Western Cape, South Africa
🐋 Eco-Tourism Business Manager with over 15 years in Ocean-Based Hospitality ⚓ I am an established marine tourism professional based in South Africa. With my own successful business, Offshore Adventures, I have over a decade of expertise driving the development of multiple attractions involving marine wildlife and experiences. Developing talents for marketing, brand development and sales techniques, I have built up a highly reputed business with multiple awards, partnerships and charitable links reaching back into the community and adding significant to the local economy. 🐋 Station Commander with the NSRI | Water Safety Provider for Major Events ⚓With over 14 years of expertise as an integral part of the team at Station 14, I am currently Station Commander with NSRI, leading sea rescue missions and enabling the safe use of the water around Plettenberg bay along with my team. Having extensive experience and qualifications in water safety, including Search and Rescue, Event Support and Tourism Health & Safety requirements, I am a highly a versatile individual able to pivot rapidly between business, charitable or emergency requirements at any given time 🐋 Moving on to New Challenges within the Australian Market ⚓ I am an astute professional with the ability to drive development, engage customers and grow sales/revenue across a range of mediums. Leading teams effectively with a personable approach, I seek to empower individuals in the development of their own skills. I am seeking to come on board with a forward thinking water safety or marine tourism business, to share my experiences, influence strategy and build the enterprise to reach new levels. For more information please get in touch via LinkedIn.
Description 🐋 Successful Leadership of a Multi-Award Winning Water Tourism Business ⚓ As an entrepreneurial owner, developing an innovative eco-tourism business embracing the natural world Plettenberg Bay has to offer, I effectively manage a sustainable and profitable enterprise delivering leisure and water sport activities to 3500+ local and international visitors annually. I have consistently demonstrated sales and marketing proficiency in attracting and engaging tourists to the events and attractions offered by the company, including Seal Viewing Tours, Seal Swimming Adventures, Sardine Runs and Jet Ski Adventures. Leading a team of 12 staff, I effectively manage all HR issues and work hard to ensure the sustainability of the business despite fluctuating market conditions. Maintaining all relevant licences and training as a MSDT scuba diver, I deliver high quality sessions as a PADI specialty instructor and provide safe services as a compressor operator. Proactively training in a range of key water safety skills including Marine Firefighting, Life Raft Training and WSL Water Safety Guide. I deliver engaging and personalised training and education as a First Aid, Jet Ski and Diving instructor, Leading Offshore Adventures to win multiple awards including environmental awards (WESSA) and multiple tourism awards over a prolonged period of time, I also proactively support marine research and conservation through environmental projects, liaising with organisations such as Ocean and Coasts (DEA) and NMMU. I have built close partnerships with organisations such as the Nature Valley Trust to enhance community uplift and environmental education goals, and collaborate with the Tenika Wildlife Awareness and Rehabilitation Centre to enable seal pup rescues and rehabilitation. As a company, we also sponsor meals for disadvantaged children through House of Hope, Kranshoek; the programme caters for 200 children per weekday.
Description 🐋 Leading Rescues and Saving Lives with the NSRI ⚓ With a passion for the water yet a deep respect for the dangers it holds, I have served for over 15 years as a Crew Member of Station 14 Rescue Base at Plettenberg Bay. My current position is as Station Commander, leading rescue missions and ensuring the safety of those enjoying the water in the local area. I am qualified as a Rescue Class 3 Coxswain, and trained as a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Leading a highly efficient and well drilled team of over 40 crew members across the station, I expect the highest quality of safety standards, attention to regulations and maintenance of equipment at all times. I am proud of my team’s response to a wide range of rescue scenarios as required, averaging 50 call-outs per year, in collaboration with additional rescue services such as AMS Helicopter Services, Air Force, Police, Ambulance Service and additional Sea Rescue Stations. The station has won ‘RIB Station of the Year’ in 2016, and multiple accolades as ‘Station of Excellence’ from the NSRI.
🐋 Providing Tours, Activities and Ensuring Safe Practice ⚓ Entering the water leisure industry and working my way up to Assistant Manager and then Manager, I ensured the health and safety of all crew and customers as a Skipper. Providing a range of options, I acted as a guide on Whale Watching boat trips, enabling tourists to achieve their dreams of viewing Whales in the wild. I also facilitated a range of water leisure activities such as kayaking for visitors and locals within the bay area. Behind the scenes, I acted as maintenance manager for the entire fleet, ensuring the general upkeep and seaworthiness of all vessels. Keeping all equipment in good condition and inventory in check, I made sure the service was fully operational in compliance with all industry regulations.