Inflatable boat operator

Dewan Consultants; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dewan Consultants, on behalf of a leading Marine operator in Saudi Arabia, seeks an Inflatable Boat Operator to safely operate and maintain RIBs supporting beach restoration, surveys and personnel transport along Red Sea project sites.

The role requires navigation in sea, coastal, lagoon and intertidal waters, strict adherence to Saudi regulations and HSE requirements, and close coordination with the Marine Supervisor, divers and vessel crew.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is mandatory.
• Licenses in marine operation and safety are preferred.
• Experience with RIBs or small boats is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Operate RIBs safely during beach restoration and marine operations.
• Transport personnel between islands, jetties and work sites.
• Support dredging, shoreline restoration and marine maintenance.
• Assist divers and survey teams during operations.
• Maintain vessel and equipment or report defects to supervisor.

Skills

RIB Operation

Marine Navigation

VHF Radio

Safety Procedures

Outboard Maintenance

Crew Coordination

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

GPS Equipment

Job description

Required for a leading Marine in Saudi Arabia for their Operation & Maintenance

Job Information

Job Title

Inflatable Boat Operator

(Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) Operator)

Reports to (Job)

Operational Manager / Marine Supervisor

Division

Beach Restoration & Marine Operations

Department

Red Sea Beach Restoration

Job Grade

Job Code

Job Purpose

The Inflatable Boat Operator is responsible for the safe operation and routine maintenance of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) used to support beach restoration, shoreline rehabilitation, marine surveys, dredging activities, underwater inspections, equipment transportation, and personnel transfers within the Red Sea Global project areas.

This role requires safe navigation in Sea, coastal, lagoon, and intertidal waters while supporting marine construction activities in environmentally sensitive areas. The operator shall ensure compliance with Saudi Arabian maritime regulations, Red Sea Global marine operating procedures, and Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) requirements.

Location: Shura, Shebara, Laheq, Turtle Bay Village, Nujuma & Ummahat Islands, Red Sea Global Projects Saudi Arabia

Works Closely With: Speedboat Captain, Divers, Surveyors, Dredging Machine Operators, Suction Pump Operators, Heavy Machinery Drivers, QHSE Officer and Marine Crew

Job Responsibilities

The Inflatable Boat Operator shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

Marine Operations

• Operate Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) safely and efficiently during beach restoration and marine operations.
• Transport project personnel between islands, jetties, barges, and designated work locations.
• Support daily beach restoration, dredging, shoreline rehabilitation, and marine maintenance activities.
• Assist in transporting survey teams and hydrographic equipment to offshore work areas.
• Support Divers during underwater inspection and maintenance operations.
• Assist in deploying and retrieving suction hoses, floating pipelines, anchors, buoys, and marine equipment.
• Provide logistical support to dredging and shoreline restoration teams.
• Maintain safe vessel positioning during diving, surveying, and equipment deployment.
• Operate within lagoons, shallow-water channels, and intertidal zones while maintaining safe navigation.

Navigation & Vessel Operations

• Navigate vessels safely using GPS, nautical charts, marine navigation systems, and local knowledge.
• Monitor weather forecasts, tidal conditions, currents, and sea states before commencing operations.
• Conduct safe launching, docking, anchoring, berthing, and mooring operations.
• Maintain safe vessel speeds in accordance with project and maritime regulations.
• Ensure safe loading and unloading of personnel, tools, and equipment.
• Conduct pre-departure and post-arrival safety briefings for passengers.
• Maintain communication with the Marine Supervisor and Speedboat Captain via marine VHF radio.
• Ensure passenger manifests are completed before each trip.

Vessel Inspection & Maintenance

• Conduct daily pre-start inspections of the RIB and its outboard engine(s).
• Check fuel, engine oil, cooling systems, battery condition, steering, controls, navigation lights, bilge pumps, and communication equipment.
• Inspect inflatable tubes for damage, punctures, air pressure, and overall condition.
• Ensure all lifesaving appliances and firefighting equipment are available and serviceable.
• Clean and maintain the vessel after each shift.
• Report mechanical defects and arrange maintenance through the Workshop Supervisor.
• Maintain vessel maintenance records and inspection checklists.

Marine Logistics

• Transport tools, spare parts, fuel, and consumables between project locations.
• Assist with loading and unloading dredging equipment, survey instruments, and maintenance materials.
• Support emergency mobilization of personnel and equipment.
• Coordinate marine logistics with the Speedboat Captain and Marine Supervisor.

Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities

• Operate vessels in accordance with Saudi maritime regulations and company marine safety procedures.
• Conduct vessel risk assessments before operations.
• Ensure all passengers wear approved personal flotation devices (PFDs).
• Always maintain emergency response readiness.
• Participate in toolbox talks and safety meetings.
• Prevent fuel, oil, and chemical spills during refueling operations.
• Protect coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and other environmentally sensitive marine habitats.
• Report all incidents, near misses, unsafe conditions, and environmental hazards immediately.
• Participate in marine emergency response, rescue, and evacuation operations.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain daily vessel logbooks.
• Record engine operating hours and fuel consumption.
• Complete vessel inspection checklists.
• Maintain passenger manifests.
• Record weather and sea conditions.
• Report maintenance requirements and equipment defects.
• Prepare daily operational reports for submission to the Marine Supervisor.

Job Stakeholders (Relationship)

Internal

• Red Sea Global Stakeholders
• Internal Departments
• Hotel operators
• Resort operators

External

• Consultants
• Environmental Authorities
• Marine Authorities
• Coast Guard
• Subcontractors
• Vendors

Job Requirements

Qualification and Experience

Education Qualification

Mandatory

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred

• Diploma or Vocational Certificate in Marine Operations, Maritime Studies, Nautical Science, Seamanship, or a related discipline.

Licenses Required

Mandatory

• Valid Boat Operator License or Small Craft Operator Certificate recognized by the relevant maritime authority.
• Valid Saudi or International Driving License (preferred).
• STCW Basic Safety Training (or equivalent where applicable).
• Marine VHF Radio Operator Certificate.
• Company HSE Induction Certificate.
• Basic First Aid & CPR Certification.

Preferred Certifications

• RYA Powerboat Level 2 (or higher) or equivalent internationally recognized certification.
• Coxswain Certificate.
• Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) Training.
• Search and Rescue (SAR) Training.
• Marine Environmental Awareness Training.
• Spill Prevention and Response Training.
• Fire Fighting and Emergency Response Training.
• Oxygen Administration.
• Defensive Driving Certificate.
• ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Awareness.
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management Awareness.

Experience

• Minimum 35 years of experience operating Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs), rescue boats, or other small marine craft.
• Experience supporting marine construction, beach restoration, dredging, offshore, or coastal engineering projects.
• Experience navigating in shallow-water, lagoon, and intertidal environments.
• Familiarity with transporting personnel and equipment in remote marine locations.
• Experience working with diving teams and marine survey crews is preferred.
• GCC or Middle East marine project experience is highly desirable.
• Previous experience in environmentally sensitive marine areas is an advantage.

Skills

Technical Skills

• Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) Operation.
• Marine Navigation.
• GPS and Marine Electronics.
• VHF Marine Radio Communication.
• Boat Launching and Recovery.
• Passenger Transfer Operations.
• Marine Logistics Support.
• Mooring and Anchoring Techniques.
• Outboard Engine Operation and Basic Maintenance.
• Marine Safety Procedures.
• Emergency Response and Rescue Operations.
• Weather and Tide Interpretation.
• Basic Mechanical Troubleshooting.
• Fuel Management.
• Environmental Protection Practices.

Soft Skills

• Excellent situational awareness.
• Strong boat handling skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong teamwork and coordination.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• High level of responsibility and professionalism.
• Ability to work flexible hours and rotational shifts.
• Adaptability to changing sea and weather conditions.
• Commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

Job Context

Candidates with previous experience in marine construction, beach restoration, dredging, coastal engineering, ports, harbors, offshore projects, island developments, marine tourism, coast guard support, or environmental marine operations will be given preference. Experience operating Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) in shallow-water, lagoon, and intertidal environments while supporting diving, hydrographic surveying, dredging, and shoreline rehabilitation activities is highly desirable. Previous experience on Red Sea Global, NEOM, AMAALA, or other large-scale coastal infrastructure projects within the GCC will be considered a significant advantage.