river - corporate nautical instructor

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). 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Simulator Training 

The trainer delivers simulator sessions using Viking’s 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. 

Classroom-Based Training 

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.

Administration 

The trainer maintains accurate records of student progress and assessment results in the Learning Management System, ensuring compliance with Viking’s reporting standards. All data must be entered correctly and submitted in a timely manner to support transparent training documentation. 

Digital Learning 

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. 

Coordination and Standards 

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’s learning culture and supports professional development throughout the fleet, while also contributing to training planning, improvement projects, and other assignments as required. 

KEY REQUIREMENTS 

• Qualified Captain in inland navigation. 

• Strong background in training, assessment, or mentoring within the nautical field. 

• Ability to explain complex topics clearly and ensure effective knowledge transfer. 

• Fluent in English; German or French is an asset. 

• Proactive, reliable, and organized, with strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• A good knowledge of Microsoft 365 (SharePoint, Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and Word) is an asset. 

EDUCATION 

Completed nautical education and qualification as a Captain in inland navigation, preferably complemented by a Bachelor’s 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. 

COMMUNITY & CULTURE 

A fast-growing and dynamic environment with a strong focus on learning, collaboration, and professional standards.