment is regularly tested and maintained, and the vessel is properly shut down and secured
• Oversee the crew's activities, safety and well-being, and ensure the vessel is guest-ready before boarding
• Conduct safety drills and manage emergency situations
• Supervise the safe, efficient and timely boarding and disembarkation of passengers
• Ensure the vessel is properly maintained and seaworthy, reporting defects through the preventative maintenance system
• Maintain effective communication with shoreside and onboard teams
• Report and follow up on accidents, incidents and near-misses, and maintain accurate logs and records
• Provide training, mentoring and guidance to crew on safety and operational procedures

About You

You'll hold a Master <45m and a current First Aid Certificate, and you're able to satisfactorily complete the company's yearly medical. Beyond the tickets, you bring real presence on the bridge — someone crew and passengers trust instinctively, who stays calm under pressure and holds a high standard without needing to raise their voice. You care about the vessel like it's your own, and you understand that being Master means responsibility for everyone aboard, not just the wheel.

Applications close by 5pm on Sunday 4 October 2026.

About Us

SeaLink Sydney Harbour operates a fleet of commercial vessels on Sydney Harbour. Our brands include Captain Cook Cruises, The Jackson and the Starship Group.

SeaLink Sydney Harbour is part ofSeaLink Marine & Tourismwhich isone of Australia's largest marine and tourism businesses with operations across six states and territories, connecting our customers to many of Australia’s most beautiful island destinations and brilliant experiences.

With globally recognised brands such as SeaLink, Captain Cook Cruises and Kingfisher Bay Resort we are a team who go beyond what others will do and are invested in supporting the communities and customers we serve.

SeaLink Marine and Tourism, is part of the Kelsian Group - a leading global operator of bus, motorcoach, and marine services, with established operations in Australia, the UK, Singapore, the USA, and the Channel Islands.

Kelsian provides essential journeys for our customers by delivering safe and intelligent transport solutions designed to improve the sustainability and liveability of the communities we serve.

We aim to provide meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities that are free from barriers, support and celebrate the diverse talents of our team members, improve awareness of the value of diversity and inclusion across our organisation, and enable our leaders to champion diversity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQIA+, people with disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.