First Mate/Deckhand

Position Summary

The First Mate is a key crew member aboard String of Pearls and plays a major role in ensuring safe, professional, and memorable charter experiences for our guests. This person must be dependable, hardworking, enthusiastic, and willing to do whatever is needed to help the boat, the captain, and the passengers.

The ideal candidate is safety minded, service oriented, physically capable, and takes pride in keeping the vessel clean, organized, and operating at a high standard. This is not a sit back and watch kind of position. The First Mate must be ready to work hard, stay alert, anticipate needs, and contribute to every aspect of the charter operation.

Primary Responsibilities

Safety and Vessel Operations

• Assist the Captain in the safe operation of the vessel at all times

• Help with docking, undocking, line handling, fender placement, anchoring, and securing the vessel

• Maintain awareness of passenger safety during boarding, underway operations, and disembarkation

• Assist with emergency preparedness and response, including knowledge of life jackets, safety equipment, fire extinguishers, first aid supplies, and emergency procedures

• Monitor decks and walkways to keep them clean, dry, orderly, and free of hazards

• Follow all Coast Guard rules, company procedures, and Captain’s instructions

Guest Service and Hospitality

• Welcome passengers aboard in a warm, upbeat, professional manner

• Help guests board and disembark safely

• Assist passengers with seating, mobility, belongings, and general comfort

• Maintain a positive, courteous, can do attitude at all times

• Answer basic guest questions in a helpful and professional way

• Support a first class guest experience by being attentive, polished, and enthusiastic

• On occasion assist with getting catering items to the boat as well as on and off the boat -

this also includes transfer from lot to boat and vice versa

• Lifting to approximately 75lbs on and off the boat for catering set up

Cleaning and Vessel Presentation

• Clean and prepare the vessel before and after charters

• Wash down decks, wipe rails, clean heads, empty trash, tidy seating areas, and keep the boat charter ready at all times

• Assist with routine detailing and appearance related tasks so the vessel always presents well

• Help maintain an organized storage system for supplies, gear, cleaning materials, and guest items

• Take ownership of the appearance of the vessel and notice what needs attention before being asked

Setup, Breakdown, and General Labor

• Assist with loading supplies, ice, beverages, provisions, and charter related materials

• Help set up and break down for private events, sunset cruises, weddings, and special charters

• Move equipment and supplies as needed

• Perform physically demanding work in heat, humidity, sun, wind, and marine conditions

• Be willing to do a wide variety of tasks, including the dirty jobs, the heavy lifting, and the

small details

Maintenance Support

• Assist with light vessel maintenance, basic upkeep, and routine checks as assigned

• Help identify maintenance needs and promptly communicate issues to the Captain

• Support ongoing improvement of the vessel by helping with projects, repairs, organization, and

dockside work when needed

• Handle equipment carefully and responsibly

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass a drug test (Drug Free Vessel)

• Must be reliable, punctual, and trustworthy

• Must have a strong work ethic and willingness to work hard

• Must be enthusiastic and bring a positive attitude to the job

• Must be comfortable working around the water and aboard a vessel

• Must be able to follow directions and also take initiative without constant supervision

• Must be physically able to lift, carry, pull, and move equipment and supplies

• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and long hours as charter schedules require

• Must present a neat, clean, and professional appearance

• Boating experience is preferred, but attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn are

extremely important

• Customer service or hospitality experience is a plus

• CPR, First Aid, or marine safety experience is mandatory - but if not already certified, the

company will provide training.

Personal Characteristics We Are Looking For

• Enthusiastic

• Hardworking

• Coachable

• Alert

• Friendly

• Professional

• Service minded

• Team player

• Calm under pressure

• Willing to do whatever needs to be done

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions

• Ability to board, move around, and work safely on a boat

• Ability to lift at least 75 pounds

• Ability to bend, kneel, reach, pull lines, and handle physical tasks safely

Employment Expectations

The First Mate is expected to show up on time, ready to work, properly dressed, mentally sharp, and prepared to contribute. This role requires flexibility, initiative, and a strong sense of responsibility. Every charter matters, every guest matters, and every detail matters. String of Pearls provides elevated experiences to an affluent clientele.

A successful First Mate will understand that this position includes hospitality, safety, cleaning, setup, breakdown, manual labor, and constant situational awareness. The person in this role must be willing to jump in wherever needed and help create an exceptional experience aboard String of Pearls.

Job Types: Contract, Seasonal

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Experience:

• Deckhand: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25