Occupational map - Marine Leisure

Overview | Commercial Sea Fishing | Marine Leisure | Maritime Search and Rescue | Merchant Navy | Ports and Harbours

Marine Leisure - Roles

Design
Naval Architect (Yacht Designer) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Yacht Designer (Boat Designer) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Draughtsman/Draughtwoman (CAD Technician) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Manufacturing
Boat Builder (Yacht Builder, Boat Repairer) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Boat Fitter (Marine Craftsperson) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Marine Engineer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Electrics/Electronics Engineer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Buying and Selling
Yacht Broker (Yacht Agent , Dealer, Distributor) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Yacht Surveyor ( Marine Surveyor, Small Craft Surveyor) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Watersports Instruction and Coaching
Watersports manager - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Watersports instructor - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Marinas and yacht harbours
Marina manager (Yacht Harbour Manager) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Dockmaster (Operations Manager) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Marina operative (Berthing Assistant , Mooring Assistant , Yard Assistant ) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Crew

Superyacht
Captain - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
First officer (Mate) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Engineer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Chef - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Chief Steward/Stewardess (Interior Director, Interior Manager, Hotel Manager) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Deckhand (Deck rating) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Chartering/holidays
Flotilla engineer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Flotilla host/hostess - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Skipper:
Delivery Skipper - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Flotilla Skipper - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Bareboat Skipper - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Charter Skipper - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Design

Naval Architect (Yacht Designer)
A Naval Architect is a professional responsible for the design, development, construction and repair of surface and underwater vessels and operating systems. They have knowledge of structures, stresses, materials and hydrodynamics. Typical work activities cover the functions that are required for the entire process of designing and preparing vessels for sea. UK Naval Architects are usually members of the Royal Institute of Naval Architecture. To become a member, individuals must have undertaken an accredited course such as Naval Architecture, Marine Technology, Marine Engineering, Offshore Engineering and Ship Science.

Yacht Designer (Boat Designer)
Most but not all designers are Naval Architects. A Yacht Designer designs vessels for leisure use only, and also designs for repairs and re-fits. Yacht Designers produce the plans for the boat, including hulls, decks and interior layout. Designers usually specialise in a particular aspect or type of boat and/or yacht design. Although in theory anyone can call themselves a Yacht Designer they would normally be qualified as they need technical design skills. Unlike Naval Architects, Yacht Designers do not need to be a member of a professional institution.

Draughtsman/Draughtwoman (CAD Technician)
They work in all branches of engineering as well as architecture, construction, and manufacturing, using CAD software to produce detailed 2D and 3D designs and specifications for vessels. As well as producing detailed blueprints, the parameters which make up the specification are used to prepare cost estimates, tenders, compliance documents, manufacturing, assembly and maintenance instructions for the vessel in question.

Manufacturing

Boat Builder (Yacht Builder, Boat Repairer)
Boat builders work on a wide range of smaller craft, from luxury powerboats to sailing boats, narrow-boats and wooden dinghies. Most modern boats are built using glass fibre or new composite materials, in a factory environment. Only a small number of new craft are built from wood, but there is a need for repair and restoration of existing wooden boats.

Boat Fitter (Marine Craftsperson)
Most of the build time of a modern craft is spent fitting the boat out with engines, accommodation and domestic systems. This is the area in which carpenters, jointers, plumbers and electricians work.

Marine Engineer
Marine engineering is a multi-disciplinary field requiring an understanding and knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic systems. Marine Engineers design, build, convert, test and maintain boats . They have high levels of competence in the practical and technical skills required to work with inboard and outboard engines and transmission, propulsion and steering systems. The normal way to train as an engineer is to study full time at university or college for a first degree in Engineering.

Electrics/Electronics Engineer
Installs, services, repairs and upgrades sophisticated electrical and electronic systems ranging from engine electrical systems, to electric engines, pumps, navigation and interior lights to radar and satellite navigation equipment.

Buying and Selling

Yacht Broker (Yacht Agent , Dealer, Distributor)
Yacht Brokers and Agents are concerned with the sale and purchase of secondhand craft and act as intermediaries between vendors and purchasers. Dealers and Distributors largely deal in new craft. Dealers buy and sell boats on their own account or as part of a network and may also take boats in part exchange. The Broker or Dealer undertakes all the advertising, shows people the boat, and organises sea trials. They also ensure all the paperwork (VAT paid invoices, registration documents, proof of title, CE compliance, etc) is in order and that the person buying the boat has adequate finance. The Broker is paid commission by the vendor on the final selling price. Brokers have knowledge of specific legislation, such as the Recreational Craft Directive, and also have a working knowledge of boats. Some Brokers may hold an RYA Powerboat qualification (Level 2) and/or a Day Skipper certificate.

Yacht Surveyor ( Marine Surveyor, Small Craft Surveyor)
Surveys are needed for all sorts of purposes - pre-purchase, condition, insurance, tonnage for registration, damage and re-fit are the main examples. All but the smallest boats should have a pre-purchase survey. A Surveyor provides the client with a written report explaining any defects and how urgent the repair is, and suggesting means of rectification. Surveyors have varied backgrounds such as naval architecture, marine engineering or boatbuilding. Surveyors need to understand the materials, stresses, operation, equipment and industry standards to be able to provide the client with a professional service.

Watersports Instruction and Coaching

Watersports manager
The Watersports Manager is responsible for overall management of administration (often includes finance), staff and all watersports equipment. It also involves the organisation of the instruction programme and daily instruction. The minimum requirements generally required for this post are instructor qualifications in at least two relevant watersports, a RYA Powerboat level 2 Certificate and a relevant First Aid qualification.

Watersports instructor
A Watersports Instructor could instruct across a number of disciplines or have a specialism, such as dinghy sailing, multihull sailing, powerboating or windsurfing. Instructors have competent sailing skills in the areas they teach, have relevant qualifications (normally Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Instructor qualifications), good communication skills and are safety conscious. Senior Instructors have extra responsibilities such as the implementation of the activities programme, and must be able to lead, motivate and manage staff. Senior Instructors must have the RYA Senior Instructors Certificate.

Marinas and yacht harbours

Marina manager (Yacht Harbour Manager)
Responsible for the running of the marina/yacht harbour. General responsibilities will include berthing arrangements, bookings, services and repairs, customer liaison, cash handling, staffing, sales etc. Managers try to keep their marina/harbour full and paying all year round. Managers normally have management experience and a working knowledge of marinas/harbours and boats. Some Managers may hold a Powerboat qualification (Level 2) and a Day Skipper certificate. They may also have a degree in Marine Leisure Management or the Certified Marina Manager qualification (CMM).

Dockmaster (Operations Manager)
Oversees planning and management of berthing and mooring facilities in marinas and yacht harbours. Duties include supervision of marine operatives involved in mooring and berthing, and the preparation of mooring plans.

Marina operative ( Berthing Assistant , Mooring Assistant , Yard Assistant)
Undertake general tasks around the marina or yacht harbour. Duties may include lifting, moving and loading, assisting customers, crewing small harbour craft, berthing, helping to moor larger vessels, basic engineering and securing and maintaining marker buoys.

Crew

Superyacht - A superyacht can be found on any ocean, on any sea in the world. Superyachts can be motor or sail and range from 24m up to mini cruiseships. The number of crew and types of roles and responsibility will vary depending on the type and size of the superyacht. On an average superyacht, you will find on board the crew jobs listed below. Yachts over 60m normally have a crew of 10 or more

Captain
The Captain is in overall command of the yacht and has full responsibility for the crew, the cargo, passengers and the safety of the vessel. A Captain must have considerable maritime experience and training and will normally have significant experience gained in the merchant navy. A Captain of a Superyacht has to have excellent sea faring knowledge, a good grasp of accounting and administration and also deal with authorities on matters such as paperwork and health and safety. The Captain must be highly skilled at dealing with people, both crew and owner/guests. Responsible for the security of the vessel and environmental awareness. On a smaller vessel the Captain will have more wide-ranging responsibilities which on a larger vessel would be undertaken by the deckhand or Chief Steward/Stewardess.

First officer (Mate)
Second in command to the Captain. Directly responsible for all deck operations including cargo storage and handling, deck maintenance and deck supplies. In charge of the second and third officers and deckhands. Undertakes bridge watches when at sea. Responsible, with other staff, for the security of the vessel and environmental awareness.

Engineer
In charge of the engineering department and responsible to the Captain for its efficient operation. Has overall control and decision making powers for the engineering department. Responsible for ensuring that all planned mechanical and electrical maintenance takes place. Co-ordinates operations with shore-side engineers.

Chef
Food planning and preparation, and cooking to a high standard. The chef must be capable of working on their own and or working under pressure.

Chief Steward/Stewardess (Interior Director, Interior Manager, Hotel Manager)
A Chief Steward or Chief Stewardess is in charge of the interior of the yacht and is similar to a 'house keeper' or host/hostess. Manages and recruits the interior staff (e.g. Steward, Housekeeper). Oversees the general cleaning of accommodation, and provision of catering support. Specific duties could include flower arranging, providing a silver service and obtaining local currency. Ensures that passengers are looked after in a discreet and confidential manner. Responsible, with other staff, for the security of the vessel and environmental awareness. May have languages expertise and a first aid qualification.

Deckhand (Deck rating)
A deckhand is the entry level for almost all professional crew jobs on yachts. They will be expected to do a variety of jobs such as painting, sanding, fibreglass restoration, varnishing, carpentry, buffing, polishing and finishing. Responsible, with other staff, for the security of the vessel and environmental awareness. D eckhands do not have to have sailing qualifications but having them is an asset. General seafaring skills are expected. Should ideally have some knowledge and experience of engines and radio equipment. Normally responsible for the general maintenance of outboard engines, jet skis and waterskiing equipment.

Chartering/holidays - Professional crew and skippers are also needed for yachts that may be chartered or for flotilla holidays. Roles will be similar to those on superyachts although roles will normally be much wider as there may only be 2 crew members.

Flotilla engineer
Responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of all the yachts in the flotilla and all of their equipment. Repairs are often completed when at sea and at anchorage at night. May also assist guests with operating systems, power handling and equipment use. Normally has previous marine experience and a working knowledge of engines and machinery.

Flotilla host/hostess
Responsible for the care of all flotilla guests. Normally liaises with local restaurants and attractions for group visits and co-ordinates entertainment. May also deal with medical issues, accounts and complaints. This could include liaising with the company's administration staff. Normally has customer service background and/or holiday company experience and an outgoing and independent personality. May need sailing experience.

Skipper

Delivery Skipper - Responsible for the safe and timely delivery of vessels. Often works long distances with minimal crew. Jobs are usually short-term and provide the opportunity to gain sea time and experience. A Delivery Skipper normally works as a volunteer crew member before securing a position as a paid skipper.

Flotilla Skipper - Operates a yacht or entire flotilla (normally up to 20 yachts). The Skipper will brief guests daily on yacht safety and operational information. On turn-around day the Skipper directs the staff in checking the rigging, sails, keels etc for damage and repair needs. Will normally be an experienced cruising skipper, minimum qualification RYA Yacht Master Commercially Endorsed. Management and customer care skills are important.

Bareboat Skipper - Prepares yachts for charter and their delivery to the relevant bases. Often has experience as a Flotilla Skipper.

Charter Skipper - The charter skipper operates the yacht for guests and may own the vessel. Different to working on a private vessel due to the usually high turnover of guests with a fast turn around at the end of a charter. Vessels may be chartered for as little as a couple of hours, or considerably longer. May have to prepare and serve all food and drink aboard (in which case will have to comply with Alcohol Licensing legislation). Where there is crew on board, the Skipper will not be responsible for the housekeeping