Boathouse Manager

Responsible for the boathouse, excursions and water shuttles

Purpose of the Role

The Boathouse Manager is responsible for the day-to-day, safe and efficient operation of the boathouse at 20 Degrés Sud. They manage the fleet and equipment, operate and accompany excursions and guest water shuttles, ensure a high standard of service, and enforce safety procedures. The role is the operational point of contact between guests, hotel teams, suppliers and management.

ROLE PRIORITY

Deliver a punctual, warm and safe boating experience for guests — from boat preparation through to return to the dock — while ensuring the availability and proper maintenance of the fleet.

Key Responsibilities

1. Daily Operations

1. Organise the opening, closing and proper upkeep of the boathouse.
2. Plan the use of boats, mooring areas, equipment and storage facilities.
3. Manage bookings, check-ins/check-outs and the issuing of equipment to users.
4. Maintain accurate records of boat movements, incidents, inspections and maintenance work.
5. Coordinate activities with the Front Office, Events, Security and Maintenance teams.

2. Excursions and Guest Shuttles

1. Prepare, operate and conduct the excursions offered by 20 Degrés Sud, including sunset cruises, trips to Coin de Mire and evening outings aboard the Lady Elizabeth.
2. Operate the daily guest water shuttles in Grand Baie, in line with schedules and the level of service expected by the hotel.
3. Before each departure, check the weather, route, fuel levels, boat cleanliness, safety equipment, communication systems and any specific passenger requirements.
4. Welcome guests, organise boarding and disembarkation, conduct the safety briefing and ensure their comfort throughout the trip.
5. Operate the boat safely and responsibly, in compliance with navigation regulations, vessel capacity, authorised passenger limits and internal procedures.
6. Provide guests with clear and appropriate information about the bay, routes and marine environment, in keeping with a high-end hospitality approach.
7. Coordinate schedules, passenger lists and special requests with Reception, Concierge and other relevant departments.
8. Upon return, inspect the boat, report any issues, record the trip and prepare the vessel for its next rotation.

3. Fleet, Equipment and Facilities

1. Oversee pre- and post-use inspections of boats and nautical equipment.
2. Establish and monitor a preventive maintenance programme for the fleet, engines, trailers, pontoons and safety equipment.
3. Identify breakdowns, arrange repairs and coordinate specialised service providers.
4. Monitor stocks of fuel, spare parts, consumables and personal protective equipment.
5. Ensure that work and storage areas are clean, organised and secure.

4. Safety, Compliance and Risk Management

1. Enforce navigation rules, internal procedures and applicable local regulatory requirements.
2. Ensure the availability and compliance of life jackets, communication equipment, first-aid kits and other mandatory safety equipment.
3. Conduct safety briefings and ensure that users understand the instructions.
4. Monitor weather conditions and make decisions regarding the suspension or adaptation of activities when necessary.
5. Report, document and analyse incidents and propose corrective actions.
6. Keep emergency plans up to date and organise regular drills.

5. Team Management

1. Plan schedules and allocate duties to dockhands, crew members, instructors and seasonal staff.
2. Train the team on service standards, operational checks and emergency procedures.
3. Lead daily briefings, provide regular feedback and monitor performance.
4. Contribute to recruitment, onboarding and the professional development of team members.

6. Guest and Customer Service

1. Welcome guests professionally and anticipate their needs.
2. Answer questions regarding equipment, routes, navigation conditions and site rules.
3. Handle requests and complaints promptly and ensure follow-up through to resolution.
4. Support the organisation of outings, regattas, training sessions and nautical events.

7. Administrative and Budget Management

1. Prepare purchasing requirements and monitor orders, invoices and supplier contracts.
2. Contribute to the preparation of the operational budget and monitor boathouse expenditure.
3. Produce regular reports on activity levels, fleet condition, incidents and investment requirements.
4. Identify improvements aimed at reducing costs, downtime and operational risks.

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements

1. Proven experience managing nautical operations, a marina, a hotel with water-based activities or a comparable environment.
2. Practical experience operating passenger boats and conducting guest excursions.
3. Strong knowledge of water safety, risk prevention and emergency procedures.
4. Ability to supervise a field-based team and make quick, responsible decisions.
5. Practical skills in routine maintenance, first-level troubleshooting and managing external service providers.
6. Excellent customer service skills, clear communication and the ability to handle sensitive situations.
7. Strong administrative skills and confidence using planning, reporting and office software.
8. Flexibility to work according to operational requirements, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays.
9. Valid licence, navigation certificate and any professional qualifications required to operate the vessels concerned and carry passengers in accordance with local regulations.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

1. Current first-aid certification.
2. Training in marine mechanics, nautical maintenance or marina management.
3. Experience organising nautical events or supervising water-based activities.
4. Fluency in French and English; additional languages are an advantage.
5. Familiarity with booking, fleet-management or maintenance-management software.