First Mate | Cruise Whitsundays

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

About Us

Cruise Whitsundays, based in Airlie Beach is the largest marine-based tour and transport provider in the Whitsundays. Providing close encounters with the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the islands of the Whitsundays, Cruise Whitsundays operates 10, well-equipped, air-conditioned vessels, plus a world-class sailing catamaran, offering a range of tours, as well as an inter-island resort connection service, with regular daily departures at two islands, one airport and two mainland ports.

Cruise Whitsundays also operates Australia’s first underwater accommodation, Reefsuites, and a Reefsleep glamping experience at the Reefworld pontoon, moored offshore at Hardy Reef on the Great Barrier Reef.

From our cruises and sailing adventures to our world-renowned underwater accommodation, there’s no better way to experience the Whitsundays, and you won’t find a friendlier or more experienced crew to work with. When the ocean is your office, every day is good one!

About Journey Beyond

Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to operate 17 brands spanning the country, 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, The Paspaley Pearl Farm Tour, 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 and Monarto Safari Resort. 

Joining the Journey Beyond family, you will play an integral role in supporting our business as we continue to share special places and shape lasting memories for our guests.

About the role

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team full-time as a First Mate. In this role, you will support the Vessel Master and Engineer in managing daily vessel operations while providing leadership and guidance to the Deck Crew. Your primary aim will be to ensure outstanding crew performance and create unforgettable experiences for our guests. Together, you will explore remarkable destinations and help create lasting memories.e are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team on a full-time basis in the position of  First Mate. This position involves supporting the Vessel Master and Engineer in managing daily vessel operations, providing leadership and direction to the Deck Crew. Your goal is to ensure exceptional crew performance and deliver unforgettable experiences to our guests. Together, you'll share remarkable places and create lasting memories.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Vessel Master with administration and safety duties
• Ensure guest safety, satisfaction, and optimal vessel and engine performance
• Support watch-keeping, vessel handling, and navigation
• Conduct regular onboard safety drills and crew training
• Manage Deck Crew performance and training compliance
• Promote high team performance and professional presentation
• Address guest concerns promptly to maintain excellent service
• Delegate daily tasks while ensuring marine standards are met
• Adhere to operational procedures and WHS requirements

About You

You are a professional role model, demonstrating efficiency, consistency, and strong leadership. With excellent people management skills, you provide clear guidance and constructive feedback while fostering team morale.

To excel in this role, you will have proven abilities in:

• Delivering exceptional customer service and exceeding guest expectations
• Communicating effectively with diverse audiences
• Managing crowds and engaging in public speaking
• Being reliable, self-motivated, and proactive
• Creative problem-solving with a solutions-oriented mindset
• Conducting safety drills confidently
• Managing time effectively with strong organizational skills

• Minimum Master 24, with MED 3 or Coxswain Grade 1 (mandatory)
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (mandatory)
• HLTAID015 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Apply Oxygen Resuscitation (mandatory)
• QLD Responsible Service of Alcohol (mandatory)
• QLD Working with Children’s Check (Blue Card) (mandatory)

• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences
• An attractive salary and positive work environment
• Study Assistance Policy
• A career with opportunities for progression, transfers, and secondments
• Employee Referral Policy
• Parental Leave program
• Purchased Leave policy
• Private Health discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on Journey Beyond merchandise
• Discounts at the Cruise Café & Bar
• Discounts at the bar on board vessels
• Free public transport
• Salary sacrifice remote area benefits

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