Yacht First Mate

Job Title

First Mate

Classification

Seasonal Part Time

Reports to

Director of Training & Development

Job Description

The First Mate assists the Yacht Captain in the safe and efficient operation of ICONA’s 56-foot luxury catamaran during private and scheduled cruises. This role ensures that the vessel is fully prepared for each departure, including cleaning, stocking, and transporting necessary food, beverage, and service supplies. The First Mate supports all aspects of guest experience, from boarding and waiver verification to onboard hospitality and safety monitoring, while maintaining constant communication with the Captain. Working closely with the Captain, servers, and hotel team, this role helps deliver a seamless, safe, and polished guest experience.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assist the Captain with all daily vessel operations aboard the ICONA 56-foot luxury catamaran, including docking, anchoring, navigation support, and overall guest safety.

• Greet guests upon arrival, assist with boarding, verify waiver documentation, and provide friendly, knowledgeable service throughout the cruise.

• Prepare the vessel before each cruise by cleaning all areas, checking required supplies, and ensuring the boat is fully stocked and guest ready.

• Transport food and beverage orders from the hotel kitchen to the vessel and assist with setup prior to guest arrival.

• Work with the Captain and team to ensure all food, beverages, paper goods, and service supplies are properly organized and available.

• Prepare life vests and safety equipment according to the event order, ensuring readiness for all planned activities, including swimming.

• Assist guests with onboard accommodations and entertainment needs, answer questions, and provide attentive, friendly service throughout the cruise.

• Handle dock lines, fenders, and ropes, supporting all docking and undocking procedures.

• Monitor guest safety at all times, including enforcing rules such as no sitting on rails, running, jumping, or standing on seats, and adhering to alcohol safety/TIPS certification guidelines.

• Maintain cleanliness of the vessel during the cruise, including monitoring and restocking heads (bathrooms) as needed.

• Maintain constant communication with the Captain and assist in enforcing all safety protocols, especially during swimming activities.

• Support setup and breakdown before and after each cruise, ensuring all equipment is properly stored and the vessel is reset.

• Assist guests with safe disembarkation at the conclusion of each cruise.

• Clean and dry the vessel after each cruise, including all surfaces and isinglass.

• Dispose of trash properly and return empty supply bins to the hotel.

• Assist with basic maintenance tasks and report any needed repairs or service to the Captain.

• Performs other duties as directed.

• Weekly attendance to Aloha Culture Meeting.

Competencies

• Strong guest service and hospitality skills

• Ability to work well in a face-paced, team-oriented environment and follow direction

• Basic knowledge of boating and vessel operations

• Strong communication skills

• Ability to multitask in a fast paced, guest facing environment

• Safety Awareness

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This job operates primarily on board a yacht in an outdoor environment and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk or hear. The team member frequently stands, walks, uses hands to handle or feel, and reaches with arms and hands. Tasks may include climbing steps or ladders, handling service items or furniture, and assisting with guest boarding.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

• Stand – Over 50% of the time

• Walk – Over 50% of the time

• Sit – Under 50% of the time

• Use hands/fingers, handle or feel – Over 50% of the time

• Reach with arms and hands – Over 50% of the time

• Climb or balance – Up to 30% of the time

• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl – Up to 30% of the time

• Talk or hear – Over 75% of the time

• Lift minimum of 5 lbs – 50 lbs – Up to 30% of the time

Adherence to all policies and procedures delineated in the ICONA Handbook is required.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a part-time, seasonal/per diem position with scheduling based on cruise activity and operational needs. Weekly hours will vary depending on business demands and scheduled cruises. Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays is required during the operating season.

Travel

No travel is required for this position outside of the yacht cruises.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the team member for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Education and Experience

• Previous experience as a First Mate, deckhand, or in similar vessel operations.

• Knowledge of boating safety, navigation, and emergency procedures.

• Experience delivering high-level hospitality in a guest-facing role.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience on catamarans or passenger yachts.

• Prior experience in guest service or cruise operations.

• Familiarity with vessel maintenance and provisioning.

• Familiarity with food and beverage service standards.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Maintain confidentiality of guest and vessel operations information.

• Excellent guest interaction skills and professional demeanor.

• Must be TIPS certified (or willing to obtain prior to first shift), in compliance with alcohol service regulations.

• Must maintain all required safety and operational certifications, including CPR and First Aid, as applicable.

• Satisfactory motor vehicle and boating safety records.