Nautical Instructor (f​/m​/d

It’s time to build the future of nautical skill and safety on board. Shape the training and standards that keep a growing fleet navigating safely.

We are looking for a Nautical Instructor to accelerate the development of our nauticalcompetenciesacrossourfleet. This is a key role at the core of our growth strategy, ensuring that River Advice has skilled, confident,nauticalcrewin every position.

This role is not only about training. It is about building a consistent, fleet-wide standard for nautical competence and safety, from Sailors to licensed Captains.

You will take responsibility for nautical education,Captaindevelopment, and onboard safety, working closely with the Fleet Manager, Safety Officers, and Directors. You will accelerate learning through simulator-based training and practical onboard instruction, set clear competency standards, and support both candidates and onboard trainers.

The role combines hands‑on instruction, structured assessment, and incident analysis. It requires someone who is experienced, structured, andsafety-driven.

• deliver practical onboard instruction that acceleratesthe path to competencytogether with our Captains
• ensuresimulatortraining is incorporated into the learning journey in collaboration with River Academy
• coach and support candidates and onboard trainers throughout their development from Sailor to Captain
• define the required competencies for each onboard role and applystandardised, framework‑aligned assessment criteria (CESNI ES‑QIN under Directive (EU) 2017/2397)
• build virtual navigation scenarios: rules of the road, crossing and overtaking, regulatory compliance, safety management, and incident and emergency situations
• set clear expectations and performance objectives, and track progress through continuous assessment
• analyse data from onboard systems (VDR, ECDIS, CCTV) and conduct post‑incident interviews to support corrective actions and legal proceedings
• feed lessons learned back into training and standards to continuously improve safety on board

• around
  20 years of operational experience as a vessel master or senior officer on inland waterways
• extensive knowledge of inland waterways, including their geography and hydraulic characteristics
• comprehensive expertise in water‑level management andthe relatednavigation constraints
• in‑depth knowledge of Rhine and European inland navigation regulations
• relevantboatmaster/ master certification for European inland waterways (e.g. Rhine Patent / EUBoatmaster’sCertificate)
• strong pedagogical and communication skills, with the ability to simplify and teach complex content
• a structured, analytical approach to coaching, assessment, and incident review
• strong communication in German and English

We are seeking someone who brings:

• a structured, standards‑based approach to training and assessment
• the ability to translate two decades of experience into clear, teachable fundamentals
• understanding of operational constraints and regulatory requirements on inland waterways
• strong ownership and accountability for competency and safety outcomes
• the ability to combine practical seamanship, data, and people development
• a hands‑on mindset combined with structured thinking

• a key role directly linked to fleet growth, safety, and operational stability
• the opportunity to build a fleet‑wide nautical training and assessment standard
• close collaboration with Nautical Operations, Safety, and leadership
• a dynamic and growing environment with high impact
• the chance to reduce risk, raise competence, and shape the future of safe navigation

If you are driven by seamanship, safety, and developing people, and want to build a strong nauticalorganisationin a growing company, we would like to hear from you.