Deputy Head Boatswain

Sussex Yacht Club Limited; Shoreham-by-Sea; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Sussex Yacht Club Limited in Shoreham-By-Sea is seeking a Deputy Head Boatswain to support the Head Boatswain in daily yard and mooring operations. You will help berth and launch boats, supervise a small team, and ensure safe, efficient handling of vessels and equipment.

The role covers maintenance, safety inspections, and coordination with members on storage, repairs and facility access, with occasional involvement in events and training activities across the club.

Qualifications

• Strong boat handling and mooring experience.
• Knowledge of maintenance, repairs, rigging and safety gear.
• Understanding of maritime safety standards and risk assessments.
• Good organizational, supervisory and time-management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather.
• Basic IT skills and willingness to learn club systems.
• Marine qualifications (e.g., RYA powerboat/safety boat) are beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist berthing and launching boats.
• Oversee routine maintenance of club craft.
• Inspect moorings and safety equipment.
• Coordinate with members on storage, repairs and access to facilities.
• Supervise a small yard operations team and promote safe practices.
• Maintain clean, orderly and seaworthy conditions across the site.
• Support club events, training activities and cross-section collaboration.

Skills

Boat handling

Mooring operations

Seamanship

Maintenance knowledge

Safety awareness

Leadership

Communication

IT skills

Qualifications helpful

Tools

Booking systems

Maintenance logs

Email tools

Job description

Company Description

Sussex Yacht Club (SYC), founded in 1892, is one of the most established yacht clubs in the country offering modern facilities for members on the River Adur and within Shoreham Port. The club provides moorings and a spacious boatyard for yachts and boats of various sizes, supporting active racing and rallying fleets. SYC hosts a dinghy section with strong support for youth sailors and an enthusiastic outrigger canoe club. The club also runs a dive section with its own rigid inflatable boat (RIB), enabling year-round diving activities. SYC is proud to support inclusive sailing through Sussex Sailability, a charity that helps disabled people start sailing, build skills, and gain qualifications.

Role Description

The Deputy Head Boatswain is a full-time, on-site role based at Sussex Yacht Club in Shoreham-By-Sea. This role supports the Head Boatswain in the day-to-day management of the boatyard, moorings, and associated facilities, ensuring that all vessels and equipment are handled safely and efficiently. Typical duties include assisting with berthing and launching boats, overseeing routine maintenance of club craft, inspecting moorings and safety equipment, and coordinating with members on storage, repairs, and access to facilities. The Deputy Head Boatswain will supervise a small yard operations team and will support safe working practices, and will contribute to maintaining clean, orderly, and seaworthy conditions across the site. The role may also involve occasional support for club events, training activities, and collaboration with different sections of the club.

Qualifications

• Strong practical experience in boat handling, mooring operations, and general seamanship, ideally within a marina, boatyard, or yacht club environment.
• Knowledge of equipment and plant maintenance, including basic repairs, cleaning, painting, rigging checks, and care of safety and launching equipment.
• Understanding of maritime safety standards, risk assessments, and safe working procedures, with the ability to promote a safety-first culture.
• Good organizational, supervisory and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and coordinate day-to-day yard activities efficiently.
• Effective communication,interpersonal and supervisory skills for managing colleagues, contractors, and volunteers in a courteous, service-focused manner.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in varied weather conditions, including lifting, moving equipment, and working on or near the water.
• Basic IT skills for using booking systems, maintenance logs, and email; willingness to learn club systems and processes.
• Relevant boating or marine qualifications (e.g., RYA powerboat or safety boat certificates, first aid training) are highly beneficial.