Mate (Marine Operations), City Cruises UK, Hornblower Group

Position Overview

Salary: £29,907.43 per year

Description

City Cruises UK, part of Hornblower Group, is hiring a Mate (Marine Operations) based at Cherry Garden Pier in London, England, United Kingdom, on a full-time permanent basis at £29,907.43 per year.

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation, spanning a 100-year history of water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Cruises UK operates public dining and sightseeing cruises and private charters for corporate events, weddings, and special occasions across London and York.

The Mate supports the Captain with vessel maintenance, navigation, safety, and passenger experience on the River Thames. The role brings together knowledge of vessel maintenance, interpersonal skills, and a focus on customer service to deliver memorable experiences while maintaining strict compliance with safety management systems.

Responsibilities

• Ensure vessels meet company standards on safety so passengers remain safe and enjoy their experience on the River Thames.
• Comply with Safety Management System (SMS) regulations and ensure crew compliance, with documentation maintained at all times.
• Support the Captain in onboard safety training for all crew members.
• Navigate vessels on the River Thames safely in line with the company passenger plan, PLA by-laws, and Captain’s direction.
• Moor vessels safely, exercising extreme caution during embarkation and disembarkation.
• Provide a vessel safety announcement after leaving each pier per company SMS.
• Support the Captain in conducting morning safety crew briefings before commencing service.
• Account for and safely embark and disembark passengers at recognised locations along the River Thames.
• Carry out daily vessel log checks in line with SMS procedures, with attention to safety equipment and engines.
• Report maintenance checks or incidents to the Captain per the company SMS.
• Support the Captain in checking fuel levels and fuelling vessels prior to service.
• Ensure adequate fresh running water supply onboard for passengers prior to service.
• Keep the vessel clean, tidy, and presentable in line with company SMS and London Port Health regulations.
• Provide passenger commentary during City Cruises sightseeing journeys.
• Deliver excellent customer service throughout the sightseeing experience.
• Lead by example and support the Captain in ensuring crew presentation and grooming meet company uniform standards.
• Promote onboard sales and other company products as directed.

Requirements

• Experience operating as Mate on passenger vessels.
• Knowledge of vessel maintenance and vessel engineering.
• At least 1 year of full-time maritime industry experience as a Mate.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and professional attitude.
• Calm under pressure, highly organised, and self-motivated.
• Sign-off on the following vessels within the probationary period: MV Westminster, Mayflower Garden, Jessica, Amy, Princess Rose, City Alpha, City Gamma, and the Millennium of London.

Preferred Qualifications

• Full understanding of Health and Safety afloat and ashore, including implementation of Safety Management System, ideally to ISM standard.
• Experience working within the hospitality industry.
• Experience promoting brand image.
• Experience of River Thames commentary and guiding.
• Sign-off on City Cruises sightseeing and charter fleets (to be completed within the probationary period if not held).

Additional Notes

• Full-time, permanent role.
• Base: Cherry Garden Pier, London.
• All employees commit to upholding the RESPECT values: Respect, Environment, Safety #1, Professionalism, Exceed, Communication, and Teamwork.
• Hornblower Group is an equal opportunities employer.

How to Apply

Apply through the Hornblower careers portal on Dayforce.