River Pilot

American Cruise Lines; Marco Island (FL); On-site; USD 55,350 - 73,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rate

Health, dental, vision and 401(k)

Access to advanced simulator-based training

Travel, room and board covered

Job summary

A prominent cruise company seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots for their fleet. As a Nav Mate, you will ensure safe vessel operations and represent the company as a leader. The role requires a U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license, with a minimum of 2 years of experience in coastal and river waterways. Attractive benefits include competitive rates, health coverage, and covered expenses for travel, room, and training. The position follows a typical schedule of 6 weeks on and 3 weeks off.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience on coastal and river waterways, ideally 5 years with Z-drive.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without accommodation.
• Participation in pre-employment drug test and random testing.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
• Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Maintain logs and reports.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Team-building skills

Education

U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license: minimum 100T

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

Experience on coastal and river waterways

Job description

American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S.-flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. American Cruise Lines Nav Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Our Nav Mates are prudent decision-makers continually assessing potential risk weeks, days, and hours ahead of the vessel and crew. Our Nav Mates are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.

Nav Mates enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.

At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.

Responsibilities

Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.

Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.

Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.

Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.

Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.

Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.

Work Schedule

• Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
• This is a full-time, exempt position.

Qualifications

• U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
• Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
• Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Essential Functions

• Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
• Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
• Ability to assist in the event of an on‑board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
• Ability to stand for your entire shift.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
• Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive daily rate.
• Health, dental, vision and 401(k) with match.
• Access to advanced simulator‑based training.
• Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment

By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics under applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including but not limited to hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination and access to benefits.

Job sites across the nation. This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.