Head Skipper

1 week ago

Northern QLD, Australia Explore Group Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per year

Join one of Queensland's most exciting tourism operators

Offering unique experiences in amazing places, Explore Group operates a variety of marine based activities in Auckland and Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and Hamilton Island and Shute Harbour, Australia

We are seeking a Head Skipper to lead our maritime team in the Whitsundays. Based out of Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach, this is a leadership role responsible for both skippering vessels and overseeing maritime team training, safety, and compliance for our range of cruise products.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced commercial skipper who is ready to take the next step in their career, combining hands-on skippering with people leadership, crew development, and operational oversight.

Key Responsibilities

  • Safely skipper Explore Group's commercial vessels across multiple products
  • Provide leadership, mentoring, and oversight of vessel crew
  • Ensure exceptional customer experiences are consistently delivered
  • Oversee day to day vessel operations, safety management, and compliance and crew training
  • Deliver engaging and informative commentary to guests
  • Assist with maritime rostering
  • Support onboard training, compliance, and health & safety

What We're Looking For

  • Master IV and MED II or Master 5 and MED 2 with minimum 5 years experience
  • Minimum 5 years' experience as a commercial skipper preferably in northern QLD
  • Proven leadership and team management capabilities
  • Strong understanding of maritime safety regulations and SMS
  • Confident and engaging public speaker with a passion for storytelling
  • Well-presented, proactive, and professional
  • Engineering skills and local area knowledge are a strong advantage
  • Current First Aid, CPR, O2, RSA
  • Willing and able to work rostered shifts, weekends, and public holidays

Why Join Explore Group?

  • Leadership opportunity in a respected tourism company
  • Live and work in a world-class destination
  • Accommodation packages available for the right candidate (Hamilton island only)
  • Be part of a supportive and passionate team

This is your chance to take the helm, and the lead, in a role that offers purpose, lifestyle, and leadership in equal measure.

This position can be based from either Airlie Beach/Shute Harbour or Hamilton Island. Accommodation packages are available on Hamilton Island for the right candidate – an ideal lifestyle opportunity for individuals or families seeking a vibrant island community.

Please note this is a permanent position and not suitable for those looking for a seasonal role.

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position.