Viking

RIVER - Nautic - Trainee Program A0 - Sailor

Recruiter:
Viking
Category:
Other Cruise Jobs
Position:
Ordinary Seaman
Published:
June 3, 2025

RIVER - NAUTIC - TRAINEE PROGRAM A0 - SAILOR

 

Viking was founded in 1997 and has grown to be the leading small ship travel company, offering destination-focused river, ocean and expedition voyages on all seven continents. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests The Thinking Person’s Cruise® in contrast to mainstream cruises.

With more than 250 awards to its name, the company currently operates a fleet of state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike. For the second year in a row, Viking was voted the #1 River Line and the #1 Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking was also named #1 for both Rivers and Oceans by Travel + Leisure in the 2022 World’s Best Awards making it the only cruise line to reach the top of its categories in both publications in the same year.

 

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

\u200B\u200B\u200B\u200B\u200B\u200B\u200B

Travel operation (together with the Sailors team)

  • Responsible for the external appearance of the ship

\u200B\u200B\u200B\u200B\u200B\u200B\u200B

Communication (together with the Sailors team)

  • Exchange information with the parties involved (Captain, 1st Officer, Engineer)

\u200B\u200B\u200B\u200B\u200B\u200B\u200B

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

Language Requirements

Good knowledge of the English language is required.

Viking

Viking

www.vikingcareers.com

THE VIKING STORY

More than 20 years ago, Viking® set the standard for what river cruising should be, and today we are the leader that all others follow. In 2015, we took the same small ship, destination-focused experience to the seas and reinvented ocean cruising. Over the years Viking has won numerous ocean and river cruise line awards from Condé Nast Traveler, Cruise Critic, Travel + Leisure, Travel Weekly and more.

Viking is a strong and dynamic company—with a growing fleet of more than 80 river ships and seven ocean vessels cruising over 100 itineraries around the world.

JOIN THE VIKING FAMILY

If you have always dreamed of combining your love of travel with the ability to grow your career, consider a position at Viking. We are the world’s leading small ship cruise line, and there is tremendous potential to advance your career with us. As part of our crew, when your ship is docked at the many destinations we visit, you can explore ashore and refresh during your free time.

Additionally, with Viking’s award-winning service and thoughtfully curated onboard experiences, our guests are typically very satisfied. This, combined with Viking’s gratuity guidelines, means that you can expect to be well rewarded as an employee on board a Viking ship.


View all jobs