Stephen Van Niekerk
Fort Lauderdale
Summary
Experienced yacht officer with over 5 years in the yachting industry, holding an OOW certification. Proficient in vessel handling, including docking in confined spaces, as entrusted by previous captains. Dedicated leader who thrives in fostering a collaborative and positive team environment, consistently supporting and mentoring crew members to achieve their full potential. Known for a hands-on leadership style that emphasizes safety, professionalism, and high-performance standards. Seeking opportunities to further enhance skills under the guidance of a captain committed to professional growth, while contributing strong leadership and operational expertise to the team.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
1st Officer
M/Y Lady K
04.2024 - Current
- Mentored juniors, providing guidance and support to foster professional development and career progression.
- Improved team morale and performance with consistent feedback and recognition of achievements.
- Enhanced safety with introduction of new protective gear and safety protocols.
- Increased operational efficiency by conducting regular training sessions for juniors.
1st Officer/ Engineer
M/Y Dreamer 45m
05.2021 - 08.2023
- Reference letters Available
- Cpt Garry A Hartshorne +19547740719 Garryhartshorne@gmail.com
- Cpt Greg Love. +17867979420 Love.yachts@aol.com
- Canada
- Bahamas
- USA
- Full Caribbean
- Pacific
- Panama canal
- Europe
OOW/ Engineer
S/Y LA GATTA-Charter/Private
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Cpt Angus Grey +447737259354
- Panama Canal
- Galapagos
- Caribbean
- USVI
- Caribbean
First Mate
M/Y Fusion - Charter Yacht
08.2019 - 01.2020
40m M/Y
- Reference
- Captain Luciano Novo +351915224103
- Ibiza
- Barcalona
- BVI
- Caribbean
Bosun
S/Y Caoz 14 - Private
01.2019 - 08.2019
- 56m Perini Navi
- Chief officer Stefano Kariz. +393475384803
- Italy
- Greece
- Turkey
Skipper/Engineer
M/Y Time Flies - Charter
07.2017 - 12.2018
- 90 ft
- Reference
- Cameron Bouwer
- +27765106475
- Ibiza
- Palma
Deckhand
M/Y Monaco - Shipyard
01.2017 - 06.2017
- 40m
- Reference
- Shane Quinland
- Captain@motoryachtmonaco.com
Education
Officer Of The Watch In Charge Of Navigation -
South African Maritime Training Academy
Capetown, South Africa 05.2024
High School Bachelors Pass -
Greenside High
Greenside, Johannesburg South Africa 10.2016
Skills
- Leadership
- Sports Fishing
- Bait rigging
- Coordination
- IT/Computer
- Star link systems
- AV Home Theater systems
- Electrical wiring
- Plumbing
- Line splicing
- Vessel handling
- Large Tender driving
- Sail rigging
- Awlcraft spray painting
Certification
- MCA OOW3000GT
- Master200 GT
- GMDSS GOC
- ECDIS
- Full STCW + PDSD
- Padi Rescue diver.
- AEC1
- British Seamans Book & Marshall islands
Personal Profile
I value a positive and collaborative team environment and believe in fostering strong relationships among crew members. Mentoring and supporting others to develop their skills is something I genuinely enjoy, and I take pride in contributing to a cohesive and high-performing team.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through water sports, exploring new destinations, and immersing myself in different cultures. I am dedicated to personal growth, continuously seeking opportunities to enhance my knowledge and abilities, both professionally and personally. I am currently looking for a role where I can further refine my skills under a captain who values teamwork, development, and operational excellence.
Personal
- South African
- Health - ENG1 valid
- B1B2- EXP2029
- Schengen visa - EXP NOV,2024
- Valid Drivers license
- Valid Motorbike license
Timeline
1st Officer
M/Y Lady K
04.2024 - Current
1st Officer/ Engineer
M/Y Dreamer 45m
05.2021 - 08.2023
OOW/ Engineer
S/Y LA GATTA-Charter/Private
01.2021 - 05.2021
First Mate
M/Y Fusion - Charter Yacht
08.2019 - 01.2020
Bosun
S/Y Caoz 14 - Private
01.2019 - 08.2019
Skipper/Engineer
M/Y Time Flies - Charter
07.2017 - 12.2018
Deckhand
M/Y Monaco - Shipyard
01.2017 - 06.2017
Officer Of The Watch In Charge Of Navigation -
South African Maritime Training Academy
High School Bachelors Pass -
Greenside High
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