The opportunity
About the role
Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Europe or in possession of a valid work permit.
RIVER - NAUTIC - TRAINEE PROGRAM A0 - SAILOR
Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™.
Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Just like you we care about your professional development and career. We strongly believe best results come from investing in our employees. We, thus, created the Nautical Education Program to enable candidates and existing employees alike to make the next step in their careers. This program starts at the entry level of Sailor and continues all the way to Captain. During the program we provide you with opportunities for training to develop your skills and confidence needed to achieve your goals. Furthermore, Viking actively promotes gender equality in the inland shipping industry. We, therefore, have structures for both female and male applicants in place to support a successful completion of the program.
THE A0 SAILOR PROGRAM
The A0 Sailor Program is part of Viking’s Nautical Education Program and is aimed at candidates new to the inland shipping industry. It is an opportunity to develop your career in the nautical department, without previous knowledge and experience on passenger ships. It will prepare you for your future job and all tasks that you would need to complete as a Sailor.
The training will focus on
- Mooring and unmooring
- Anchoring
- Steering under supervision
- Maintenance of the ship and equipment
- Safety regulations
- Keeping the ship clean and hygienic
This training takes place onboard one of our Viking Longships and is led by the Captain. Additionally, a dedicated trainer team is coordinating the program onboard our ships. The trainers visit the ships regularly to verify the program status and progress with you and the Captain.
The program requires 90 sailing days until completion, after which you will attend an exam. All training content is in English and available online 24/7. After successful completion of the exam, you will have a qualification of Sailor (Matrose) and will be offered a Sailor contract with Viking. All costs of the education are covered by Viking.
This role will be located in the European Union. Please note that we can only accept candidates who are eligible to work in the European Union or are already in possession of a relevant work permit.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Education
- Active participation in the onboard training program led by the Captain
- Studying the assigned course material
- Attendance of an exam after 90 days of practical training
- Together with the Sailors team:
- Responsible for safety on board of the ship as assigned by the Captain
- Compliance with the guidelines, instructions, and regulations
- Responsible for impeccable cleanliness, hygiene, and order onboard
- Reporting damages, issues, and concerns immediately to the Captain
Security (together with the Sailors team)
- Responsible for safety onboard of the ship as assigned by the Captain
- Compliance with the guidelines, instructions (nautical manual) and regulations
- Co-responsible for the impeccable cleanliness, hygiene, and order on board
- Report damage, issues, and concern immediately to the Captain
- Be familiar with the security role and understand your duties
- Responsible for the operational readiness of the rescue boat
Travel operation (together with the Sailors team)
- Responsible for the external appearance of the ship
Communication (together with the Sailors team)
- Exchange information with the parties involved (Captain, 1st Officer, Engineer)
Special tasks (together with the Sailors team)
- Appropriate and professional securing of the ship
- Safe deployment of the gangway (only at the instruction and supervision by the Captain / First Officer)
- While navigating narrow waters a Sailor must be present as instructed
- For securing the ship in a lock Sailors must be present on deck
- When passing low bridges close the passenger access to the staircases
- Make sure the sundeck always meets the expectations of our guests
- Execution of all deck and outboard work
- Luggage service according to assignment by the Captain / First Officer
- Participation in meetings and company relevant training
YOUR PROFILE
- Minimum high school diploma
- English language knowledge
- Dutch and/or German language knowledge is an asset
PERSONALITY
- Motivated and eager to learn
- Polite and team player
- Able to follow instructions and flexible