First Mate | City Cruises Philadelphia

About the role

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation with a 100-year history and a portfolio spanning water- and land-based experiences, ferry and transportation services, and vessel maintenance and logistics. The First Mate assists the Captain to safely moor, operate, and maintain company vessels, assists passengers in loading and off-loading, and supports all aspects of vessel operations and maintenance as directed.

Responsibilities

• Stand bridge watch and assist in the safe navigating and maneuvering of the vessel.
• Take command if captain becomes incapacitated.
• Clean and maintain vessel.
• Assign deck crew tasks and provide direction.
• Supervise and perform routine shipboard maintenance as required.
• Solve problems that come up.
• Ability to run all onboard drills.
• Maintain a strong focus on customer service.
• Maintain the cleanliness and safety of all common areas including gangways, pier facilities, ramps, barges, and the entire vessel.
• Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove dirt and debris using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
• Load or unload materials from vessels and handle lines to moor vessel to pier.
• Perform vessel maintenance including aesthetics, plumbing, electrical, water (potable, raw, black, and gray), fire suppression, communications, and navigation systems.
• Stand look-out watch on bow, stern, or bridge wings to look for obstructions in ship’s path or to locate navigational aids such as buoys.
• Operate and maintain ship equipment such as engines and generators, HVAC systems, and bridge equipment.
• Be willing to be involved in shipyard periods.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Ability to lift furniture and other heavy items such as provisions up and down stairs.
• Transport Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
• CPR/First Aid Certificate.
• Strong focus on safety and teamwork.
• Strong customer service, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Maintain a high level of organization, be detail-oriented, and meet deadlines.
• Handle multiple tasks/projects at one time.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by job responsibility.
• Listen effectively, assess the situation, determine relevant issues, and suggest solutions.
• Have a working knowledge of computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office suites.
• Ability to effectively understand and convey written and verbal information to coworkers and guests.
• Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards.
• Availability for work nights, weekends, and all major holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work onboard a moving vessel in varying weather and sea conditions, including maintaining balance and stability while underway.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, frequently throughout a shift.
• Ability to navigate stairs, ladders, narrow passageways, and confined spaces commonly found onboard vessels.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull supplies, equipment, and inventory weighing up to 40 pounds independently.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, and perform repetitive motions as required in food service and hospitality operations.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively during normal operations, guest service situations, and emergency procedures.
• Ability to safely work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to moving equipment, wet surfaces, temperature variations, and moderate noise levels.
• Ability to visually inspect service areas, food presentation, cleanliness standards, and safety conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests, crew members, and management in person and via radio or other communication devices.
• Successfully complete vessel-specific safety and emergency training.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operational needs require.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily onboard a Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessel, with duties split between dining, service, storage, galley-adjacent, and administrative areas.
• Position requires regular movement throughout multiple decks and may involve occasional exposure to outdoor marine environments, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and sunlight.
• Must be able to safely perform duties while the vessel is docked or underway.