Ferry Captain

About Us

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 1983. Since 2021, 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

We're looking for an experienced, community-minded Skipper to take the helm of this much-loved local institution.

The Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely skipper the Merinda II across all scheduled services, in line with the published timetable

• Conduct pre-departure vessel safety checks, including engine, safety equipment, and passenger capacity compliance

• Deliver a warm, welcoming experience for passengers — locals and tourists alike

• Maintain accurate passenger counts, manifests, and any required regulatory reporting

• Perform or coordinate routine vessel maintenance and liaise on scheduled servicing/dry-docking

• Monitor weather, tide, and sea conditions and make sound operational judgement calls, including service delays or cancellations when required

• Handle onboard sales of snacks, drinks, and merchandise where applicable

• Work closely with the Boathouse Group operations team on scheduling, compliance, and service standards

• Support occasional charter, private event, or wedding bookings aboard the vessel

What You'll Need

• A current AMSA Master <24m Near Coastal (NC) Certificate of Competency (or higher), given the Merinda II's length (~15.2m)

• Current NSW coastal bar crossing licence (or willingness to obtain one) if operating conditions require it

• Current Marine Radio Operator's Certificate

• Valid First Aid certificate (HLTAID011 or equivalent)

• Proven sea service experience, ideally on passenger vessels or in similar coastal/harbour conditions

• Sound knowledge of local waters — Pittwater, Broken Bay, and the Hawkesbury River approaches — highly regarded

• A genuine passion for hospitality and customer service; this is a public-facing role

• Reliability and flexibility — ferry schedules mean early starts, weekend and public holiday work, and seasonal variation in hours

• A proactive, safety-first mindset and sound decision-making under changing conditions

What We Offer

• Full-time, stable employment with one of Sydney's most respected hospitality groups

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications

• The chance to skipper a genuinely iconic vessel with deep local heritage

• A supportive team environment as part of the wider Boathouse Group family

• Opportunities to be involved in special charters, events, and the broader life of the business

How to Apply

If you're a qualified skipper who wants more than just a job on the water — who wants to be part of a local institution — we'd love to hear from you.