River Pilot

American Cruise Lines; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Simulator training

Travel and lodging provided

Job summary

American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate pilots to lead our U.S.-flag fleet. Nav Mates serve as senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations and professional leadership aboard vessels across inland and coastal routes.

Typical schedule features 6 weeks on/3 weeks off or 4 weeks on/4 weeks off. This is a full-time, exempt position with access to modern bridge simulators and advanced training, rewarding those who focus on safety, service and teamwork.

Qualifications

• U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license with 100 GRT near coastal endorsement; 1,600 GRT+ preferred.
• TWIC credential required.
• Experience on coastal and river waterways: 2+ years; 5+ years preferred with Z-drive exposure.
• Excellent communication and team-building skills.
• Pre-employment drug test and ongoing random testing.

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.

Skills

Coast Guard Master’s license

Near Coastal endorsement

GRT 100–1600

TWIC

Coastal and river experience

Team leadership

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 100 GRT with Near Coastal endorsement; 1,600 GRT or greater preferred.
• 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.

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, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic 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.