Ship Captain
Auray,
France
"Guardian of safety and the smooth running of the adventure for 12 passengers."
The spirit of the position
Join Escales Polaires, a passionate company specialising in Arctic cruises and expeditions. Our mission is to offer our clients unforgettable experiences in the heart of Norwegian landscapes and Svalbard, aboard our 25-metre expedition vessel.
We are looking for an experienced and versatile Captain to take command and ensure the safety of the crew, passengers, and the vessel in polar environments.
Your Role: The Heart of the Expedition
Based in Tromso (Norway), under the English flag, you are the sole person responsible on board. Your role is to ensure the smooth running of operations and the total safety of the vessel, passengers, and crew.
Your Main Missions:
- Ensure maritime safety on board and for passengers at all times.
- Manage, supervise, and motivate the crew.
- Plan, supervise, and carry out regular maintenance of all systems (engine, deck, bridge).
- Manage the preparation and follow-up of technical stops.
- Ensure excellent customer relations and represent the shipowner.
- Manage relations with local port authorities (Norway).
Activity Seasons
You will join the team to cover our three unique expedition seasons:
AUTUMN / WINTER | WINTER / SPRING | SUMMER |
mid-October to early December | early February to mid-April | early May to mid-September |
Orcas, Whales and Northern Lights | Sea & Mountain | Expeditions to Spitsbergen (Svalbard Islands). |
Employment Conditions
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Work location | Tromso region (Norway) + Svalbard Islands. |
| Contract | Freelance position (possibility of evolving into a permanent position under ENIM regime). |
| Rotational | Possibility of a 2 months on / 2 months off or 3 months on / 3 months off rotation. |
| Start of the position | As soon as possible (ASAP). |
| Remuneration | Competitive salary + collective profit sharing |
| Benefits | Retirement compensation, paid leave allowance, end-of-season bonus, training support |
| Expenses covered | Home/ship travel expenses (embarkation and disembarkation) covered. |
| Social regime | Contract under social regime fully covered by the shipping company. |
| Compliance | Ship certified MLC compliant. |
Desired profile
You are a dynamic, organised and methodical leader, with significant experience in a maritime environment, ideally in the Arctic region.
Skills & Experience
- Certificate: Yacht Master Offshore (Commercial Endorsed) minimum, or 500GT.
- Certifications: Medical certificate and up-to-date STCW modules.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of significant experience in similar positions.
- Technical: Strong understanding and versatility in mechanics, electricity and hydraulics (the vessel is technically simple, but autonomy is key).
- Languages: Fluent in French and English (essential for crew and clients).
Non-negotiable human qualities
Humility in the face of the elements and others.
Absolute calm in crisis situations.
Strong sense of service and hospitality.
Ability to live in a small community for several months.
What we are not looking for
Individualistic or authoritarian profiles.
People seeking a prestigious title without the operational side.
Lack of respect for the crew's work or the comfort of passengers.
Evolution and long-term vision
Opportunity to become the technical reference for the fleet or to participate in the equipping of new ships in the medium term.
Is this for you?
This position is for you if...
For sailors who enjoy technology, the unexpected, and direct human contact without artifice.
...It is clearly not for you if...
For those who prefer to stay on the bridge without ever going down to the deck or talking to guests.