Senior Kayak Guide

Job Objective

Work with Silversea office on ensuring safe, consistent and high quality kayaking program throughout expedition fleet by taking initiative in gear and equipment control and maintenance, assisting in staff recruitment and scheduling, maintaining accuracy and relevancy of SOPs as well as providing mentorship to team members new to the company.

Responsibilities as Senior Kayak Guide / additional duties

• Understand and ensure compliance of Company’s standards and expectations regarding kayaking program, as well as current SOPs and all regional requirements relevant to kayak operations, particularly in Polar regions.
• Apply technical and operation knowledge in revising and updating Company’s SOPs and disseminating relevant information among the kayak teams.
• Work closely with Silversea Office (Operations) on monitoring and actively improving safety and efficiency of Silversea’s kayak operations.
• Provide support to Expedition Operations department with regards to (but not limited to) assessment and research on kayaking possibilities on new itineraries.
• When required, provide assistance to Recruitment team in reviewing CVs, assessing candidate’s suitability, conducting interviews and providing pre-contract detailed brief on Silversea’s kayak operations and particularities of operations on the assigned vessel.
• Work closely with Expedition Operations manager on maintaining good understanding of current count and state of kayaking gear and equipment, ensure timely order of replacement and/or additional items.
• Assist in maintaining efficient methods of gear / equipment storage and control.
• Create efficient way of regular communication with Kayak teams onboard in order to collect and disseminate relevant information.
• Act as the conduit of information between the Silversea Kayak Guides and the office for all matters regarding equipment, inventory, SOPs, training, program development and evaluation, etc.
• Work closely with Expedition Training and Outreach coordinator on establishing training needs and creating training modules and assessment tools relevant to kayaking operations.
• Propose effective methods of staff (kayak) training, assessment, and development.
• Periodically revise and seek for ways to improve existing safety and activity briefings for guests.
• Act as role model for staff and crew onboard.
• Review and ensure timely submission of kayak reports to Expedition Operations Manager and other relevant parties.

Responsibilities as Senior Kayak Guide / onboard in operation

• Assume overall responsibility of the program and mentorship of an assistant guide.
• Serve as guide during kayaking operations, ensuring the guest’s safety whilst on the water and sharing knowledge about the highlights of the area.
• Create a safe, fun and nurturing environment for kayaking operations and when on the water, continuously monitor the group and overall operation, giving safety and corrective guidance.
• Monitor the state of kayaking gear and equipment, report and request replacement in case of faults.
• Work closely with the Expedition Leader and Staff Captain/Captain on planning kayaking activities on a daily basis, such as route of the kayaking trip, weather conditions, possible hazards, pick up times etc.
• Responsible for maintaining the entire kayaking equipment inventory onboard and communicating any deficiencies, problems or suggestions to the office, via the EL.
• Prepare and conduct the safety and activity briefing for guests participating in kayaking operations prior to the start of the activity.
• Ensure that a fair system is in place to select/rotate guests that are willing to participate in the kayaking operation.
• Work with the EL and Staff Captain to ensure correct procedures are in place with regards to lowering, lifting, storage and maintenance of kayaking equipment.
• Supervise the correct cleaning / drying of kayaking gear. Keep track of time of operation, ensure timely departures and returns of kayaking groups.
• Write and submit a detailed report after every kayaking operation.
• Write, as assigned, the Daily Expedition Log.
• Socialize and be highly visible to guests while ashore and in public areas onboard.
• On non-kayaking days assist the Expedition team with zodiac driving, escorting tours and other duties as directed by the EL.
• Research and collect destination information relevant to kayaking operations.
• Dine with guests on a regular basis (where possible).
• Assist with embarkation and disembarkation of guests on turn around days.
• Minimize operating expenses without negatively affecting service to guests.
• Strive to minimize breakage, loss and damage to presentation equipment.
• Socialize with guests when in public rooms.
• Demonstrate genuine concern for guests’ well being at all times.
• Ensure that all guest requests, inquiries and complaints are responded to immediately.
• Ensure active and continuous communication with the EL and other departments.
• Attend staff meetings as directed by the Expedition Leader.
• Makes sure that incident reports are completed and filed properly and shared with all the relevant parties, onboard and ashore.

Crew

• Must be a dedicated member of the ship’s company.
• Must understand that no one crew member is more vital than another.
• Must be able to get along with fellow crew members in confined conditions.

Communication

• Active and continuous communication with the Expedition Leader and other departments.

Safety

• Participate in crew and passenger safety drills according to instructions.
• Must always comply with the Company’s safety and pollution prevention regulations and operating procedures.
• Ensure all kayak operations are conducted to the best of your ability in accordance with all regional relevant SOPs with attention given but not limited to wildlife watching guidelines, operation in and around ice, cultural considerations, local port/regional regulation and various other regulations such as AECO, IAATO, in addition to Silversea’s own SOPs for operating in specific areas. When conflicting information is presented or there is doubt, always use the more cautious and conservative regulation.

Requirements

Education/Experience:

• Minimum four years of experience leading kayak operations in programs similar to that on ships i.e. remote area paddling, sit-in kayaks, managing for overall safety, organizing of team and guests, gear maintenance, etc.
• Minimum two years of experience as Lead Kayak Guide onboard expedition vessels, including both polar areas.
• Must have a valid, internationally recognized Kayak Guide certification.
• Competent and confident Zodiac driver. Small boat driving certification an advantage.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Advanced Wilderness First Aid Certificate.
• Experience in field leadership, training & mentorship.

Language requirements:

• Fluent English (spoken and written).
• Other languages a strength but not required.

Computer knowledge:

• Computer knowledge; Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Profile

• Personable and safety conscious. Open minded and flexible.
• Assertive, particularly where safety is concerned.
• Strong, well organized presentation skills.
• Overall healthy and full of energy.
• Creative and hard working.
• Professional in appearance with excellent social skills.
• Team player. Ability to work with international crew.

Benefits

Status (onboard)

Officer.

Salary

Refer to contract.

Rotation

Refer to contract.

Accommodation (onboard)

Shared accommodation / single when available

Dining Privileges

Dining Room and Officer Mess.

Laundry (onboard)

All uniforms and personal laundry are laundered free of charge.

Family visit (onboard)

21 days total per period of six calendar months.

Private

medical insurance

After successful completion of first contract.