Offshore Delivery Skipper Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of maritime operations, the role of offshore delivery skippers has never been more critical.

As international shipping continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, manage, and ensure the safety of our offshore deliveries escalates.

But let’s delve into the details: What’s truly expected from an offshore delivery skipper?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of offshore delivery operations,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable offshore delivery skipper job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Offshore Delivery Skipper Duties and Responsibilities

An Offshore Delivery Skipper has a wide range of responsibilities, including the safe operation of the vessel, navigation, maintenance, and crew management.

This role requires a high level of technical knowledge, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to handle challenging situations.

The duties and responsibilities of an Offshore Delivery Skipper include:

• Navigating and operating the vessel safely and efficiently.
• Plan and coordinate voyages, taking into account weather conditions, safety, and schedules.
• Maintain the vessel’s condition, including performing routine checks and necessary repairs.
• Manage the crew, including assigning tasks, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and dealing with any crew-related issues.
• Ensure that all safety equipment is in good working order and that the crew is trained to use it.
• Communicate effectively with the crew, clients, and any other relevant parties.
• Conduct regular drills and training to ensure the crew is prepared for emergencies.
• Comply with all maritime laws and regulations, including those related to environmental protection.
• Document and report on the voyage, including any incidents or unusual occurrences.
• Manage supplies and resources on the vessel, ensuring adequate provisions for the voyage.

 

Offshore Delivery Skipper Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a reliable, skilled, and experienced Offshore Delivery Skipper to lead our crew in delivering vessels to various locations worldwide.

Offshore Delivery Skipper responsibilities include ensuring the safety of crew members, overseeing navigation and routing, performing regular boat maintenance, and adhering to maritime laws and regulations.

Our ideal candidate is an exceptional leader with a strong understanding of maritime operations and a proven track record in offshore delivery.

Ultimately, the role of the Offshore Delivery Skipper is to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of our vessels while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and customer service.

 

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the crew during vessel deliveries
• Oversee navigation and routing, ensuring safe and efficient passage
• Maintain the vessel, ensuring it is in optimal operating condition
• Ensure compliance with all maritime laws and safety regulations
• Communicate effectively with clients and home office
• Prepare and submit necessary documentation and reports
• Handle emergency situations efficiently and effectively
• Provide excellent customer service throughout the delivery process

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Skipper or similar maritime role
• Valid Skipper’s license and other relevant certifications
• Strong knowledge of maritime laws and international maritime regulations
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Outstanding communication skills
• Physical stamina and resilience

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Travel opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Offshore Delivery Skipper
• Work Environment: Predominantly at sea, with potential for long periods away from home.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Fleet Manager or Delivery Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time, Contract
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and copies of your certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Offshore Delivery Skipper Do?

An Offshore Delivery Skipper typically works for yacht delivery companies, private yacht owners or yacht charter companies, transporting vessels from one location to another across the seas.

They navigate the yacht, ensuring it reaches its destination safely.

This involves planning the route, checking the weather forecasts, and handling any technical issues that might arise during the journey.

Offshore Delivery Skippers are also responsible for the safety of the crew aboard.

They implement and enforce safety procedures, and are trained to handle emergencies such as man overboard, fire, or medical emergencies.

In addition to these duties, they often are responsible for maintaining the yacht during the delivery, including checking and maintaining engines, sails, rigging, navigation equipment, and other systems.

They also ensure that the yacht is stocked with necessary provisions for the duration of the trip.

They may also be required to provide reports or updates to the yacht owner or the yacht delivery company on the progress of the delivery, any issues encountered, and the overall condition of the yacht upon delivery.

Despite the challenging nature of the role, Offshore Delivery Skippers are rewarded with the opportunity to sail diverse routes and experience a variety of seafaring challenges.

 

Offshore Delivery Skipper Qualifications and Skills

An Offshore Delivery Skipper should possess a range of navigational, safety, and leadership skills that meet the specific demands of this role.

These may include:

• Comprehensive knowledge of marine navigation and chart plotting, including the use of GPS and other modern navigation systems.
• Proficiency in maritime safety protocols and regulations to ensure the wellbeing of all personnel and cargo aboard.
• Strong leadership skills to manage crew members effectively and maintain high levels of discipline and morale on board.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities to deal with unexpected situations such as equipment failure, adverse weather conditions, or medical emergencies.
• Good physical stamina and resilience to cope with the demands of life at sea, which may include long periods of work and irregular sleep patterns.
• Experience in maintaining and repairing marine engines and equipment, to ensure smooth operations during the voyage.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with clients, shipping agents, and other relevant authorities.
• Proficient in weather forecasting to plan and adapt sailing schedules according to weather conditions.
• Strong customer service skills to handle client concerns and ensure the safe and timely delivery of their cargo.

 

Offshore Delivery Skipper Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of Offshore Delivery Skipper usually need at least 2 to 3 years of experience in marine activities, often through roles such as Deckhand or Maritime Officer.

This hands-on experience in navigation and seamanship is critical for understanding the complexities of the job.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience have usually spent substantial time in roles such as First Mate, navigating various sea conditions, and managing maritime operations, and are thus more comfortable with the responsibilities of an Offshore Delivery Skipper.

Those with more than 7 years of experience are often seasoned maritime professionals who have demonstrated leadership skills in their previous roles and have a deep understanding of marine regulations, safety procedures, and management of the ship’s crew.

Such candidates might have worked as Captains or Chief Officers and can be considered for senior-level roles within the maritime industry.

In addition, most employers require Offshore Delivery Skippers to hold specific qualifications and certificates such as a Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate, STCW95 Basic Safety Training, and Medical First Aid at Sea.

These qualifications ensure that the Skippers are well-equipped to handle any emergencies at sea and are competent in all aspects of ship handling and navigation.

 

Offshore Delivery Skipper Education and Training Requirements

Offshore Delivery Skippers are required to have a strong foundation in sailing, typically achieved through a combination of formal education and practical experience.

They typically hold a degree in a maritime-related field or a similar discipline.

As this role involves significant responsibility, an advanced qualification such as a Master of Yachts 200T or Master of Yachts Unlimited certificate is often required.

Offshore Delivery Skippers must possess a comprehensive knowledge of sailing and navigation, as well as safety procedures and protocols.

Therefore, they are usually required to have completed STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) basic safety training, including fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, personal survival techniques, and personal safety and social responsibilities.

In addition, many skippers choose to acquire additional qualifications, such as GMDSS Radio Operator’s License, Medical First Aid or Medical Care on Board, and Ship Security Officer qualifications.

Finally, practical experience is paramount.

Skippers are often required to have logged a certain number of sea miles and night hours, as well as having demonstrated competence in offshore passages.

As this role requires quick decision-making, leadership, and communication skills, any courses or training that enhance these qualities can also be beneficial.

The role of an Offshore Delivery Skipper also demands an ongoing commitment to learning, as advancements in maritime technology, changes in regulations and shifts in weather patterns require continuous adaptation.

 

Offshore Delivery Skipper Salary Expectations

An Offshore Delivery Skipper earns an average salary of $70,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can greatly vary based on the skipper’s level of experience, the distance and duration of the delivery, the size and type of the vessel, and the geographical location.

Additionally, skippers may also earn additional income from gratuities and bonuses.

 

Offshore Delivery Skipper Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Offshore Delivery Skipper need?

An Offshore Delivery Skipper should possess excellent sailing and navigation skills, with the ability to operate various types of yachts and boats.

They should have strong leadership and decision-making skills to guide the crew effectively.

Good communication and interpersonal skills are also necessary to coordinate with the team and clients.

Knowledge of emergency procedures and the ability to perform repairs are crucial.

 

Do Offshore Delivery Skippers need a degree?

Offshore Delivery Skippers do not necessarily need a degree, but they must have the necessary maritime certifications, such as Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competency or equivalent.

Experience in sailing, particularly on transoceanic voyages, is also a common requirement.

Some Skippers may have degrees in marine-related fields, but this is not a strict requirement.

 

What should you look for in an Offshore Delivery Skipper resume?

Look for extensive sailing experience, particularly in the type of vessels that your company operates.

They should have a proven record of successful deliveries, good leadership skills, and excellent knowledge of safety procedures.

Certifications like Yachtmaster Offshore or Ocean, STCW Basic Safety Training, and a medical fitness certificate are must-haves.

 

What qualities make a good Offshore Delivery Skipper?

A good Offshore Delivery Skipper is calm, decisive, and adaptable, able to respond effectively to changing conditions at sea.

They should be a reliable leader, capable of guiding and motivating a crew throughout long voyages.

Good Skippers are also service-oriented, ensuring that the vessel is delivered in the best possible condition and on schedule.

 

What are the challenges in hiring an Offshore Delivery Skipper?

Finding an Offshore Delivery Skipper with the right mix of experience, qualifications, and personal attributes can be challenging.

They must be capable of managing a crew, navigating long distances, and handling unexpected situations.

The pool of candidates with the necessary qualifications and experience is often quite small, making the hiring process competitive.

 

Conclusion

So, we’ve navigated through it all.

Today, we’ve charted the course on what it truly means to be an offshore delivery skipper.

And you know what?

It’s not just about sailing the sea.

It’s about orchestrating the intricate dance between vessel and wave, one nautical mile at a time.

With our trusty offshore delivery skipper job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to set sail.

But why drop anchor here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your compass to crafting precise job listings or fine-tuning your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every nautical mile traversed is a part of the greater voyage.

Let’s navigate this journey. Together.

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