Future potential and ambitions on board

Mentorschip form a Captain

As a Captain, it truly motivates Ricky when he see crew members showing the ambition to grow. “My door is always open, but they need to take the initiative and say they want to learn,” says First Captain on the Excellence Crown.

Confident professsionals

Rick knows from experience what it means to grow step by step in this industry.
“I started my career on a tanker. Before my shift began, I would step into the wheelhouse to watch and learn. After a while, I was allowed to navigate under supervision. It was all about trial and error. You don’t just learn this job from theory, you need to put in the hours, make mistakes, and grow from them.”
Today, Rick applies the same approach with his own crew. “When I see someone with ambition, I invest time in them. I want them to succeed.”

Mentorship on board

Rick has been with Rivertech for three years, sailing as First Captain on the Excellence Crown. “From day one, I’ve been mentoring several sailors. They are completing their training, logging hours, and proving their skills. I sign off their progress, guide them on navigation, challenge them to spot risks, and ensure they understand the details from manoeuvring lines to checking oil levels. Step by step, they grow into confident professionals.”

personal connection

Rivertech has expanded rapidly in recent years, but for Rick the company still feels close and familiar. “That personal connection is why I joined. Everyone knows each other, and contact with the office is straightforward and supportive. As a Captain, you carry alot responsibility. It’s reassuring to know you can easily talk to your Corporate Captain or Fleet manager. That trust goes both ways. It creates a safe culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. That’s how teamwork thrives.”
Rick aims to foster the same culture on board. “I want my crew to feel safe to try, fail, and grow. Because that’s how you truly learn in this profession.”

Diversity and balance

The Excellence Crown sails with seven sailors instead of the usual six, due to the heavy sailing schedule. Among them are three women, something Rick is particularly proud of.
“The dynamic really changes. Women bring finesse, attention to detail and patience. In a male-dominated industry, they hold their own and contribute a great deal to the balance on board. The mix of different cultures: Polish, Belgian, Filipino, makes the team stronger. I also learn from them. Their ambition motivates me too, and I enjoy guiding them towards roles such as a Helmsman.”

Future potential

Where does Rick see his sailors in a few years? “Claire has just joined but already dreams of getting her licence. I admire that motivation and that drive is exactly what we need on board. I’ll support her in finding out how her qualifications fit within the EU system.”

Ambition for the future

And what about Rick himself? “I’m happy where I am now. Maybe in the future I could grow into a role as a Corporate Captain or Corporate Engineer. A desk job doesn’t suit me. The cruise industry is dynamic, so I keep an open mind. For now, my ambition is clear: to support the growth of my crew and help shape the next generation of sailors.”

Are you our next Captain?

Whether you come from the cargo world or have earned your stripes elsewhere, with us, you’ll have the chance to combine your skills at the helm with leadership, adventure, and true teamwork.
 

Expertise & Experience

Navigation and Operation:

• Safely navigating the ship on the rivers in Europe, in accordance with maritime regulations.
• Managing the ship’s itinerary, dockings, course, speed, and overall operation in line with customers’ demand.
• Sailing the ship by himself or instructing the second captain to do so.

Crew Management:

• Supervising and coordinating the activities of the nautical and technical crew on board.
• Conduct regular meetings and give instructions to ensure all crew members are informed and prepared.
• Completing personal plans of the technical and nautical crew and keeping record of absence or other occurrences.
• Interaction with Engineer on board to ensure maintenance, service and uptime of the ship.

Safety and Compliance:

• Always ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
• Conducting safety drills and ensuring the vessel complies with all safety regulations.
• Initiating safety checks with Engineer and Hotel Manager.
• Spokesperson for authorities that come on board.

Customer Relations:

• Interacting with guests, addressing their concerns, and ensuring they have a pleasant experience.
• Acting as a representative of the cruise company, upholding its standards and reputation.
• Conducting welcome and safety speeches and hosting captains dinner or other formal representations.

Logistics and Coordination:

• Ensuring the ship is sailing the itinerary according to schedule.
• Managing docking procedures and coordinating with port authorities.
• Cooperation with Corporate Fleet Manager and Locks & Docks Manager.

Reporting:

• Keeping detailed logs and records of the vessel’s operations.
• Reporting the vessel’s performance and any issues that arise.

Overall, our First Captain plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of our fleet, balancing technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills to ensure a successful cruise with happy guests.

Should you be interested in working as a First Captain at Rivertech, please read more and apply.