About the role

Elizabeth Anne - The Royal Barge is seeking an experienced, reliable and personable coxswain to captain the Elizabeth Anne, a classic timber vessel operating from Melbourne's Docklands. This is a hands on role combining safe vessel operation, crew leadership and excellent customer service. We offer a mixture of tourism and celebration cruises, including sightseeing experiences, private parties, corporate events, birthdays, weddings and special event transfers.

Key responsibilities

- Captain the vessel safely during tourism cruises, private charters and event transfers
- Plan each voyage, taking account of weather, tides, river conditions, bridge clearances and passenger requirements
- Assess conditions before and during cruises and make sound decisions about routes, departure times and safe operation
- Manoeuvre confidently in confined waterways, around other vessels and alongside passenger landings
- Manage berthing, departure, docking, mooring and passenger transfers
- Complete vessel checks before departure and secure the vessel after each shift
- Lead and coordinate onboard crew, with clear instructions during departures, docking and emergencies
- Complete passenger safety briefings and ensure guests understand essential safety information
- Welcome guests and provide friendly, professional service throughout their experience
- Keep accurate vessel logs, checklists, maintenance records and incident reports





About you

- Current Coxswain Grade 1 NC qualification, or a higher certificate appropriate to the vessel and operation
- Relevant current medical, first aid and marine radio credentials
- Experience operating commercial passenger vessels
- Confident boat handling and berthing skills
- Solid understanding of navigation, weather, tides and safe passenger operations
- Experience on Melbourne's Yarra River and surrounding waterways is highly regarded
- Practical mechanical awareness and the ability to recognise and respond to vessel faults
- Experience in tourism, hospitality, private charters or events is highly regarded
- Reliable attendance, punctuality and clear communication
- Confidence leading a small crew and working as part of a team

About us Elizabeth Anne Charters operates a classic timber vessel from Melbourne's Docklands, offering a mixture of tourism and celebration cruises, including sightseeing experiences, private parties, corporate events, birthdays, weddings and special event transfers.

Benefits

- A varied mixture of tourism and celebration cruises
- The opportunity to captain a distinctive classic Melbourne vessel
- A small team and direct communication with the business owner
- Vessel familiarisation and training in our operating procedures
- The opportunity for ongoing work as bookings grow

📌 Coxswain / Charter Boat Captain (Melbourne)
🏢 Sightseeing Tours Australia
📍 Melbourne