Director Maritime Standards (Nautical)

At CSMART, we support maritime professionals in performing safely, confidently and to the highest standards. As part of Carnival Corporation, our work connects advanced maritime training with real-world operations across the global fleet.  

We are looking for an experienced cruise-ship Captain to join us as Director, Maritime Standards – Nautical. In this role, you will lead the Fleet Captain program and lead continuous improvement in all aspects of nautical operations across Carnival Corporation’s eight cruise brands. You’ll develop recommendations and directions on nautical standards across our global organization and support corporate and brands in nautical matters either as SME or project lead. Furthermore, you will connect CSMART training with its practical application on board. By gathering operational feedback, identifying recurring learning and translating fleet experience into well-founded recommendations, you will contribute to the continuous improvement of courses, simulator scenarios and professional maritime standards.
Key responsibilities  

• Lead the Fleet Captain program, setting annual priorities and coordinating deployment plans and manage the associated travel budget.
• Allocate Fleet Captain activities across shipboard reviews, CSMART assignments and subject-matter-expert contributions.
• Oversee ship visits and other feedback channels to evaluate how training is applied in practice.
• Identify recurring learning, operational gaps and good practices through observations, fleet feedback and post-course evaluations.
• Translate validated fleet learning into recommendations for existing courses, new learning solutions and simulator scenarios.
• Act as a senior nautical subject-matter expert for CSMART, the cruise brands and relevant shoreside stakeholders.
• Work closely with Maritime Professional Development, Operations, Operations and other stakeholders.
• Coach senior maritime professionals and provide structured input to the employing brands regarding Fleet Captain deployments.
• Manage the program’s travel budget and support other nautical projects and initiatives as required.  

Requirements & Experience  

• In-depth knowledge of cruise-ship marine operations, shipboard leadership, safety culture and maritime management systems.
• Proven experience leading senior maritime professionals, including setting priorities, allocating work and providing coaching.
• The ability to lead global programs through both direct and matrix relationships.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn operational evidence into practical recommendations.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across shipboard, brand and shoreside environments.
• The ability to build effective relationships and create alignment across different teams and areas of expertise.
• Experience in maritime training, curriculum improvement, simulator-based learning, training transfer or formal program management would be an advantage

Essential qualifications

• At least three years of experience as a Captain on cruise ships.
• A bachelor’s degree in Marine Operations or another relevant discipline.
• A valid Master STCW Certificate of Competency.
• The ability to travel internationally and work aboard ships.
• The flexibility to work occasionally outside normal business hours

Why join CSMART?

As Director Maritime Standards, you will lead continuous improvement in all aspects of nautical operations across our Corporation and brands. Your experience and leadership will influence operational excellence, safety culture and advancement of professional maritime standards.

At CSMART, you will work in a highly specialized and international maritime environment where collaboration, professional expertise and continuous improvement are central to how we work. You will have the opportunity to influence how training is transferred into onboard practice and how operational learning is brought back into future training and development.  

This is a senior role with global reach, connecting shore and fleet and contributing directly to the continued development of maritime safety, leadership and operational excellence across Carnival Corporation.  

Interested in joining us?

We would be pleased to hear from experienced maritime leaders who want to help shape the future of nautical standards and professional development.

The selection process consists of two interviews at CSMART. To accommodate travel arrangements, these interviews will either be scheduled on the same day or on two consecutive days. Further details regarding the recruitment process will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

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