Meet Tyler Vessel Engineer

There is not one part of the business that Vessel Engineer Tyler Bellingham hasn’t influenced at Cruise Whitsundays, with his over 10 years of dedicated service and commitment.

In fact, Tyler is one of the hardest working team members with Cruise Whitsundays, having joined the team as a wharf porter and handling baggage, before moving into cruise attendant, tour guide, deck hand. He is now as Vessel Engineer, primarily for the beach boats that venture to Whitehaven Beach almost daily.

Initially, Tyler dreamt of driving the boats, being a captain or first mate, however just over three years ago, he discovered his real passion for engineering, for repairing broken down boats, and looking after the on-board machinery.

“I’ve always had an interest in machinery, but three years ago, I started the process,” Tyler explained.  

In 2020, Tyler was in Cairns completing his first qualification, and in late 2021, he was in Tasmania at the Maritime College, excelling and impressing his lecturers and teachers.

On board the Whitehaven Beach experiences, Tyler is largely behind the scenes, ensuring guest safety and smooth sailing, instructing his two deck hands on operations.

“I’m in charge of all the machinery on board the boat,” he explained.

“And if it breaks down, I’ve got to fix it.”

Tyler finds the job incredibly interesting, and loves investigating how engines tick.

He now knows the vessel’s engines like the back of his hands, and makes the repair and operation look easy.

“It takes hard work to make it look easy,” he laughed.

When not out on the water, Tyler enjoys diving, exploring and fishing, primarily around the islands, which he is able to navigate with ease.