Deckhand | Sailaway Port Douglas

Be a part of sharing special places and shaping lasting memories with Australia’s leading experiential tourism business.

About Us

At Sailaway, we’re passionate about sharing the beauty and wonder of the Great Barrier Reef. Our mission is to provide guests with an unforgettable experience through expert reef interpretation and sustainable sailing adventures.

Our team brings together passionate experts who deliver engaging and informative presentations, helping guests appreciate the fragile marine environment and the incredible life beneath the surface. Complementing this knowledge are skilled professionals who ensure safety and comfort while delivering the thrill of pure sailing aboard state-of-the-art catamarans.

Based in Port Douglas, we offer daily access to spectacular reef sites, including Mackay Coral Cay and the idyllic Low Isles. These locations feature vibrant coral gardens, giant clams, and abundant marine life, making them perfect for snorkellers.

We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, sustainability, and creating memorable experiences for every guest.

About Journey Beyond

Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to operate 20 brands spanning the country and New Zealand, connecting guests to the land, and to each other.

Headquartered in Adelaide, Journey Beyond formed in 2016 and now comprises tourism brands including: iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, The Overland; premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; eco-luxury lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Sailaway Port Douglas, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; our tallest members, Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka 89; the historic Vintage Rail Journeys; The Telegraph Station in Alice Springs; Monarto Safari Resort; Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo, New Zealand coach tour specialist Grand Pacific Tours, and Voyages Tourism Australia.

About The Role
We are seeking a First Deckhand to join our team on a casual basis. As a crucial member of our team, the First Deckhand will provide exemplary customer service while ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers on board. You will be the first point of contact for our customers, engaging them with information about our Sailaway products and services. In this hands-on role, you will manage various operational aspects while maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and safety throughout the vessel.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Deliver exceptional customer service, maintaining professionalism and a friendly disposition while engaging with passengers.
• Manage the passenger boarding process, ensuring accuracy in manifest checks, money collection, and headcounts.
• Conduct safety briefs, snorkelling briefs, and guided tours with a focus on environmental interpretation and encourage passenger participation in activities.
• Conduct memorable Glass Bottom Boat Tours
• Ensure the vessel and all equipment are cleaned, stored, and ready for use, adhering to food safety regulations for catering.
• Assist in emergency response drills and ensure safety management systems are strictly followed, while being prepared to provide first aid and support if needed.
• Complete incident reports accurately and in a timely manner and maintain the First Aid Kit and oxygen supplies.

About You

The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic individual who possesses a solid level of sailing experience and boating knowledge, alongside a comprehensive understanding of safety management systems and vessel handling. You have a strong grasp of snorkelling procedures, reef interpretation, and the history of Low Isles, combined with the ability to confidently lead guided snorkel tours and island heritage walks. Your excellent communication skills allow you to engage with a diverse range of passengers, including children, showcasing patience and professionalism in all interactions.

To be successful you will have:

• Previous experience working on a vessel or within the tourism industry
• Exceptional organisational and time management abilities
• Well-presented and hardworking, with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new skills
• Flexibility to adapt to varying work and customer requirements, demonstrating initiative and responsibility
• The ability to thrive both independently and as part of a team and be physically fit and capable of working in hot environments.

• Coxswain Grade 1 NC
• Current Senior First Aid/CPR/O2 Certificate
• Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate
• Food Hygiene Certificate
• Advanced Reef Teach Course Certificate is desired (sufficient coral and marine life knowledge)

• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences
• Study Assistance Policy
• Employee Referral Policy
• Parental Leave program
• Purchased Leave policy
• Private Health discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on Journey Beyond merchandise

Applications will be processed in the order they are received, so don’t delay, apply now!