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- Tasks: Join our crew to navigate beautiful waterways and ensure guests have an unforgettable experience.
- Company: European Waterways has been creating unique hotel barge experiences for over 35 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment, meet diverse people, and explore enchanting regions.
- Why this job: This is a chance to combine your passion for hospitality with adventure on the water.
- Qualifications: A love for barging, good mechanical skills, and a clean driving license are essential.
- Other info: Trainee pilots can join and study for their barge driving license within 1-2 years.
Hotel barging is a wonderful opportunity to explore beautiful regions in unique detail, and to meet some interesting people from around the world along the way.
If you are interested in any of the vacancies below please contact Isabelle Price HR Manager with your C.V. at
Employment as a crew member of European Waterways is best suited to team players who recognise that hard work, enthusiasm and people skills all play vital roles which help ensure our passengers have an excellent holiday and return home good ambassadors of the unique and special world hotel barging really is.
For over 35 years, we have been operating vessels on the enchanting inland waterways of Europe. Please take a look at our video below to see what we are all about.
Captain
The Captain is the key figure on any hotel barge. With overall responsibility for the vessel, crew and passengers, the Captain needs to be an energetic person, able to motivate their crew and have excellent leadership, communication and inter-personal skills. They need to be able to liaise at all levels and have a first-class knowledge of both their vessel and the cruise area.
The Captain is responsible for the overall management of the barge, ensuring that their vessel is always in good working order and maintain the highest of standards on board. As team-leader, they must ensure that every crewmember is carrying out their duties correctly and be prepared to take part in any crew duty where necessary.
Apart from driving the barge, the Captain may lead some of the excursions together with the Tour Leader. Through their excellent customer service skills they need to be able to make their passengers feel safe and relaxed, and should always be easily accessible to them. Guests often enjoy joining the Captain in the wheel-house and experiencing the cruise from the “driving seat”. The last evening is the Captain’s dinner at which the Captain is host.
In France a French canal passenger licence is required and fluent French is recommended. This is a challenging role requiring a dynamic and flexible individual who is confident and at ease in company, and can use their initiative to solve problems.
Pilot
A passion for barging and a genuine interest in hospitality are the two key elements required in a European Waterways Pilot. As the crewmember central to navigation and responsible for the appearance and effective operation of the hotel barge, they will need to have good mechanical skills and an eye for detail as well as lots of energy and a dynamic personality.
The principal job of the Pilot is to steer the vessel, negotiating the most intimate canals and rivers, securing it through locks, and mooring. A high level of responsibility and careful piloting skill is required, with regard to the passenger’s safety, other crewmembers, and yourself.
An important part of the Pilot’s role is the maintenance of the barge. Working knowledge of the engines and generators is essential as mechanical checks need to be regularly undertaken in the engine room, as well as first line repairs where necessary. General maintenance includes cleaning the decks, securing deck furniture, and lifting and carrying items such as gangplanks.
Ideally, a hotel barge pilot should already have the appropriate country or regional specific or European barge driving licence with a passenger carrying endorsement. Applicants without a barge driving licence can join as a trainee pilot and study for the appropriate licence which takes 1-2 years. A clean driving licence is also required. An ability to speak French and English is desired.
Tour Guide
The post of Tour Guide requires a dynamic and flexible individual who is a good communicator and has a genuine love of history, culture and gastronomy. The Tour Guide must have a genuine interest in the region, and the subjects of the visits. Specific knowledge of the set tours must be learnt prior to the start of the season.
The Tour Guide is the principle van driver in the team, and must take this responsibility very seriously. Passenger safety is paramount, at all times. A good knowledge of French and English, a clean driving licence and an enthusiastic approach to work are desired.
Chef
The Chef must have a good working knowledge of food in general, French cuisine in particular, and have an active interest in the food of the region. They will need to be able to demonstrate good presentation skills and all cooking methods.
The Chef is responsible for selecting the weekly menu, shopping, stock management and bookkeeping. A driving licence, a good knowledge of French (where appropriate) and good spoken English are desired.
Host/Hostess
A barge Host / Hostess is organised and untiring, ensuring guest comfort and performing housework and upkeep of the boat interior. A high level of customer service experience is essential. Responsibilities include serving at mealtimes, preparing drinks, and daily cleaning of cabins and bathrooms.
Contact us
If you are interested in any of the vacancies above please contact Isabelle Price HR Manager with your C.V. at
Pilot-Matelot employer: European Waterways
Contact Detail:
European Waterways Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pilot-Matelot
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the unique aspects of hotel barging and the specific regions where European Waterways operates. This knowledge will not only help you stand out during conversations but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in hospitality or customer service, as these skills are crucial for ensuring passengers have an excellent holiday. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've made guests feel welcome and comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
If you don't already have a barge driving license, consider enrolling in a training program as soon as possible. Showing initiative in obtaining this qualification can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your French language skills if you're not already fluent. Being able to communicate effectively with both passengers and crew in French will be a significant advantage in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Pilot-Matelot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasize any previous experience you have in hospitality, navigation, or mechanical maintenance. Tailor your CV to showcase skills that align with the responsibilities of a Pilot-Matelot.
Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for hotel barging and hospitality in your cover letter. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the unique environment of hotel barging.
Demonstrate Language Skills: Since fluency in French is recommended, be sure to mention your language proficiency clearly in your application. If you have any certifications or relevant experiences that highlight your language skills, include those as well.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter for the specific position of Pilot-Matelot. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your application stands out and aligns with what the company is looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at European Waterways
✨Show Your Passion for Hospitality
Make sure to express your genuine interest in hospitality and hotel barging during the interview. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for providing excellent customer service and creating memorable experiences for guests.
✨Demonstrate Your Mechanical Skills
Since the role requires good mechanical skills, be prepared to discuss any previous experience you have with maintenance or repairs. Highlight specific examples where you successfully handled mechanical issues or performed regular checks on equipment.
✨Highlight Your Team Player Attitude
European Waterways values team players, so emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team environment in past roles and how you can motivate and support your crewmates.
✨Prepare for Language Proficiency Questions
Fluency in French is recommended, so be ready to demonstrate your language skills. Practice common phrases or scenarios you might encounter while interacting with guests, and be prepared to answer questions in both English and French if necessary.
