Head of Marine Operations, Europe

Imagine working at a company whose ultimate mission is to send people on the adventure of a lifetime!

At Polar Latitudes Expeditions, we operate globally with modern vessels dedicated to polar expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica. We specialize in unique and educational journeys where sustainability, authenticity, and quality are always at the forefront.

We are establishing our new brand with entities in Denmark, the USA, and Australia, supported by an ambitious growth plan aimed at making us the preferred choice for both customers and partners. You should therefore be comfortable navigating constant change.

About the Role: Head of Marine Operations

We are looking for a Head of Marine Operations to lead our marine function and take ownership of nautical standards, navigational assurance and marine operational quality across the fleet, including vessel maintenance. You can be based at our Copenhagen office or from home elsewhere in Europe, with frequent travel to our vessels worldwide.

This is a shoreside advisory and oversight role, in support of the Masters, who retain full authority for the safety of their vessels. The role requires ice command experience in both the Arctic and the Antarctic. You will sail with our ships regularly as an adviser and observer, and be the person every Master can call.

You will report to the Chief Operating Officer. Start date Q4 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising Masters on passage planning, ice conditions, weather routing, port calls and operational decisions
• Maintaining fleet nautical guidelines, bridge procedures, standing orders and navigational best practice
• Setting ship handling and maneuvering standards for both azimuthing pod and conventional propulsion vessels
• Conducting navigational audits and bridge team assessments during vessel visits, and tracking corrective actions to closure
• Investigating incidents, near misses and non conformities, and verifying closure of corrective actions
• Assessing and approving itineraries for ice, charting quality, depth data, tidal windows and seasonal limits, including polar, United States and Canadian requirements
• Leading the Marine Operations department and developing it in line with fleet growth
• Interfacing with our marine and crew management partners, flag state, classification society, port authorities and agents
• Maintaining the fleet emergency response framework, overseeing drills and crisis readiness, and planning medical and evacuation arrangements for remote areas
• Working with our medical provider on shipboard medical standards, equipment and support
• Providing nautical input to our newbuild projects, from bridge layout and equipment to ice capability
• Owning vessel maintenance reporting, budgeting and planning, including follow up that work has been completed to satisfaction
• Mentoring Masters, Staff Captains and bridge teams, and transferring lessons learned between vessels

Your Profile

• Substantial command experience as Master on expedition vessels
• Ice navigation experience in both the Arctic and the Antarctic, including operating to a Polar Water Operational Manual
• Ship handling experience on both azimuthing pod and conventional shaft and rudder propulsion
• Operating experience in United States and Canadian waters, including the Canadian Arctic
• Passage and itinerary planning experience in remote areas with incomplete charting and limited search and rescue coverage
• Valid and unrestricted Master Mariner Certificate of Competency, STCW II/2, 3,000 gross tonnage or more, with supporting certificates current
• Certificate of Proficiency in Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, STCW V/4, or the ability to obtain it before starting
• Working knowledge of SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, ISM, ISPS, MLC and the Polar Code, and practical experience of flag, class and port state inspections
• Working knowledge of United States and Canadian requirements for passenger vessels, including US Coast Guard and United States Public Health, Transport Canada, NORDREG reporting and the Arctic Shipping Safety and Pollution Prevention Regulations
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Based in Europe, or willing to relocate, with the right to work in the region
• Valid seafarer medical certificate, and willingness to travel frequently and sail with our vessels as an adviser

Why Join Polar Latitudes Expeditions?

At Polar Latitudes Expeditions, you will become part of a close knit team where there is a short path from idea to action.

We have retained some of the speed and flexibility from our startup years but are now in the middle of an exciting transition, building more structure and scalable solutions, without losing the fun and informal atmosphere of everyday life.

We offer a workplace with competitive salary and employment terms that reflect your skills and experience.

Ready for your next career adventure?

Apply now by submitting your CV and cover letter in English as soon as possible, together with a summary of your certificates, command history and ice time in each polar region.

We look forward to hearing from you!