Commissioning Skipper

Purpose of Role

To undertake testing, commissioning and handover of new Oyster yachts for the complete Oyster range.

Skippering and crewing Oyster yachts for local movements, sea trials, handover sails and offshore deliveries. Full responsibility for safety of yacht and crew always when acting as Skipper.

Key Job Responsibilities

·      Manage the team on board during commissioning, including Oyster commissioning and production staff, third party suppliers and sub-contractors.

·      Oversee other vessels in commissioning, supporting other commissioning staff with planning work and resources, providing advice and advising with boat handling.

·      Perform all sea trials competently and efficiently, ensuring that objectives of each trial are met and that each yacht is fully tested in accordance with Oyster commissioning standards. 

· Maintain complete and accurate records in the Commissioning Log.

·      Skipper Oyster yachts in a variety of circumstances including local movements, sea trials, handover sails and offshore deliveries. 

·      Maintain the highest standards of safety, seamanship and boat handling.

·      End-to-end responsibility including passage planning, provisioning, briefings, safety on board, record keeping, maintenance, cleaning, handover at destination.

·      Ensure that Oyster Yachts’ Safety Management Systems are followed at all times, including maintaining records and providing feedback for continuous improvement.

·      Deliveries to or from boat shows/ private views may include assisting with set-up and break down of shows.  This may include anti-social hours during Christmas and New Year periods.

·      Troubleshooting of sailing and technical systems. Resolving issues hands on, as well as supporting Oyster specialist staff and sub-contractors.

·      Oversee and assist with receiving, checking, dressing and stepping of mast, boom and rigging.

·      Assist with fitting of sails.  Undertake basic rigging tasks, rig checks and maintenance.

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·      Liaise with all stakeholders including high-net-worth Owners and their professional crew, as well as Oyster staff, contractors and suppliers. 

·      Maintain high standards of cleanliness in all areas of maintenance, cleaning and valeting.

·      Ensure that commissioning stores are kept clean, organised and well stocked, that accurate records of goods in and out are maintained and that equipment is stored safely and securely at all times.

·      Feedback on faults and quality issues to the Commissioning Manager.

·      Provide detailed technical and sailing familiarisation training to owners, skippers and crew.

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·      Support at boat shows, regattas and events, as needed.

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·      Maintain Oyster’s good image with all client contact, advice, handover, warranty and after-sales, both during business and social activities.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Knowledge

·      Good knowledge of engineering, electrical, technical and electronics systems on modern sailing yachts.

Skills

·      Strong boat handling skills.

·      Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·      Competent user of Microsoft Office software.

·      Leaderships skills.

Experience

·      Extensive sailing and skippering experience, including on yachts of ~24m.

·      Experience of sailing in tidal waters and on long offshore passages.

·      Crew management.

Qualifications

·      Yacht Master Offshore Sail with commercial endorsement

·      STCW95 Basic Safety Training, courses taken or revalidated within last five years

·      ENG1 Medical Fitness Certificate

Personal Characteristics

·    Adaptable and flexible to meet business needs

·      Work well under pressure and to tight schedules 

·    Strong time management and task priority

·      Deadline driven

·      Customer focussed

·      Team player

·      Motivator of others

·      Presentable and approachable

·      Clear communicator

·      High professional standards

Other Requirements

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-Must be flexible in approach to working hours.  Early mornings, late evenings and weekend working are required on occasion, as dictated by tides, weather and deadlines.