Charlotte Hutchins

Te Anau

Summary

Marine biology graduate, experienced deckhand, and PADI scuba instructor with a passion for expedition-style tourism and environmental stewardship. After 350+ sea days and 1.5 years aboard a 27m charter vessel (Pure Salt), I bring hands-on tender driving, guest engagement, and dive operations experience. My focus is delivering immersive, safe, and educational experiences on the water while working within a tight-knit team.

Overview

year of professional experience

Certification

Work History

Deckhand

Pure Salt

02.2023 - 06.2024

1.5 years of liveaboard expedition work in Fiordland
350+ sea days logged
Assisted with mooring, anchoring, watchkeeping, line handling
Operated tenders for guest drop-offs, hikes, diving/snorkelling excursions
Supported SCUBA and freediving operations, including safety checks and gear setup
Delivered engaging, informative guest experiences based on local marine ecology
Maintenance of vessel and dive gear; provisioning; supporting guest chefs when required
27m Expedition Charter Vessel

Education

Bachelor of Applied Science - Biodiversity Management

Unitec NZ

01.2023

Diploma - Environmental Management (Marine)

Toi Ohomai Institute

01.2022

Skills

Deck Operations (lines, anchoring, maintenance, cleaning)
Tender Driving (experienced with guests and remote drop-offs)
Zodiac Handling (and assisting guests boarding/disembarking)
Guest Engagement (snorkel guiding, storytelling, marine interpretation)

Scuba Instruction & Safety (PADI OWSI EFR Instructor)
Environmental Education (marine biology background)
Adaptable Team Player (proactive, hard-working, safety-focused)

Certification

PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
EFR First Aid Instructor (current)
Comprehensive First Aid + Emergency Oxygen Certified
Search & Rescue Diver Certified
Marine VHF Radio Certified
Experienced Tender Driver (Guest & Gear Transport)

Awards

Project Jonah Certified – Whale & Marine Mammal Rescue, NZ Defence Force Youth Life Skills (2020), 1st Place – Animal Welfare, Police Studies (Waihi College), Full NZ Driver’s License (2021–current)

Hobbies and Interests

Committee member – Grand Tavern Hunting & Fishing Club, Ecology restoration projects (planting, pest management), Passionate about storytelling, cold-water diving, wild food gathering

Timeline