The Program
We are looking for dedicated professionals with at least 500 sailing days on the deck of an ocean-going vessel or 5 years of verifiable experience – ready to take the next step in their career. The Career Switch Program: Ocean to River provides intensive preparation for the management exam required to obtain the internationally recognized master mariner’s certificate (Union Patent). Through a practical combination of in-depth theoretical instruction and valuable on-board experience, participants develop all the skills necessary for responsible and efficient ship management.
Legal Facts
First, please note that certificates, qualifications, and experience acquired on ocean-going vessels as part of a seagoing career are not fully compatible with the legal requirements for certificates, qualifications, and experience in an inland waterway career. This incompatibility affects approximately 80% of the requirements. In other words: Legally speaking, you have to start from scratch.
For you, this means that you must complete training as a deckhand. However, the EU and its member states have created a special bridging pathway specifically for people like you, which can save you at least one year.
The relevant regulation is Directive (EU) 2017/2397.
Terms of Employment
Your employer covers the training costs and pays your salary.
The training is free of charge for participants – the requirement is a three-year commitment to the sponsoring employer, which operates in either the cargo or passenger shipping sector. During the training period, participants are employed as Trainee Helmsmen.
In addition, trainees benefit from free accommodation in shared housing and full board throughout the entire training period – both at the training campus and on board the ships.
Training
The training takes place at the modern River Academy campus in Šamorín near Bratislava, located directly on the Danube. There, participants benefit from first-class training facilities: state-of-the-art ship simulators and hands-on exercises aboard our own training vessel, the River Academy I. Classes are taught by experienced and recognized experts – right on campus. Accommodations are also well taken care of: you will stay in our own hotel on the campus grounds.
What We Offer
- Exciting career opportunity
- Full coverage of costs by your new employer
- A competitive salary and benefits during the training period
- Mentorship from experienced professionals in the inland waterway shipping industry
- A collaborative and supportive work environment
- Free accommodation (shared housing) and meals both at the training facility and on board the ships
- Discover Europe’s most beautiful rivers and cities
- 4:2 rotation (4 weeks on board, 2 weeks off)
Training Details
- 18-month training program
- Practical experience in inland waterway shipping under the supervision of experienced officers
- Guidance and academic support for obtaining an inland waterway shipping license
- Workshops on leadership, technical skills, and industry regulations
- Regular evaluations to assess progress and readiness for more advanced responsibilities
- Training on state-of-the-art ship simulators
Your Responsibilities on Board
- The initial 9 months: Acquiring the duties of a sailor in compliance with operating procedures, safety standards, and training requirements
- Continuously develop and strengthen sailing competencies through ongoing training
- Supervise and support sailors and trainees, ensuring compliance with all procedures
- Ensure the rescue boat is operationally ready at all times
- Manage safe mooring operations and proper gangway setup
- Conduct daily inspections of mooring lines
- Ensure adherence to PPE requirements
- Report any damage or operational issues to the captain
- Maintain high guest service standards across all ships
- Active contribution to the guest experience on board
- Keep the vessel clean, orderly, and well-maintained
Candidate Requirements
- Citizenship of an EU country or a residence permit allowing work in the EU
- At least 500 sailing days on the deck of an ocean-going vessel (preference given to applicants with AB, OS, or Bosun qualifications) or 5 years of verifiable professional experience
- Maritime experience with certificates of competency qualifying for work on the deck of seagoing vessels (STCW certificate preferred)
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Eagerness to learn and establish yourself in a new industry
- Interest in building a stable and long-term career in inland waterway shipping
- Ability to meet the physical demands of deck work, including prolonged standing, lifting, and working in various weather conditions
