Master 24 + MED3 Marine Tourism Skipper

Dolphin Swim Australia; Nelson Bay; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Imagine is a sailing catamaran operated by Dolphin Swim Australia in Port Stephens. We seek a skipper to run our wild dolphin swim experiences, dolphin watching cruises, and private charters with a hands-on leadership approach.

The successful candidate will guide offshore trips in winter, deliver engaging marine commentary, and manage vessel maintenance while ensuring guest safety and enjoyment.

Qualifications

• Extensive commercial vessel experience and proven skipper capability.
• High level of seamanship and decisive decision-making under varied conditions.
• Confident speaking to groups and delivering educational commentary.

Responsibilities

• Skipper Dolphin Swim Australia's wild dolphin swim experience.
• Run dolphin watching and scenic cruises for guests.
• Sail private and corporate charters and host celebrations.
• Oversee offshore whale watching cruises in winter.
• Lead crew and assume full responsibility for the vessel.
• Provide educational commentary and marine environment knowledge.
• Assist with vessel and engine maintenance.

Skills

Commercial Vessel Experience

Skipper Experience

Seamanship

Maritime Safety

Marine Engineering

Leadership

Public Speaking

Education

MED 3

Tools

Vessel Operations

Job description

You'll be skippering Imagine, one of Port Stephens' most iconic vessels. Imagine is a 52 foot sailing catamaran. No two days are quite the same. Depending on the season, you could be skippering Dolphin Swim Australia's unique wild dolphin swim experience, running dolphin watching and scenic cruises, sailing private and corporate charters, hosting party and celebration charters, operating offshore whale watching cruises through winter, or exploring new experiences including island tours, sailing adventures and special events. This is not a seasonal role. With operations spanning dolphin swims, charters, whale watching and new experiences throughout the year, there is substantial ongoing work available.

Key responsibilities

• Skipper Dolphin Swim Australia's unique wild dolphin swim experience
• Run dolphin watching and scenic cruises
• Sail private and corporate charters
• Host party and celebration charters
• Operate offshore whale watching cruises through winter
• Lead crew and take complete responsibility for the vessel
• Deliver educational commentary and share knowledge of the marine environment to guests
• Help with vessel and engine maintenance

About you

• MED 3
• Extensive commercial vessel experience
• High level of sailing ability preferred
• Strong practical marine engineering and vessel maintenance knowledge
• Excellent seamanship and decision-making
• Confidence operating both inshore and offshore
• Ability to lead a crew and take complete responsibility for the vessel
• Tourism experience is highly desirable
• Confident speaking to groups, delivering educational commentary and sharing knowledge of the marine environment

About us

Imagine is an established and much-loved sailing catamaran with decades of history in Port Stephens. The business is entering a new chapter alongside Dolphin Swim Australia, with a young, energetic team, a growing range of experiences and some very big plans for the future. With Dolphin Swim Australia, whale watching, sailing, private charters and new experiences continuing to grow, there is an opportunity for the right person to become a key part of where we take the business next.