Hovercraft Master

Job description

To act as Master aboard the Company hovercraft, to operate and navigate in a safe, efficient and professional manner, taking into account the weather conditions and the operating limitations of the vessels being operated.

To implement the company Safety and Environmental protection policy. Hold accountability as Master for the standards in safety, safety culture and professionalism. To deliver ISM training and promote a Just Culture, leading by example at all times.

To provide leadership, motivation, training and guidance to marine and ground operations staff. To lead the development of operational standards, and to administer and deliver the training of new practices.

To liaise with the engineering department in order to provide a reliable, safe and efficient hovercraft service for our customers.

To maintain currency in respect of own qualifications and certification, emergency procedures, craft maintenance, nautical publications and compliance including the ISM code and Company Quality and Safety Management System.

To hold responsibility for specific areas of the business as designated by the Head of Marine Operations to assure compliance with maritime legislation and manage company marine assets in the most effective and efficient manner.

To discharge Master’s responsibilities and accountability both afloat and ashore, and

promote the role of the hovercraft Master, by way of visibility and engagement with our customers and stakeholders.

Main areas of responsibility

Operations

1. To operate and navigate the Company hovercraft to the highest standards and consistent with company standard operating procedures.
2. To provide leadership in an emergency situation.
3. To deliver operational efficiency and punctuality.
4. To remain fully conversant with the craft operating and emergency systems and procedures.
5. To maintain current knowledge of the relevant legislation.
6. To work closely with Management, Engineers, crew and other staff in order to maintain an efficient, safe and reliable hovercraft service.
7. To maintain up to date local knowledge including tidal and weather information as well as local notices to mariners and by laws. To provide flexibility to deal with unusual circumstances that would otherwise disrupt services.

Crew

1. To train, examine and drill crew members in order to provide the highest levels of safety for our customers. To strive for consistent crewing standards across the company.
2. To provide leadership and motivation in order that the highest safety and operating standards are achieved. To verify and monitor crew performance. To provide support and guidance to develop crew members and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
3. To provide expertise, leadership and guidance to less experienced staff.
4. To be accountable for the delivery of the onboard customer experience and lead the development of the company’s service delivery.

Safety and Compliance

1. To provide expert advice to all levels of the Company to ensure the highest safety standards.
2. Regularly review the Company Safety Management System (SMS) and identify areas for improvement. Propose and deliver amendments to the SMS.
3. Regularly review the Company Quality Management System and identify areas for improvement. Propose and deliver amendments to the QMS.
4. To monitor all aspects the hovercraft operation from a safety and environmental perspective and to make the management aware of any concerns.
5. To attend and support company Health & Safety Meetings. To comply with any changes in legislation or procedures including maintaining and gaining further qualifications if required.
6. To ensure the prompt circulation of relevant company operations and safety communications within the pilot and crew teams.

General

1. Customer Services - to develop and maintain the highest standards and handle all reasonable customer relations issues at local level (Special attention is required to delay management and ensuring announcements, notices and information are given in a timely manner)
2. Uniform Standards - to represent the Company in a professional manner and to act as an ambassador for Hovertravel.

Experience/ Minimum qualifications required

In order to take command of a company hovercraft on this route an individual must hold one of the following STCW95 Certificates of Competence (CoC):

• Master II/2 or II/3 or

• Master II/3, limited to “Hovercraft less than 500 GT on near-coastal voyages only”. Holders of appropriate UK qualifications may apply to obtain this CoC issued by the MCA under STCW regulation II/3 as stated in MSN1856 and with reference to Annex D therein.

1. Master II/2 or II/3 - Upgrade without Examination
2. Chief Mate II/2 or II/3 - Upgrade without Examination
3. OOW II/1 (Unlimited) - Upgrade requires a pass in MCA Orals Examination ‘D’
4. Royal Navy Navigation Watch Certificate or Command Qualification (STCW II/1) – Upgrade requires a pass in MCA Orals Examination ‘D’ and additional requirements - see MSN 1856 Annex D

Additionally, a UK MCA issued CeC as Master is acceptable. The STCW 95 Master II/2 or II/3 CoC issued by a foreign government must be maintained.

A candidate is required to successfully complete HSC Type Rating Training as a trainee Master on the company hovercraft. This comprises of a minimum of 25 hours basic hovercraft training followed by at least 100 hours under supervision on the route as well as 20 hours additional radar training specific to high-speed operations.

A successful candidate will be issued with a HSC Type Rating Certificate (TRC) appropriate to the type of hovercraft, this will be endorsed by the MCA.

As well as the training above a Master is also required to hold;

• A certificate of medical fitness (ENG1)
• An Elementary First-Aid Certificate
• A GMDSS Restricted Radio Operators license
• A Personal Sea Survival certificate (PST)

Post qualification, Masters will complete a Line-check with an HSC Type Rating Examiner at least once every twelve months for each type of craft used on the route (this term is shorter for trainee and inexperienced Masters). The line-check provides an opportunity to carry out emergency procedures and test emergency systems that would otherwise very rarely be used. The line-checks will include but not be limited to the following;

• General handling of the hovercraft
• Engine failures
• Engine fire procedures
• Emergency communications
• Steering failure.
• Towing, anchoring and mooring.
• Search and Rescue operations and equipment
• Evacuation procedure.
• Security procedures
• Post crisis procedure

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Portsmouth

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

01-02-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English