Job Description
The Boathouse Group operates a portfolio of iconic coastal venues across Sydney and the Central Coast, including Boathouse Ferry Co. — home to the much-loved Merinda II, a classic 50-foot timber passenger ferry built by Norman Wright & Sons in ****. Since ****, we've proudly continued the Palm Beach–Patonga–ferry service, carrying locals and visitors across one of the most beautiful stretches of water in NSW
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We're looking for an experienced, community-minded Skipper to take the helm of this much-loved local institution.
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About Us
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The Boathouse Group operates a portfolio of iconic coastal venues across Sydney and the Central Coast, including Boathouse Ferry Co. — home to the much-loved Merinda II, a classic 50-foot timber passenger ferry built by Norman Wright & Sons in ****. Since ****, we've proudly continued the Palm Beach–Patonga–ferry service, carrying locals and visitors across one of the most beautiful stretches of water in NSW
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We're looking for an experienced, community-minded Skipper to take the helm of this much-loved local institution.
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The Role
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As Skipper of the Merinda II, you'll be responsible for the safe, reliable, and friendly operation of our passenger ferry service between Palm Beach, Patonga, and Newport. This is more than a driving job — you're the face of the ferry, a custodian of a genuine piece of Pittwater history, and a key part of the daily rhythm of the communities we serve.
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Key Responsibilities
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Safely skipper the Merinda II across all scheduled services, in line with the published timetable
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Conduct pre-departure vessel safety checks, including engine, safety equipment, and passenger capacity compliance
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Deliver a warm, welcoming experience for passengers — locals and tourists alike
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Maintain accurate passenger counts, manifests, and any required regulatory reporting




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Perform or coordinate routine vessel maintenance and liaise on scheduled servicing/dry-docking
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Monitor weather, tide, and sea conditions and make sound operational judgement calls, including service delays or cancellations when required
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Handle onboard sales of snacks, drinks, and merchandise where applicable
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Work closely with the Boathouse Group operations team on scheduling, compliance, and service standards
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Support occasional charter, private event, or wedding bookings aboard the vessel
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What You'll Need
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A current AMSA Master <24m Near Coastal (NC) Certificate of Competency (or higher), given the Merinda II's length (~15.2m)
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Current NSW coastal bar crossing licence (or willingness to obtain one) if operating conditions require it
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Current Marine Radio Operator's Certificate
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Valid First Aid certificate (HLTAID011 or equivalent)
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Proven sea service experience, ideally on passenger vessels or in similar coastal/harbour conditions
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Sound knowledge of local waters — Pittwater, Broken Bay, and the Hawkesbury River approaches — highly regarded
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A genuine passion for hospitality and customer service; this is a public-facing role
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Reliability and flexibility — ferry schedules mean early starts, weekend and public holiday work, and seasonal variation in hours
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A proactive, safety-first mindset and sound decision-making under changing conditions
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What We Offer
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Full time, stable employment with one of Sydney's most respected hospitality groups
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Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications
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The chance to skipper a genuinely iconic vessel with deep local heritage
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A supportive team environment as part of the wider Boathouse Group family
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Opportunities to be involved in special charters, events, and the broader life of the business
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📌 Ferry Captain (New South Wales)
🏢 Boathouse Group
📍 New South Wales