River Pilot - 2027

American Cruise Lines

12d

About The Position

American Cruise Lines is seeking experienced River Pilots to lead its U.S.-flag fleet, which operates along inland and coastal waterways including the East Coast, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and the Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. The company’s modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests.

River Pilots are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations and compliance with company and regulatory standards. They represent the company as professional leaders and make prudent decisions by continually assessing risks ahead of the vessel and crew. The role calls for meticulous professionals who serve guests and set an example for crew members.

The position is full-time and exempt, with a typical March-through-November cruise season schedule of six weeks on and three weeks off or four weeks on and four weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter aboard vessels operating or repositioning year-round. Pilots receive comfortable onboard accommodations and chef-prepared meals. The company operates a bridge simulator for recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills.

American Cruise Lines operates across job sites nationwide. The job description notes that its duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

Requirements

• U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license, minimum 100 GRT with Near Coastal endorsement.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• At least 2 years of experience on coastal and river waterways.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Team-building skills.
• Pass a pre-employment drug test and continually participate in random testing.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
• Ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment subject to constant ship motion.
• Ability to work around 12 hours per day and stand for the entire shift.
• Ability to assist in an onboard emergency by quickly climbing a ladder and opening and passing through a 20-inch-diameter hatch.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to frequently bend, squat, and reach, and to use stairs frequently.
• Ability to live and work aboard a vessel for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

• U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license of 1,600 GRT or greater.
• Five years of coastal and river waterways experience.
• Z-drive experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the 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.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Access to advanced simulator-based training.
• Travel, room and board, uniforms, and training expenses covered.
• Comfortable onboard accommodations and chef-prepared meals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed