
RIVER - Corporate Nautical Instructor
- Recruiter:
- Viking
- Category:
- Other Cruise Jobs
- Published:
- November 6, 2025
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION\u00A0
The Nautical Instructor supports the development of future Viking Nautical Officers by combining technical expertise with a passion for inland navigation. Bringing the perspective of an experienced Inland River Captain, the instructor guides students in building practical skills, sound judgment, and confidence on Europe\u2019s waterways. The position ensures that all training, including simulator-based, classroom, and onboard training, is delivered in line with Viking\u2019s training methodology and programs, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and seamanship.\u00A0
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ROLE DESCRIPTION\u00A0
The Nautical Instructor is part of the Viking College Maritime team and reports to the Nautical Instructor Team Leader. The role involves delivering simulator and classroom-based training, assessing student competence, and ensuring consistent skill development across all training programs. The position requires close collaboration with the Nautical Education Manager, onboard trainers, corporate captains, and the scheduling team. This is a field-based role with regular travel of up to 90% to training centers and Viking Longships across Europe (Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Hungary).\u00A0
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RESPONSIBILITIES\u00A0
Simulator Training\u00A0
The trainer delivers simulator sessions using Viking\u2019s training scenarios and ensures that participants understand the key principles of inland navigation. These include proper voyage planning, effective team communication, and familiarity with river-specific regulations for waterways such as the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Rhone, and Seine. The trainer also covers maneuvering techniques under varying conditions of wind, current, and water level, as well as the operation of propulsion systems and steering controls, and the correct use of navigation technologies, including radar, VHF, ECDIS, dynamic positioning, and track pilot. Structured briefings and debriefings complement each session to reinforce learning outcomes. The trainer conducts standardized assessments and contributes to the continuous improvement of simulator training materials and scenarios.\u00A0
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Classroom-Based Training\u00A0
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In the classroom, the trainer delivers sessions on navigation, safety, emergency preparedness, and inland waterway operations. The focus lies on ensuring clear knowledge transfer through practical examples and interactive learning methods. Theoretical content is always connected to real-life situations on board. The trainer also supports selected sessions and exercises for both nautical and hotel crew to enhance cross-departmental understanding.
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Administration\u00A0
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The trainer maintains accurate records of student progress and assessment results in the Learning Management System, ensuring compliance with Viking\u2019s reporting standards. All data must be entered correctly and submitted in a timely manner to support transparent training documentation.\u00A0
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Digital Learning\u00A0
As part of blended learning initiatives, the trainer delivers webinars and virtual training sessions. In addition, they review and provide input on digital and e-learning materials to keep content relevant and up to date with operational needs.\u00A0
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Coordination and Standards\u00A0
The trainer communicates regularly with students, trainers, and internal partners to coordinate schedules, resources, and logistics. A key part of the role is to maintain consistency and standardization across all training programs and locations. The trainer actively promotes Viking\u2019s learning culture and supports professional development throughout the fleet, while also contributing to training planning, improvement projects, and other assignments as required.\u00A0
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KEY REQUIREMENTS\u00A0
Qualified Captain in inland navigation.\u00A0
Strong background in training, assessment, or mentoring within the nautical field.\u00A0
Ability to explain complex topics clearly and ensure effective knowledge transfer.\u00A0
Fluent in English; German or French is an asset.\u00A0
Proactive, reliable, and organized, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.\u00A0
A good knowledge of Microsoft 365 (SharePoint, Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and Word) is an asset.\u00A0
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EDUCATION\u00A0
Completed nautical education and qualification as a Captain in inland navigation, preferably complemented by a Bachelor\u2019s degree in nautical science, maritime studies, or a related field. Additional certification or teaching experience in maritime or inland navigation training is considered an asset.\u00A0
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE\u00A0
A fast-growing and dynamic environment with a strong focus on learning, collaboration, and professional standards.\u00A0
Language Requirements
Good knowledge of the English language is required.
Viking
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.

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