Commanding
The Seven Seas and its operations are run by a wonderful Indonesian crew plus 2 western Cruise Directors.
The 2 Captains and 2 Cruise Directors have led liveaboard adventures in Indonesia for close to 2 decades on various vessels. They remain as committed and enthusiastic as they were on the very first trips. With many years of experience and formal nautical and dive education, they are well trained, professional, attentive and extremely safety conscious.
Mr. Wahyudin Ismail and Mr. Abdul Rifai H. Djudje are our captains. They were part of the team well before the Seven Seas was first conceived. They were both involved with the construction of the Seven Seas resulting in them knowing and taking ownership over every piece of timber and equipment on this boat. Captains “Wahyu” and “Pai” have gone through all the formal education, in various stages throughout their careers, plus years of experience and additional training at sea, to be currently recognized as two of the most experienced captains in the fleet of Indonesian liveaboards.
The crew onboard consists of a team of hand-picked individuals that work together as a team. Some of the key crew members, just like our two Captains, have been working with Mark for over twenty years. They are more like family to us than employees. Many of the other crew members have been onboard since the launching of Seven Seas. We are very proud of our crew and take time to concentrate on group dynamics, morale and their general wellbeing. One of the first things you will notice onboard is how professional and safety conscious our crew are as they go about their daily routine. You will not find a more loyal, experienced, or happier, crew anywhere in Indonesia.
Our cruise directors are Mark Heighes and Karl Klingeler.
Mark first travelled to Indonesia in as a dive guide in 1982. By the mid 1980s he was leading trips across the Banda Sea from Bali to Ambon and back. He is regarded as one of the true pioneers of diving in Indonesia and has probably discovered more sites in Eastern Indonesia than anyone else in the business. Mark is responsible for all onboard operations and his experience in the region is second to none.
Karl has 18 years’ experience in the diving industry, 15 of them in Indonesia. Having worked with a number of luxury liveaboards, as well as a land-based dive resort, Karl joined the team almost a decade ago and is now leading most of Seven Seas’ cruises, taking turns with Mark. With thousands of dives under his belt, most of them throughout the Indonesian archipelago, Karl has extensive knowledge of all of Seven Seas’ itineraries & dive sites.
With over 300 trips and more than 175,000 dives successfully completed since launching The Seven Seas, we take particular pride in our Safety Record. Everyone in the team is at all times, first and foremost, focused on ensuring the safety of all guests onboard. Conditions on all dive sites are checked prior to the dive to ensure the safety of all involved.
Commanding a liveaboard vessel like the Seven Seas is no easy task. It requires strong leadership, deep knowledge of the sea, and the ability to manage a diverse crew. The role of commanding the Seven Seas means ensuring every dive trip runs smoothly, passengers are safe, and the experience is unforgettable.
Effective commanding involves coordination between the Indonesian crew and the western Cruise Directors on board. Together, they create a welcoming and professional atmosphere. Being commanding is not just about giving orders, but about inspiring the whole team to deliver the best service possible.
The art of commanding also means adapting to changing conditions at sea. Whether it’s weather challenges or unexpected situations, the person commanding the ship must remain calm and decisive. This quality is what makes the Seven Seas a trusted name among diving enthusiasts.
Commanding a liveaboard vessel like the Seven Seas requires strong leadership and expertise in maritime operations. Effective commanding ensures the safety of all passengers and crew, while providing an exceptional diving experience. According to The Nautical Institute, successful commanding involves clear communication, risk management, and decisive action—qualities essential for any ship captain. The Seven Seas crew exemplifies these traits, blending Indonesian maritime traditions with modern cruise management.
When commanding the Seven Seas, the captain works closely with the dive instructors and Cruise Directors to coordinate schedules and ensure smooth operations. This collaboration is key to maintaining high standards, as explained by Cruise Critic. The ability to lead a diverse team is fundamental to the success of any liveaboard cruise, making commanding both a challenging and rewarding role.
For anyone interested in maritime careers or leadership at sea, learning about effective commanding techniques is essential. Resources like Marine Insight provide valuable insights into ship command, safety protocols, and crew management, offering a deeper understanding of what it means to be commanding a vessel like the Seven Seas.
NOTE :
To reserve your spots or see available trips, please check out our schedule page :
Schedule & Availability
Please also don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] should you require any further information or need recommendations for accommodation or flights etc. Our reservation team would be more than happy to assist. Cheers!
