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 Nautical Education Program to enable candidates and existing employees 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 A3 FIRST OFFICER TO CAPTAIN PROGRAM
In the A3 program you will develop all skills, knowledge and experience needed to become a Captain at Viking. The training will focus on :
Sharpening your leadership style and management skills
In-depth exploration of safety topics, including crowd management
Different types of effective communication (with crew onboard, authorities, other departments)
Training and public speaking skills
Cross-departmental communication and cooperation with hotel department (especially Hotel Manager and Program Director)
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 months, and upon a successful completion you will be offered a contract as Captain at Viking.
All costs of the training and exams are covered by Viking. This program adheres to the EU regulations concerning inland navigation.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Education
Active participation in online classes
Active participation in A3 Campus : leadership trainings, coaching programs, and safety trainings
Working in project groups and study groups
Attendance at the necessary exams
Security
Overall responsibility for safety on board the ship
Compliance with the guidelines, instructions (nautical manual) and regulations
Co-responsible for the impeccable cleanliness, hygiene, and order on board
Testing, planned maintenance and operation of all life saving and fire fighting appliances
Planning and execution of the safety drills
Maintain and controlling the watch book (Night Watch)
Train new employees and explain their duties within the safety management system
Administration
Monitor and update certificates, credentials, and approvals
Responsible for the administrative process and timely submission of all mandatory reports
Exchange information with the involved departments (Management, Operations, technical department)
Attend nautical meetings (also remotely and during the season on a higher frequency)
Check whether the necessary patents for the driven route are present on board
Check if the nautical crew’s service books contain the necessary qualifications for the operating form A1, A2, or B
Daily update of the crew scheduling
Additional duties
Train employees
Ensure Viking’s grooming standards are always followed
Train new skippers, train and provide a patent to the 2nd Officer
Conduct frequent ship inspections
Participation in meetings and company relevant trainings
Good contact with the authorities, WSP, ports, etc.
Assignment and control of shipping work in the nautical field
YOUR PROFILE
At least 1-year professional experience as a First Officer
English language knowledge
Personality
Motivated and eager to learn
Polite and team player
Able to follow instructions and flexible
Shows ambition and initiative
People focused leadership approach
Your deployment with Viking depends on the requirements for the respective river or country :
Rhine
Rhine license km 1’000 499 (Amsterdam Mainz)
Radar
Safety Expert (Sachkunde)
Languages : German and English (mandatory), Dutch and French are an asset
Danube
Danube license km 1’640 2’370 (Regensburg Budapest)
Radar
Safety Expert (Sachkunde)
Languages : German and English (mandatory), Dutch and French are an asset
France
Longeur illimitée
Radar
Safety Expert (Sachkunde)
Languages : French and English (mandatory), German is an asset 
