resume profile picture
Chad de WetFirst Officer
Phone
+27 066 268 6018
18-01-1991
Marital status
Single
WhatsApp
+27 71 255 6840
Facebook
Facebook
Visa Status
Shengan
Objective

I am seeking a First Mate position in the Mediterranean, available to start immediately. With over 15 years of professional yachting experience and a strong foundation in leadership, deck operations, and technology integration, I bring a balance of hands-on maritime expertise and modern innovation. As the founder of M/Y AI — an AI chatbot builder that connects to any API for maritime automation — I have developed tools that enhance crew efficiency, communication, and vessel management. I’m now looking to apply my operational experience and technical insight onboard a private or charter vessel, contributing to smooth operations, proactive leadership, and the continued advancement of superyacht standards.

Certificates
Yacht Master Offshore 200GT — Sail And Motor
STCW 2010
PWI — Instructor
ENG1
Visas — Shengan
Work Experience
07‑2023 – PresentCape Town
Founder & Lead Developer - M/Y AI, Green Yacht Crew Solutions

I founded and developed M/Y AI, an advanced AI chatbot builder designed for the maritime and superyacht industry. The platform enables crew, captains, and management teams to build custom AI chatbots that connect to any API on the internet, automating complex operational, communication, and data workflows onboard.

  • Designed a no-code chatbot builder integrating OpenAI, Google, and Claude APIs for dynamic maritime use cases.
  • Engineered real-time API connectivity for tools such as vessel management systems, CRMs, crew databases, and weather services.
  • Built automation features allowing crews to streamline reporting, maintenance logging, itinerary planning, and guest communications.
  • Developed tailored chatbots for recruitment, safety compliance, procurement, and technical management across multiple yacht operations.
  • Positioned M/Y AI as a leading solution for AI-driven digital transformation within the superyacht and maritime sectors
  • 09‑2022 – 06‑2023Cannes, France
    Chief Officer, Motor Yacht Jems - 47m Heesen

    I joined M/Y Jems for the winter season in the South of France. My responsibilities mirrored those held on M/Y Lady L, focusing on vessel operations, crew management, and maintaining high safety and performance standards.

  • ISM and safety compliance oversight.
  • Oversaw 20 Year Class Survey
  • Day-to-day crew leadership and scheduling.
  • Bridge management and navigational watchkeeping.
  • Coordination of contractors and suppliers.
  • Deck maintenance planning and supervision.
  • Oversight of AV/IT and communications systems, including Starlink and Pepwave integrations.
  • Ensured readiness for the upcoming Med charter season through detailed operational management and crew training.
  • 06‑2022 – 10‑2022Fort Lauderdale
    Chief Officer, Motor Yacht Lady L - 47m Heesen

    I managed a very busy shipyard period, overseeing MY Lady L's 10 year ABS and Cayman survey, during which I was responsible for the following:

  • Mini ISM Management.
  • Project Manager and Contractor Coordinator.
  • Vessel Class and Flag Inspection Preparation.
  • Crew hire and management.
  • Creating and overseeing deck projects.
  • Managing Bosun, Deckhand and 5 - 10 dayworkers on a weekly basis.
  • Bridge upgrade installation and integration with VSAT and Pepwave. Installing of Starlink Internet Systems.
  • Overseeing of all LSA and FFE annual surveys.
  • Managing many large paint jobs using Awlgrip and International products.
  • Created a vessel specific project management app.
  • 10‑2019 – 05‑2022Cape Town
    Owner / Developer, Green Yacht Crew Solutions

    I built a communication ecosystem through combining modern marketing automation, search engine optimisation, full stack web development and growth hacking tactics. The Superyacht CRM is a project in progress, however the Android App can be found under Green Yacht Crew Solutions on the Google Play Store or by searching for Superyacht. Superyacht CRM is a listing and directory app suitable for any business like booking, restaurants, place, events, jobs listings, classified ads, reservations, rental, hourly booking, experiences and more.

    01‑2019 – 05‑2019Nassau, Bahamas
    Freelance Chief Officer, Motor Yacht Missing Link - 45m Christensen

    I joined the boat in Antigua days before a boss trip. I was the chase boat captain for the duration of my stay. The Captain was running a man short on deck for two busy trips steaming southbound. I just jumped in and assisted with everything from teak scrubbing to bridge watches. The Chase boat gets used every day for extensive diving and fishing trips.

    07‑2018 – 01‑2019Bergen, Norway
    Chief Officer / Yard Captain, Motor Yacht Sea Falcon 2 - 50m Feadship

    I joined Sea Falcon 2 in Norway while guests were onboard. We cruised from Bergen all the way back to Antibes. Responsible for managing 10 crew and all aspects of the running of the vessel, including; ISM compliance, department accounts, safety-officer, work-lists, navigation, passage planning, watch-keeping, ship safety systems, crew morale, disciplinary action and guest relations. During The Captain's 60 Leave Days I stepped In And Dealt directly With The Owners, Project Managers, Contractors And Crew.

    10‑2017 – 06‑2018Valetta, Malta
    Bosun, Motor Yacht Mystere Shadow - 50m Explorer

    The crew did all the work in-house. In charge of the complete repaint of the entire boat with the help of two deckhands using International paint. Primed and painted the boat in sections through rolling and tipping.

    09‑2015 – 08‑2016Palma, Mallorca
    Bosun, Motor Yacht Ari - 49m Heesen

    Vessel undergoing a 6 month yard period. This includes a 5-year survey along with a re spray. Painting: Applications included rolling and tipping, brush application, spray-painting using Awl Grip, Awl Craft, Hammarite and International Bilge Paints. Leading junior deckhands and day workers. Standing watches during the season.

    Relief mate 5 weeks.

    07‑2017 – 09‑2017Athens, Greece
    Seasonal Bosun, Motor Yacht Trident - 60m Feadship

    3 months guest on. Full boat up to 16 guests. Extensive traveling, over 4000nm. Countless beach set ups. Tenders Driven: 8m Cat for beach landings. 10m Center console with 2, 350hp outboard Yamahas. 7m Ski Nautique. Day to day rinsing and set ups. Foredeck operations: Anchoring, docking stern to and side to as well as launching all tenders and watersport gear along with distance calling in confined spaces. Launching of wave runners, sea bobs, free-style cruiser slides and various inflatables. Leading junior deckhands. Guest relations.

    11‑2013 – 04‑2015Barcelona, Spain
    Lead Deckhand, Motor Yacht Hermitage - 68m Lurrsen

    Extensively used during the summer season for six months with up to twelve guests onboard, including children. My jobs and duties included but were not limited to the following:

  • Polishing, wash-downs and general cleaning and detailing.
  • Inventorying, cleaning and painting of fore peak and other work spaces regularly.
  • Application of non-skid on large surfaces such as a 16 mast.
  • Exceptionally high standard of detailing and quality maintenance of the vessel and all equipment.
  • Launching, driving and fueling of sports and limo tenders in adverse weather.
  • Launching of wave runners, sea bobs, free-style cruiser slides and various inflatables.
  • Regular docking and anchoring as well as navigational and anchor watches.
  • Entertaining the children with the use of water sport equipment in a safe and controlled environment e.g. jet ski driving, towing etc.
  • References
    Bryn Wilson, Captain, Lady L
    [email protected], +1 561 788 2708
    Matthew Davies, Captain, Lady L
    [email protected], +44 7939467657
    Marcel Suijkerbuijk, Captain, Sea Falcon 2
    [email protected], +31 683 599044
    Skills
    Painting / Spray Painting

    Awlgrip / International

    Coaching

    Internationally Accredited

    Interpersonal Skills

    Team Leadership And Time Management

    AV / IT

    Full Stack Software Developer

    Project Management

    Managing Yard Periods

    Languages
    English — Fluent
    Afrikaans
    Interests
    Snowboarding, Kiteboarding, Web Development