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HEAD SKIPPER

 

Full time | Starts January 2027 | $70,000 – $80,000 plus super, depending on experience

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Coral Bay Ecotours is looking for an experienced and passionate skipper to work closely with management to lead our team from the beginning of 2027. Live, work and play on the Ningaloo Reef with a great team!

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About the role

The Head Skipper leads on-water operations across the Coral Bay Ecotours fleet, ensuring the highest standards of safety, reliability and guest experience. The role combines hands-on skippering with responsibility for leading and coordinating the rest of the skipper team, crew training, and compliance with and reviewing/updating of our SMS and procedures. The role also involves coordinating maintenance tasks and ensuring the ongoing safe and seaworthy operation of all vessels, tenders and support vehicles.

 

Our Fleet

  • 1 x 18m fibreglass vessel with twin diesel inboard engines

  • 2 x Coxswain-rated aluminium vessels with twin outboard engines

  • 2 x single outboard tenders

 

Key responsibilities

  • Skippering our tour vessels safely and professionally across a range of conditions

  • Delivering crew training and carrying out regular drills

  • Maintaining compliance with our SMS and operating procedures

  • Coordinating maintenance, upkeep and refit works across the fleet, including routine servicing, inspections, repairs and keeping vessels tour-ready

  • Supporting outboard and inboard engine servicing and troubleshooting, and keeping accurate maintenance logs and records

  • Ensuring vessels, tenders and support vehicles remain safe, seaworthy and compliant, with equipment and records up to date

  • Delivering engaging, safe and environmentally responsible tours that respect the reef and its wildlife

  • Working with management on operational planning, scheduling and continuous improvement

  • Being a confident, friendly face for guests and crew, and a champion of our eco-tourism values

 

About you

  • Master < 24

  • Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 (MED II)

  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

  • HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

  • HLTAID015 Provide Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy

  • Minimum 3 years proven experience skippering commercial passenger vessels, ideally in marine tourism

  • Strong mechanical aptitude, with practical experience maintaining and servicing both outboard and inboard engines

  • Experience coordinating vessel maintenance, repairs, slipping or refits

  • Experience with safety management systems and crew training, or a strong desire to develop in this area

  • Leadership experience, or a strong desire to step into it

  • A genuine passion for the marine environment and wildlife

  • Excellent communication skills and a warm, guest-focused approach

  • Comfortable living and working in a remote, close-knit community

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Please note: Accomodation is provided by the employer, at cost. Please note that pets are not permitted.

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All applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

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Applications close Monday 30 November 2026.
For any enquiries and to apply, contact Kylie Merritt at manager@coralbayecotours.com.au

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