Director Nautical Operations
Job Description
Position Overview
The Director, Nautical Operations is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant nautical operations across the NCLH fleet (Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises). This role provides leadership in operational planning, itinerary development, and nautical policy execution while collaborating cross-functionally to maintain the highest standards of maritime safety, environmental compliance, and guest service excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership in bridge procedures, voyage planning, navigational practices, fuel efficiency, and maritime safety.
- Ensure compliance with international maritime regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, ISM Code, etc.).
- Oversee simulator training for Captains in ports with unique maneuvering demands.
- Monitor itineraries and evaluate impacts from weather or technical issues, proposing feasible alternatives.
- Collaborate with itinerary planners to ensure safe and operable deployment of voyages.
- Lead audits and assessments of bridge operations and navigational performance.
- Review and integrate modern navigation technologies, including ECDIS and voyage optimization tools.
- Coordinate with vendors on the adoption of emerging nautical equipment.
- Provide nautical support related to charts, publications, bridge design, and equipment across the fleet.
- Offer feedback on newbuilds regarding maneuverability, bridge layouts, shell doors, and navigational systems.
- Participate in industry meetings and relevant conferences.
- Communicate schedules for USCG inspections and assist with CBP/local official arrangements.
- Evaluate and arrange shore power connections in collaboration with technical and Port teams.
- Facilitate smooth operations in turnaround ports by coordinating equipment, staff, and shuttle services with Port Operations Teams.
- Assess the feasibility of new ports or itinerary adjustments with regard to nautical operations, guest operations, and environmental requirements.
- Support port compliance documentation and continuous improvement efforts.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in a maritime-related field.
- Master Mariner Unlimited license or equivalent seafaring credentials (preferred); or a bachelor's degree combined with equivalent experience.
- Minimum 10 years of maritime industry experience, including senior shipboard command and at least 3 years in shoreside leadership roles.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks (IMO, SOLAS, Flag/Port State Control) and operational logistics.
- Proven managerial experience with personnel coordination and cross-departmental collaboration.
- Familiarity with modern bridge technologies, voyage planning tools, port infrastructure, and guest operations.
- Excellent communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and maritime information systems.
- Willingness to travel globally, including shipboard and port visits.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with classification societies and maritime administrations.
- Familiarity with modern bridge technologies and voyage optimization tools.
- Proven track record of innovation in operational efficiency and safety improvement.
- Demonstrated leadership in multicultural environments and global maritime operations.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws (FMLA, EPPA, Job Safety and Health: It's the Law).