Gerry Brookes
Gold Coast,QLD
Summary
Energetic professional that takes pride in promoting an enjoyable and safe experience for crew and guests through a lifetime spent working with tourists and staff from all walks of life. Looking for a part time or full time marine industry position where multi industry experience and an enthusiastic and positive personality will be highly valued.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Commercial Skipper
Aqua Adventures
Gold Coast, Qld
07.2022 - Current
- Skipper for Aqua Adventures, taking up to 12 guests and one Dive Instructor offshore for Whale Watching and Swim with whales experiences. Responsible for all duties including Safety briefings, guests enjoyment and comfort, informative commentary, safety checks and maintenance, and managing in water interactions with whales and dolphins.
Skipper
Private
Gold Coast, Qld
01.1987 - Current
- I grew up on boats here on the Gold Coast, both on our family cruise boat businesses and recreational boating from the age of 8. As we lived on the river i spent my childhood on the water in Tinny’s and Sailing Dinghies. Over the years i have sailed hobie cats, lasers, OK dinghies, and skippered and crewed on sailing boats for racing and recreational events from 25 to 50 feet long, In recent years i have been using my own power boat and also sailing at SYC inshore and offshore races.
Commercial Skipper / Coxswain
SunSailing
Gold Coast, Qld
07.2022 - 01.2024
- Skipper and crew for Sun Sailing Gold Coast, on a 38ft Van De Staadt Sailing yacht, taking up to 10 guests inshore and 6 guests offshore for private charters, afternoon and evening cruises, trips to Wavebreak Island and Tipplers, and Whale Watching cruises offshore in season.
- Responsible for guests comfort and enjoyment, safety briefings, commentary and managed guest and crew of up to 10 people on board, ensuring safety protocols were followed.
Commercial Skipper / Coxswain
Ozdive
Gold Coast, Qld
07.2023 - 12.2023
- Skipper on Cygnet 1 and First Avenger, taking up to 21 guests offshore for Deep Sea Fishing charters, Dive trips, Whale watching and Private Charters both inshore and offshore
Director
Therefore Coffee Roasters
Gold Coast, Qld
03.2017 - Current
- Owner of Therefore Coffee Roasters, a specialty coffee roasting company servicing wholesale and retail customers.
Owner / Manager
Turn1 Pty Ltd
Gold Coast, Qld
01.2014 - 11.2023
- I started this business in 2014, successfully operating it for 10 years, and recently sold the business in November 2023. In this business i specialised in a wide range of trades and services for both residential customers (primarily top end of the market properties) and commercial customers including Child care centres, Disability service centres, Medical centres, and Government operated welfare services.
Manager / Skipper / Driver
Big Wheels Afloat
Gold Coast, Qld
01.2001 - 07.2003
- I worked in the construction and establishment of this family tourist business with my father , and Skippering it until my father passed away suddenly in 2003 We designed and built the LARC ex army amphibious bus from scratch. This bus is still operating today.
Manager
Jet-a-Way Cruises
Gold Coast, Qld
02.1997 - 06.2003
- I managed this family business with my father until he passed away suddenly in 2003. We ran day cruises to stradbroke island and night dinner cruises and party cruises from surfers paradise with great success. I was responsible for day to day management and operation of the company, Inc Skipper, staff management, advertising and marketing, operational management and boat repairs and maintenance. This business was sold in 2003, Vessel was the Lady Diana, 85ft 1E for 320 passengers
Deckhand / Crew
Captain Cook Cruises
Gold Coast, Qld
06.1983 - 07.1988
- I worked in this family tourist boat business doing broadwater and stradbroke cruises, learning the ropes of all aspects of the tourism boat industry. Vessel was the Captain Cook, 80ft 1E for 280 passengers
Education
Cert 4 - Business Development
TAFE
Gold Coast, QLD01-1999
Apprenticeship - Motor Mechanics
TAFE
Gold Coast01-1988
High School Diploma -
Merrimac High
Gold Coast, QLD01-1987
Skills
- Customer Relations
- Crew and Passenger Safety
- Vessel Maintenance
- Route Navigation Software
- Vessel Navigation
- Operational Planning
- Team Management
- Problem Analysis
- Extensive Boating knowledge
- Boat handling
- Boat engineering etc (Family involved in boating industry 45 years)
- Tourism operations
- Company management
- Business development
- Advertising and marketing
- Supervisory and interpersonal skills
- Sales and Negotiation skills
- Staff management and liason
- Website and Social media promotion
- Coffee Roasting Machinery Engineering and Installation
- Numerous trade and advanced skills, Motor mechanics, Boat building and Maintenance, Specialist in Professional Racing Go Kart engineering and tuning, Race engine tuning, Race car chassis tuning, plus experience in Welding, Mechanical, Engineering, Carpentry, Painting, Classic car restoration
Affiliations
- Motorsport - 6 times Australian and 5 times Queensland Champion in Kart racing, 2 times Queensland champion in Touring Car racing, and Circuit power boat racing 5litre and 6 litre Hydroplanes
- Sailing
- Boating
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Paddleboarding
- Scuba diving
Certification
- Qld Open Car licence
- Qld Open Motorbike licence
- Qld Heavy Rigid Truck Licence
- Qld commercial bus licence
- Coxswain 1 Grade 1 NC
- Radio operators certificate of proficency
- Qld Recreational Boat Licence
- Qld Jet Ski licence
- QLD Blue card Working with Children
- National Riggers ticket
- NAUI open diver Current
- Senior First Aid certificate
- Qld Shooters & Firearms licence
- Australian Construction White Card
- CN Crane Ticket
- C2 Crane ticket
- Basic Riggers Ticket
- Dogger Ticket
- Open Forklift Ticket Open
- EWP Ticket Working at Heights Ticket
References
- Leon De Shlessis - Aqua Adventures 0450 020986
- Anthony Waye - Wayeout group T: 0407 926266
- Grant and Cath - Sun Sailing 0493 473409
Timeline
Commercial Skipper / Coxswain
Ozdive
07.2023 - 12.2023
Commercial Skipper
Aqua Adventures
07.2022 - Current
Commercial Skipper / Coxswain
SunSailing
07.2022 - 01.2024
Director
Therefore Coffee Roasters
03.2017 - Current
Owner / Manager
Turn1 Pty Ltd
01.2014 - 11.2023
Manager / Skipper / Driver
Big Wheels Afloat
01.2001 - 07.2003
Manager
Jet-a-Way Cruises
02.1997 - 06.2003
Skipper
Private
01.1987 - Current
Deckhand / Crew
Captain Cook Cruises
06.1983 - 07.1988
Cert 4 - Business Development
TAFE
Apprenticeship - Motor Mechanics
TAFE
High School Diploma -
Merrimac High
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