Chapter 6 · Lesson 1Practical demonstration · about 5 minutes
Tender guest etiquette
Prepare the transfer and make it feel easy for the guest.
Video coming soon
Tender guest etiquette — demonstration
In the video
- Preparing the route and the bags before the guest arrives
- Wait, ready, then one clear boarding instruction
From the captain
You are part of the destination
A good tender transfer feels straightforward to the guest because the crew have prepared it. You should know where they will step, where their bag will go and who controls the movement before they arrive at the edge.
By the end of this lesson
Prepare a guest transfer and keep assistance coordinated with the driver and boarding crew.
See it
See it for yourself
Make the transfer feel easy
Who holds, who speaks, where the guest steps and where the bags go, all decided before the guest reaches the edge.
4/4The guest steps across. The bags go by their own route, so they never compete with the guest's footing.
Illustration · one example boarding · not to scale · your vessel's transfer procedure governs
What to look for
Prepare the transfer before the guest moves
Confirm the tender position, boarding route, handholds, passenger arrangement and crew roles through the vessel's method. Bags and loose kit should not compete with the guest's footing.
Help without pulling a person off balance
Explain the next step and offer the instructed support. Do not rush a hesitant guest or improvise a grab across a moving gap.
The lesson
The lesson
From ready to safely ashore
- 01
Prepare before the guests arrive
The tender should be clean, dry, uncluttered and ready. Know the route, conditions, boarding point and the vessel's communication plan before anybody steps aboard.
What goes wrong: Crew start moving kit, wiping seats or discussing the plan while guests are already waiting to board.
- 02
Make boarding calm and clear
Hold the tender stable, point out the step and handhold, and offer the level of assistance the guest needs in line with the vessel's procedure. Coordinate one clear instruction at a time.
What goes wrong: Several crew speak at once, or somebody grabs a guest without warning and makes an easy step feel uncertain.
- 03
Drive for comfort
Do not move until everybody is seated or positioned as required aboard. Use smooth throttle and turns, adjust speed to the conditions and keep guests informed when a change needs their attention.
What goes wrong: Abrupt acceleration, spray or a fast turn makes a routine transfer uncomfortable even when the tender remains under control.
- 04
Finish the transfer properly
Make the tender stable before guests move, give a clear direction for the step and handhold, offer assistance and make sure people and belongings are safely ashore or aboard before resetting the tender.
What goes wrong: The driver mentally moves on to the next task before the final guest and their belongings are clear of the tender.
The guest standard
- 05
Read the guest as well as the conditions
Some guests want conversation; others want a quiet transfer. Some will accept a hand immediately; others prefer a clear step and handhold. Be attentive, professional and guided by the vessel's service style rather than following a rigid script.
Where it goes wrong
The guest arrives before the boarding point is ready. A crew member reaches across moving boats to help, while bags block the landing. The crew are now trying to solve preparation problems during the transfer.
Your call
What would you do?
Pick one, then read the feedback on all three.
The situation
A guest approaches with two bags while the driver is still correcting the tender position.
Take it aboard
Rehearse the guest handover
Do this during your induction or first weeks, with the person responsible for your work.
Unloaded practice
Use a stable shore-side or deck mock-up with a crew member acting as the guest.
- 01Agree driver and boarding-crew signals.
- 02Clear the route and arrange bags.
- 03Give one clear boarding instruction.
- 04Pause when the crew member acts uncertain.
What a useful result looks like
- Readiness is confirmed before movement.
- The guest is not pulled or rushed.
- Bags do not obstruct the route.
Stop: No real moving gap or unsupported guest transfer is required for rehearsal.
Deckhand Foundation · Job card
Guest transfer prompt
From the lesson: Tender guest etiquette
- Tender and route ready.
- Driver and boarding roles agreed.
- Bags and loose kit managed.
- Clear instruction and suitable support offered.
- Passengers accounted for before departure.
Transfer method to learn
Driver / boarding communication
Your vessel's procedures and senior crew come first. Nothing on this card is stored.
Quick check
Four decisions, then move on
This check confirms the principle. Your vessel's own induction still comes first.