RIVER - Nautical Instructor

Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Executive Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

• Reports to the Nautical Instructor Team Leader and plays a key role in developing future Viking Captains by transferring practical sailing skills, sound judgment, and confidence through hands-on, scenario-based instruction.
  • Delivers simulator-based training as the core focus of the role, representing approximately 80% of activity, using Viking’s unique methodology tailored to the Nautical Officer role and Viking itineraries.
  • Contributes to the continuous development of Viking’s simulator training approach by creating new scenarios, supporting the digital training environment, and providing practical input on simulator equipment and standards.
  • Collaborates closely with simulator operators, instructors, and the Team Leader on scheduling, quality, and standards; this is a field-based role requiring up to 90% travel, mainly to training centers in Germany and Austria.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver simulator-based training as the core focus of the role, using Viking’s methodology and standardized scenarios to build practical inland navigation skills, voyage planning, team communication, and river-specific regulatory knowledge.
  • Train students in maneuvering under varying wind, current, and water-level conditions, as well as the use of propulsion, steering, radar, VHF, ECDIS, dynamic positioning, and track pilot technologies.
  • Lead effective briefings, debriefings, knowledge transfer, standardized assessments, and performance reporting for simulator training and promotion evaluations.
  • Develop new simulator scenarios, improve existing training materials, integrate new technologies, and support the evolution of Viking’s digital training environment and simulator equipment.
  • Review and quality-check simulator training delivered by other instructors, providing feedback to ensure consistent delivery to Viking standards.
  • Deliver classroom, webinar, and blended-learning sessions on navigation, safety, emergency preparedness, inland waterway operations, and selected cross-departmental exercises.
  • Maintain accurate student records in the Learning Management System, keep digital learning content up to date, and coordinate schedules, resources, logistics, standards, and learning-culture initiatives with the team.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualified Captain in inland navigation with experience on the Rhine and Danube; Main and Moselle experience is an asset.
  • Strong background in nautical training, assessment, mentoring, observation, and constructive feedback.
  • Patient, approachable, proactive, reliable, and organized, with strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to explain complex topics clearly.
  • Fluent in German and English; French is an asset.
  • Able to use IT and nautical navigational equipment; good knowledge of Microsoft 365, including 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.

CULTURE & BENEFITS

• Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply via our website www.vikingcareers.com, including your CV in English and a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself and your interest for the role.

Unsolicited submissions of candidates from agencies will not be considered