Job Description

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and professional

Master (Captain)

to take command of MV Edward Elgar, our 4-star passenger vessel operating multi-day river cruises on the River Severn and Gloucester-Sharpness Canal.

This is a hands-on leadership role combining safe navigation with guest experience and crew management. You will be the public face of the vessel, ensuring our passengers enjoy a smooth, relaxed and memorable cruise while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and professionalism.

Why Work With Us?

Professional, well-run 4-star river cruise operation Courteous, mature passengers and a calm onboard atmosphere Accommodation and all meals included for the season Small, supportive crew with planned itineraries A varied role combining navigation, leadership and guest interaction Clear seasonal contract with a defined end date

Key Responsibilities

Navigation & Safety

Safely navigate all planned passages, maintaining published schedules Plan routes in advance, including bridge and mooring bookings Monitor weather forecasts and river levels, adjusting plans as required Liaise with the Canal & River Trust (CRT), including advance notifications and reporting Record and report incidents, near-misses and obstructions accurately and promptly

Compliance & Record Keeping

Maintain all statutory and operational records, including: Pre-departure checks, OLB entries and passenger numbers Fuel bunkering, waste management, shore power readings and pump-outs Crew manifests and safety documentation Ensure all records are accurate, current and completed on time

Crew Leadership & Training

Lead, support and coach the onboard crew with a calm, professional approach Deliver inductions for new crew members Ensure crew are familiar with SOPs and training resources Conduct and record weekly safety drills in line with the drill matrix Chair weekly crew meetings and attend shoreside management meetings

Passenger Experience

Be visible, approachable and engaged with passengers throughout each cruise Carry out daily check-ins with guests Host the weekly Captain's Cocktail Party Handle complaints professionally and complete reports as required

Maintenance & Operations

Assist with minor maintenance tasks when needed Report defects promptly and liaise with contractors and maintenance staff Ensure maintenance activities are properly recorded

About You

You'll be a confident and capable Master who enjoys working with people as much as navigating a vessel. You take pride in running an organised operation and delivering a high-quality guest experience.

You will have:

A valid

Boatmaster's Licence (BML)

A current

ML5 medical certificate

Strong navigational knowledge and safety awareness Excellent communication and people-management skills A professional, calm and organised approach Flexibility and a strong sense of responsibility A smart, well-presented appearance when on duty
Experience in passenger vessels, hospitality-led operations or small-crew environments is highly desirable.

What We Offer

900 per week gross, paid weekly

Accommodation and all meals included

A full-season contract on a well-regarded passenger vessel (Start date 23rd March and ending late October). A friendly, professional onboard team A varied and rewarding role combining navigation, leadership and guest interaction

How to Apply

If you're a qualified Master looking for a seasonal role that offers responsibility, variety and excellent passenger interaction, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply via Indeed with your CV and a short covering note outlining your suitability for the role.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 7 months

Pay: 900.00 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food On-site parking
Application question(s):

Do you hold a valid UK Boatmaster's Licence (BML) and current ML5 medical certificate, and will these remain valid for the full contract period (March-October)? Are you able to commit to a live-aboard, seasonal contract from 23 March to late October (23-26 October TBC), with accommodation provided onboard? Do you have experience operating passenger vessels and managing crew while maintaining a high standard of customer service and safety compliance?
Work Location: In person