Assistant Boat Captain
Date: 9 Aug 2026
Location: SA
Company: theredsead
Division: Sports & Entertainment
Department: GALAXEA
Company: Red Sea Sports & Entertainment Company (RSSE)
From Land to Sea – Active Experiences in Nature's Purest Form
Red Sea Sports & Entertainment Company (RSSE), a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Sea Global (RSG), is dedicated to creating, operating, and delivering world-class land and marine experiences across The Red Sea destination. Through its portfolio of specialist brands—Galaxea for marine adventures, AKUN for land-based adventure experiences, and WAMA for leisure and recreational activities—RSSE offers exceptional, nature-inspired experiences that celebrate the unique landscapes of The Red Sea.
As a strategic partner of the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee, RSSE plays a key role in promoting inclusive, accessible, and internationally recognised sports, adventure, and recreational experiences that support active lifestyles and sporting excellence across the Kingdom.
Guided by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, operational excellence, and unforgettable guest experiences, RSSE contributes to the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 by helping position The Red Sea as a leading global destination for regenerative tourism, adventure, and premium leisure experiences.
Job Purpose
The Assistant Boat Captain supports the Boat Captain in the safe, efficient, and professional operation of GALAXEA vessels across The Red Sea destination. The role assists with vessel navigation, marine operations, guest transfers, activity support, crew coordination, and vessel readiness while ensuring compliance with applicable maritime regulations, company procedures, and safety standards.
Working closely with the Boat Captain, marine crew, dive and watersports teams, and wider GALAXEA Operations function, the Assistant Boat Captain contributes to the smooth delivery of premium marine experiences. The role is expected to maintain a high standard of vessel preparedness, support safe guest operations, and act decisively and professionally during routine and emergency situations.
The position also supports vessel maintenance, equipment checks, operational documentation, environmental protection, and the continuous improvement of marine operations across The Red Sea.
Key Responsibilities
Vessel Operations & Navigation
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Support the Boat Captain in the safe and efficient operation of GALAXEA vessels.
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Assist with vessel navigation, manoeuvring, docking, anchoring, mooring, and departure and arrival procedures.
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Operate the vessel when delegated and authorised by the Boat Captain and in accordance with applicable certification and company requirements.
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Assist with voyage planning, route preparation, navigation checks, and assessment of prevailing sea and weather conditions.
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Monitor vessel position, navigation systems, charts, communication equipment, and relevant navigational information.
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Support the Boat Captain in maintaining safe operating speeds and appropriate navigation practices.
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Assist with pre-departure and post-arrival checks to ensure the vessel is operationally ready.
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Maintain awareness of navigational hazards, restricted areas, marine traffic, reefs, shallow waters, and changing environmental conditions.
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Support safe anchoring and positioning of vessels at designated marine activity locations.
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Assist with vessel movement between marinas, resorts, islands, dive sites, watersports locations, and other approved destinations.
Safety & Emergency Response
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Maintain a proactive approach to passenger, crew, vessel, and operational safety.
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Conduct and support pre-departure safety checks and guest safety briefings.
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Ensure emergency and lifesaving equipment is present, accessible, and in good working condition.
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Support emergency response procedures, including man-overboard, fire, medical emergencies, vessel breakdown, grounding, and evacuation scenarios.
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Participate in emergency drills and safety exercises as required.
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Report accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards, and safety concerns through approved procedures.
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Support the implementation of Risk Assessments, Method Statements, Standard Operating Procedures, and Emergency Response Plans.
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Maintain appropriate situational awareness throughout all marine operations.
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Escalate any safety, mechanical, environmental, or operational concerns to the Boat Captain or Marine Management immediately.
Guest Experience
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Support the delivery of safe, professional, and memorable marine experiences for guests.
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Welcome guests onboard and assist with boarding, disembarkation, seating, luggage, and general vessel requirements.
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Provide clear and professional safety and operational briefings.
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Respond to guest requests appropriately while maintaining safety and operational priorities.
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Support the smooth coordination of guest transfers, excursions, diving activities, watersports, and other approved marine experiences.
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Maintain a professional appearance and service-oriented approach consistent with RSSE's luxury guest experience standards.
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Assist guests who require additional support while boarding, moving around the vessel, or participating in marine activities.
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Communicate relevant information to guests regarding marine conditions, journey duration, destinations, and operational requirements.
Crew & Operational Coordination
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Work closely with the Boat Captain and marine crew to ensure smooth daily vessel operations.
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Support the coordination of crew duties, operational tasks, guest movements, and activity requirements.
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Communicate effectively with Dive Guides, Dive Masters, Watersports teams, Guest Experience teams, and other operational functions.
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Assist with the preparation and coordination of daily vessel schedules and activity requirements.
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Support the Boat Captain in ensuring crew members understand their assigned duties and operational responsibilities.
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Participate in daily operational briefings and post-trip debriefs.
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Provide operational feedback to the Boat Captain regarding vessel performance, guest feedback, crew coordination, and operational challenges.
Vessel & Equipment Readiness
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Conduct routine inspections of the vessel, machinery, navigation systems, safety equipment, communication systems, and operational equipment.
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Assist with engine room and machinery checks within the scope of the role and applicable qualifications.
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Ensure fuel, water, safety equipment, first aid supplies, and other essential resources are available before departure.
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Maintain vessel cleanliness, presentation, and guest readiness to the required standard.
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Identify and report defects, damage, abnormal operating conditions, or maintenance requirements.
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Support preventative and routine vessel maintenance activities.
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Assist with refuelling, freshwater replenishment, waste management, and other vessel servicing activities in accordance with approved procedures.
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Ensure equipment is properly secured before departure and following completion of activities.
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Maintain accurate vessel inspection, maintenance, and operational records.
Marine Activities Support
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Support GALAXEA's diving, marine exploration, island transfer, and other approved marine experiences.
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Assist Dive Guides and marine teams with safe access to and from the vessel.
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Support the safe deployment and recovery of diving and marine activity equipment where required.
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Assist with guest movement and equipment handling during dive and marine excursions.
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Maintain awareness of divers, swimmers, tenders, and other water users during marine operations.
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Support safe vessel positioning during diving and other in-water activities.
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Maintain effective communication with activity teams throughout the experience.
Environmental Stewardship
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Support RSSE and GALAXEA's commitment to marine conservation and responsible tourism.
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Follow environmental protection procedures relating to reefs, marine life, anchoring, waste management, fuel handling, and vessel operations.
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Prevent avoidable damage to coral reefs and marine habitats through responsible vessel handling and anchoring practices.
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Promote responsible behaviour among guests and crew when operating within environmentally sensitive areas.
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Report environmental incidents or concerns promptly.
Policies, Systems, Processes, Procedures, Standards & Reporting
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Comply with all RSSE and GALAXEA policies, Standard Operating Procedures, work instructions, safety requirements, and applicable maritime regulations.
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Maintain accurate vessel logs, inspection records, fuel records, maintenance documentation, trip records, and other required operational reports.
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Support the preparation of daily operational reports and incident documentation.
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Ensure required vessel certificates, permits, licenses, and operational documents are available and maintained appropriately.
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Maintain confidentiality of guest, operational, and company information.
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Ensure all activities are conducted within the scope of applicable licenses, certifications, and delegated authority.
Health, Safety, Quality & Environment
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Apply all Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental (HSQE) policies and procedures.
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Maintain high standards of marine safety throughout all vessel operations.
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Ensure safety equipment and emergency systems are inspected and operational.
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Promote safe working practices among crew members and contractors.
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Support compliance with applicable local and international maritime requirements.
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Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, environmentally responsible, and professionally operated vessel.
Continuous Improvement
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Identify opportunities to improve vessel operations, guest experience, safety, efficiency, and crew coordination.
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Provide constructive operational feedback to the Boat Captain and GALAXEA Management.
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Participate in training, competency assessments, emergency drills, and professional development programmes.
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Maintain awareness of developments in marine operations, navigation technology, safety practices, and vessel management.
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Support the implementation of operational improvements and recognised marine industry best practices.
Key Stakeholders
Internal
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Boat Captain
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Marine Operations Manager
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GALAXEA Management
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Dive Operations Team
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Dive Guides and Divemasters
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Marine Crew
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Guest Experience
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Resort Operations
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Health, Safety & Compliance
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Asset Management
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Procurement
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Maintenance Teams
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Other relevant RSSE and RSG departments
External
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Guests
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Resort Partners
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Marina Operators
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Vessel Maintenance Providers
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Marine Equipment Suppliers
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Maritime Authorities
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Emergency Services
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Classification and Certification Bodies
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Marine Service Providers
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Other relevant marine stakeholders
Qualifications & Experience
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High School Diploma or equivalent; a Diploma or qualification in Marine Operations, Nautical Studies, Maritime Transport, or a related discipline is preferred.
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Valid and recognised marine/vessel operator certification appropriate to the vessel type and operating area.
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Minimum of 2–3 years of relevant experience in marine operations, vessel operations, maritime tourism, diving operations, watersports, or a comparable marine environment.
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Previous experience operating or supporting the operation of passenger, leisure, dive, excursion, or tourism vessels is preferred.
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Valid First Aid, CPR, and AED certification from an internationally recognised training provider.
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Valid marine safety or equivalent certification as required for the applicable vessel and operating area.
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Experience with vessel navigation systems, marine communications, GPS, radar, depth sounders, and other relevant onboard equipment is preferred.
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Previous experience within luxury resorts, marine tourism, remote destinations, or island operations is advantageous.
Essential Skills
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Strong practical knowledge of vessel operations and marine safety.
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Sound understanding of navigation, seamanship, vessel handling, and marine operational procedures.
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Ability to safely support vessel manoeuvring, docking, anchoring, and guest transfers.
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Strong situational awareness and ability to assess changing sea and weather conditions.
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Ability to respond calmly and effectively during emergency situations.
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Good understanding of vessel safety equipment and emergency procedures.
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Strong communication and teamwork skills.
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Professional and guest-focused approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
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Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and dynamic operational environment.
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Strong attention to detail and commitment to vessel readiness.
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Physically fit and capable of working extended periods in a marine environment.
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Fluent in written and spoken English; Arabic is advantageous.
Job Context
The Assistant Boat Captain operates within a premium marine tourism environment where guest safety, operational excellence, vessel reliability, environmental stewardship, and exceptional service are fundamental priorities.
The role requires flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, public holidays, early mornings, evenings, and varying marine schedules based on operational requirements. The position may involve frequent travel between marinas, resorts, islands, dive sites, and other marine locations across The Red Sea.
The Assistant Boat Captain is expected to demonstrate sound judgement, strong seamanship, professionalism, and a proactive approach to safety while supporting the Boat Captain and wider GALAXEA team in delivering world-class marine experiences.
Job Competencies
Leadership Competency
Operational Support
Supports the Boat Captain and marine team in maintaining safe, efficient, and professional vessel operations.
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Demonstrates reliability and accountability.
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Provides effective support during daily marine operations.
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Maintains composure and sound judgement in dynamic situations.
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Supports positive teamwork and crew coordination.
Core Competency
Guest Excellence
Delivers professional, safe, and welcoming service throughout the guest journey.
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Communicates clearly and professionally with guests.
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Anticipates guest needs while maintaining safety priorities.
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Demonstrates a positive and service-oriented attitude.
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Contributes to memorable and seamless marine experiences.
Functional Competency
Marine Operations & Safety
Applies practical seamanship, navigation, vessel handling, and safety knowledge to support safe marine operations.
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Conducts appropriate pre-departure and operational checks.
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Monitors weather, sea conditions, navigation hazards, and vessel readiness.
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Applies emergency and safety procedures effectively.
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Operates equipment and supports vessel activities within the scope of certification and delegated authority.
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Protects guests, crew, vessels, equipment, and the marine environment.