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 Recertification Program Ocean to River to enable maritime officers candidates and existing employees with maritime background 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 RECERTIFICATION PROGRAM: OCEAN TO RIVER

• In the program you will develop all skills, knowledge and experience needed to become a Second Officer at Viking on the Rhine, Danube or in France. The training will focus on:
• Getting all theoretical knowledge to obtain a Captain license (incl. VHF)
• Learning the necessary stretches of the Rhine river, with stretch exam preparation Amsterdam-Cologne
• Operating and manoeuvring the Viking Longships in onboard and simulator training.
• Sailing in a sailor position for the first approx. 7-9 months

The program is managed by a designated trainer team. They visit the ships and check in with you and your Captain, help with exam organization and coordinate the theoretical training. The duration of the program is 12-18 months, and upon successful completion you will be offered a contract as Second Officer at Viking. All costs of the training and exams are covered by Viking. The program adheres to the EU regulations concerning inland navigation. 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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO ON BOARD

• Support the First Officer with ensuring the safety of the ship, crew, guests and the environment.
• Actively train and learn to gain sailing skills, extend qualifications, attendance in the necessary exams. Participation in meetings and company relevant training
• Lead sailors and trainees in compliance with company guidelines and regulations – overall responsible for the work carried out by Sailors.
• Co-responsible for impeccable cleanliness, hygiene, and order onboard
• When securing the ship, takes the lead for safe mooring and installation of the gangway
• Ensuring that the sundeck complies with guests' expectations at all times
• Checking the condition of mooring lines / wires daily
• Ensuring that crew members are wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE)

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Security

• 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

• Responsible for the external appearance of the ship

Communication

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

Special tasks

• Appropriate and professional securing of the ship
• When passing low bridges on the sundeck pay attention to the guests and close off stairway access
• Execution of all deck and outboard work
• Luggage service according to assignment by the Captain / First Officer

YOUR PROFILE

• At least 500 days sailing onboard an ocean vessel
• Previous maneuvering experience (e.g. Ferries, Crew Transfer ships, High-speed crafts, Offshore (PSV, DSV; Cutters, Dredgers), Cruiseships or yachts
• Previous experience in a 2nd Officer position or higher preferable
• English language knowledge
• German and/or French language knowledge
• Eligible to work in EU or hold a valid work permit

Personality

• Motivated and eager to learn
• Polite and team player
• Able to follow instructions and flexible
• Shows ambition and initiative