River Pilot

Join American Cruise Lines as a River Pilot and navigate our modern vessels along scenic waterways across the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ships combine state‑of‑the‑art design with five‑star service for 100‑200 guests.

River Pilots are senior ocean‑faring watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and serving as professional leaders and examples to crew and passengers. They must possess experience in challenging coastal and river navigation and be prudent decision‑makers who continuously assess risk weeks, days, and hours ahead.

We offer competitive pay, benefits, comfortable onboard staterooms, chef‑prepared meals, a bridge simulator for rigorous recurrent training, and comprehensive professional development programs.

Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit guide our culture and service, and we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships
.

• Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
• Conduct safe vessel operations in accordance with company and regulatory standards.
• Operate vessel prudently, including piloting and maneuvering.
• Perform comprehensive daily inspection of all vessel interior and exterior spaces.
• Maintain administrative logs, reports, and communications.
• Lead a safe, secure, clean, and comfortable onboard environment for passengers and crew.
• Typical season:
  March–November, 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off.

• U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license: minimum 100‑ton, desire 1600‑ton or greater.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 2 years, desired 5 years with Z‑drive experience.
• Excellent communication and team‑building skills.
• Pre‑employment drug test and ongoing random testing participation.

• Competitive salary.
• Health, dental, and vision plans available.
• Matching 401(k) plan.
• World‑class training in our own ship simulator facility.
• Covered expenses: travel to and from vessel, room and board, uniforms, and paid training from industry experts.
• Job sites across the nation.