From 2nd Officer to 1st Officer

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 A2 SECOND OFFICER TO FIRST OFFICER PROGRAM

In the A2 program you will develop all skills, knowledge and experience needed to become a First Officer at Viking. The training will focus on:

• Perfecting your sailing and manoeuvring skills on the Rhine, Danube or on French waterways – including a series of trainings in a simulator
• Extending your knowledge of technical aspects of the Viking Longships
• Becoming an expert in our Safety Management System according to ISO 45001 and ISO 14001
• Exploring different management and leadership styles – in theory and practice
• Getting your radar license

The duration of the program is 12 months, and upon a successful completion you will be offered a contract as First Officer at Viking. 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. All costs of the training and exams is covered by Viking. This program adheres to the EU regulations concerning inland navigation.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Education

• Active participation in online classes
• Active participation in the onboard training program (approx. 4 hours of sailing daily)
• Active participation in leadership trainings, coaching programs, and safety trainings
• Working in project groups and study groups
• Attendance in the necessary exams

Security

• Responsible for the safety on board the ship in the absence of the Captain and 1st Officer
• Compliance with the guidelines, instructions (nautical manual) and regulations
• Co-responsible for the impeccable cleanliness, hygiene, and order on board

Navigation

• Comply with navigation regulations when on watch
• Lead on deck for safe mooring, when securing the ship
• To secure the gangway
• To make sure the sundeck complies with guests' expectations at all times

Administration

• Maintain personnel record books
• Maintain the logbook properly
• To manage the inventory and order of paint / materials / detergents
• To assign the daily work to Sailors and Apprentices
• To check the appearance of the navigators
• Inspection of the ship at regular intervals
• To check the condition of mooring lines / wires on a daily basis
• To ensure personnel are wearing minimum personal protective equipment
• Maintain professionalism and safe ship operations

YOUR PROFILE

• At least 1-year professional experience as a Second 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 –688 (Amsterdam –Cologne)
• Radar
• VHF
• Safety Expert (Sachkunde)
• Languages:
  • German and English (mandatory),
  • Dutch and French are an asset

Danube

• Any Danube licenses
• Radar
• VHF
• Safety Expert (Sachkunde)
• Languages:
  • German and English (mandatory),
  • Dutch and French are an asset

France

• Longeur illimitée
• Radar
• VHF
• Safety Expert (Sachkunde)
• Languages:
  • French and English (mandatory),
  • German is an asset