Skipper

Skipper – Marine Operations | Aquaculture

Location: East African CountriesIndustry: Aquaculture / Marine OperationsAbout the RoleWe are looking for an experienced and safety-focused Skipper / Boat Captain to manage marine operations for an expanding aquaculture fleet.

The role involves operating vessels ranging from 8–14 metres, including MAKO and WAHOO, during both day and night operations.The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience operating commercial/work boats as well as leisure or recreational vessels, with a strong understanding of navigation, seamanship, vessel handling and marine safety. Experience in aquaculture, fish farms, fisheries or similar marine operations will be highly preferred.Key ResponsibilitiesSafely operate and navigate MAKO, WAHOO and other fleet vessels ranging from 8–14 metres, during day and night operations.Ensure full compliance with maritime regulations, safety standards and Marine SOPs.Conduct comprehensive pre-departure inspections and vessel readiness checks, including engine condition, lighting, radio communications, safety equipment, stability and loading.Supervise crew and passengers and conduct clear, effective safety briefings, maintaining a safe onboard environment at all times.Maintain accurate and up-to-date logs covering voyages, incidents, passenger manifests, fuel consumption and maintenance activities.Execute docking, anchoring and general vessel handling safely and precisely at all piers and concession moorings.Respond effectively to emergencies, mechanical failures and changing weather/environmental conditions.Report every incident, near-miss, contact or vessel defect immediately to the designated control room and management, regardless of the time or severity.Remain on duty with the crew involved in an incident until formally released by management.Never operate single-handed at night. A competent second crew member must remain onboard and awake throughout hours of darkness.Continuously escalate unresolved safety defects until corrective action is completed. Ensure temporary workarounds do not become permanent solutions.Provide specific technical requirements when equipment, spares or repairs are required.Assess and sign off relief skippers before they operate MAKO or WAHOO independently.Provide vessel familiarisation and handling training to relief skippers, approximately two days per month.Coordinate with the operations team to support efficient fleet scheduling, logistics and vessel availability.Conduct routine vessel checks and support basic maintenance and mechanical troubleshooting.Qualifications & ExperienceProven experience as a Skipper, Boat Captain, Master or similar marine role.Experience operating commercial/work boats, preferably vessels in the 8–14 metre range.Exposure to leisure/recreational or charter boat operations will be an advantage.Aquaculture, fish-farm, fisheries or marine operations experience is highly preferred.Valid commercial boat operating licence / skipper or master licence appropriate to the vessel and operating area.Current STCW or equivalent marine safety certification.Strong technical knowledge of navigation, seamanship, vessel handling, docking and anchoring.Experience operating vessels safely under varying weather and environmental conditions.Strong understanding of marine safety, emergency response and risk management.Practical knowledge of routine vessel maintenance and basic mechanical troubleshooting.Ability to supervise crew, manage passengers and deliver effective safety briefings.Strong communication, leadership and incident-reporting skills.Ability and willingness to work day and night shifts, including weekends and varying operational schedules.Additional marine or technical certifications will be an advantage.Preferred Candidate ProfileCandidates with a combination of the following will be particularly relevant:Aquaculture / Fish Farm + Commercial Skipper Licence + 8–14m Vessel Experience + Leisure/Charter Boat Experience + STCWWhy Join?Opportunity to work in a dynamic aquaculture and marine operations environment.Exposure to an expanding fleet and diverse vessel operations.Professional development, mentorship and leadership exposure.Opportunity to contribute to sustainable aquaculture and marine operations in Kenya.Interested candidates can apply with their updated CV highlighting their vessel type, licence details, sea service/boat experience and aquaculture or fisheries background.#Skipper #BoatCaptain #CommercialSkipper #BoatMaster #MarineJobs #MaritimeJobs #MarineOperations #Aquaculture #AquacultureJobs #FishFarming #Fisheries #STCW #Seamanship #KenyaJobs #EastAfrica