River - Captain

Due to legal requirements, we can only accept applicants from EU/EEA/CH. We welcome internal and external candidates. The position is based on our European ships.

River qualifications and licenses are mandatory for all candidates.

1. Purpose

The Captain oversees the nautical operation on board of one of the vessels managed and operated by the Rivertech Holding AG and is an integral part of the management team on board.
The main role of the Captain is to manage and support the Nautical and Technical crew on board in all nautical matters that might occur. With the focus on,

• Safe navigation in compliance with all statutory regulations.
• To make sure that the guests feel comfortable.
• To be a role model for the entire crew

The Captain reports directly to the Corporate Fleet manager and/or Corporate Captain.

2. Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility on board for safety of ship, passengers, crew, and environment
• Compliance with the compulsory guidelines, instructions (nautical & safety handbook) and regulations, company requirements and SOPs
• Co-responsible for the impeccable cleanliness, hygiene, and order onboard
• In an emergency, the Captain takes over the command of the entire crew.
• The Captain is required to actively implement all safety measures, accident and incident prevention rules, legislation, and act as an example.

Navigation

• Compliance with timetables and lock times to avoid delays and incidents.
• Cost-conscious use of all consumables (fuel, water, lubricants, etc.)
• Ensure safe ship operation even in difficult weather / water level conditions.

Administration, Communication

• Monitor and update certificates, credentials, and approvals.
• Responsible for the administrative process and timely submission of all reports
• Exchange information with the departments involved (Management, Operations)
• The captain is involved in planning the winter repairs together with all involved departments.
• Check whether the necessary patents for the sailed route are present on board.
• Check if the nautical crew’s service books contain the necessary qualifications for the operating sailing mode.
• The Captain is in close cooperation with Corporate Fleet manager and/or Corporate Captain
• The Captain is preparing and making a handover for the relieving Captain, before going off duty

Special tasks

• Act as a brand ambassador on behalf of the Rivertech Holding AG and their clients: social obligations towards our guests (presence in public areas, welcome cocktail and dinners)
• In case of high or low water, damage and/or technical problems the Captain must take ownership and inform the guests accordingly, this in cooperation with management team on board.
• Train and motivate employees.
• Ensure the company`s grooming standards are always followed.
• Training of new officers.
• Conduct frequently scheduled ship inspections.
• Participation in meetings and company relevant training.
• Good contact with the authorities, WSP, port authorities, etc.
• Attend the Cruise Start Meeting with Management team on board before every cruise, communicate expected changes accordingly and immediately.
• In case of any navigational problems or deviations, the Captain is the first person onboard to receive information and is always in contact with the corporate Fleet Manager and/or Corporate Captain and participates in making decisions.

3. Qualification Profile

Formal Training:

• Inland Waterways Training Program
• Must hold all necessary licenses/certificates for the relevant rivers and waterways
• Interested in further education (e.g. certificate extension, language skills)
• At least 1 year (preferably more) of work experience as a first officer
• Languages: German / English / possibly French (depending on the geographical location of the vessel)
• Personality:
  • independent and flexible
  • decisive and assertive
  • strong team worker and able to motivate the crew
  • shows ambition and initiative; perseverant

Your deployment with the Rivertech Holding will depend on the statutory requirements for the following geographical areas:

Rhine

• Rhine license km 1’000 – 167 (Amsterdam – Basel) and /or Unions License including all the risk stretches on the Rhine.
• Radar
• VHF
• Safety Expert (Sachkunde)
• Languages: German and English (mandatory), Dutch and French are an asset

Danube

• Danube license km 0 – 2’411 (Sulina - Kelheim) and /or Unions License including all the risk stretches on the Danube, this is pending on the stationed vessel her itinerary
• Radar
• VHF
• Safety Expert (Sachkunde)
• Languages: German and English (mandatory), Russian is an asset

France

• Longueur illimitée
• Radar
• VHF
• Safety Expert (ASP)
• Languages: French and English (mandatory), German is an asset

Supervisors: Corporate Fleet Manager / Corporate Captain

Captain gives instructions to: All Nautical and Technical crew, in safety and security matters all Crew in cooperation with the management team on board.