On course to become a captainFrom apprentice to deckhand

A shipping company with a long tradition of apprenticeship training.

Photo: Person in split ship uniform and casual clothing symbolizing an apprenticeship at DDSG Blue Danube.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Questions about the apprenticeship

Interested in an apprenticeship at DDSG Blue Danube?

For any questions about our apprenticeship opportunities and the application process, Claudia Hermann will be happy to assist.

Contact details:

Claudia Hermann
DDSG Blue Danube Schiffahrt GmbH
Handelskai 265, 1020 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 1 588 80-444
E-mail: [email protected] Opens in new window

Application Documents

To complete an application, the following documents are required. Please have all documents ready in digital format (PDF or scanned copy) before uploading:

Apprenticeship 2027

Thank you for your interest in an apprenticeship with DDSG Blue Danube.

The application period for apprenticeships starting in 2027 is expected to begin towards the end of 2026. Applications can only be accepted and processed from that time onwards.

Until then, we kindly ask for your patience and look forward to welcoming motivated applicants in the near future.

Work Experience Days & Trial Opportunities

Are you interested in starting an apprenticeship with DDSG Blue Danube and would like to get to know our company? As part of the application process for an apprenticeship position, candidates may have the opportunity to spend a week gaining practical experience on board following a successful interview. This provides valuable insight into daily operations and the wide range of activities within our company.

Please note that opportunities to gain practical experience are offered exclusively as part of the apprenticeship application process.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Training Objective & Career Opportunities

Photo: Person in ship uniform in front of a red graphic element symbolising apprenticeship training at DDSG Blue Danube.

Award-Winning Apprenticeship EmployerTraining Objective & Career Opportunities

Training Objective: Apprenticeship as an Inland Waterway Deckhand

Career Opportunities: Inland Waterway Deckhand, Helmsperson. With additional training: Captain.

What can apprentices look forward to?

In addition to a comprehensive apprenticeship program, DDSG Blue Danube offers a range of attractive benefits, including free lunch on board, a Top Youth Ticket valid in Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, work uniforms, and full coverage of all course and examination fees required for the additional qualification to become a captain.

Apprenticeship Remuneration 2026

  • 1st year of apprenticeship: gross from € 813.00
  • 2nd year of apprenticeship: gross from € 973.00
  • 3rd year of apprenticeship: gross from € 1,255.00

Additional allowances may apply depending on the area of work and assignment.

Award-Winning Apprenticeship Employer

Graphic: Austrian federal eagle with the words “State-Awarded Training Company”.

Award-Winning Apprenticeship Employer

DDSG Blue Danube Schiffahrt GmbH is among Austria’s recognised training companies and has been awarded the distinction of a Vienna Top Apprenticeship Employer.

As one of only 142 apprenticeship employers, DDSG Blue Danube received this quality seal in recognition of its outstanding training standards and was awarded the distinction for the period from 2016 to 2023.

What do we expect from a future apprentice?

In addition to a basic technical understanding, reliability, teamwork, punctuality and a sense of responsibility are essential. A willingness to travel, resilience in all weather conditions and an interest in working on and around the water are equally important.

In short, we are looking for motivated young people who enjoy working with others, are ready to take responsibility and are eager to start a varied apprenticeship in the shipping industry.

Show us what you've got!

Graphic: Gold “playmit BASIC” seal with a check mark. German text: “Zeig was du kannst! Mit der PLAYMIT-URKUNDE Basic kannst du dich auf den Bewerbungstest vorbereiten. Lege deine fertige Urkunde der Bewerbung bei und zeig uns dein Engagement und deine Stärken!” Blue button: “Jetzt auf PLAYMIT spielen” with a white arrow.

Show us what you've got!

With Playmit Opens in new window, applicants can demonstrate their skills and knowledge. The certificates earned strengthen an application, highlight motivation and commitment, and increase the chances of securing an apprenticeship or job opportunity with DDSG Blue Danube.

So, how do you become a captain?

From apprentice to deckhand

The three-year apprenticeship as an Inland Waterway Deckhand is the first step towards a career on the bridge. This diverse hands-on training on board provides a solid foundation for a career in shipping, with opportunities to progress all the way to becoming a Captain.

Practical Training on Board and in the Company

  • Assist in operating and navigating vessels
  • Preparing vessels for operation
  • Operating engines, technical systems and onboard equipment
  • Carrying out manoeuvring operations
  • Assisting with passenger embarkation and disembarkation
  • Performing various nautical deck duties
  • Maintaining vessels, machinery, systems and equipment
  • Identifying hazards and taking appropriate navigational action
  • Implementing safety and emergency procedures
  • Communicating and cooperating with customers and authorities

Theoretical Education at Vocational School

  • Vocational School for Metal Engineering, Optics and Manufacturing Technology, Apollogasse 1, 1070 Vienna
  • Block release system: 12 weeks per apprenticeship year
  • 3 school years comprising a total of 1,500 lessons
  • Core Subjects:
    Civic Education, German and Communication, Occupation-related Foreign Language, Business Administration and Commercial Correspondence, Accounting
  • Specialized Subjects:
    Waterways and Inland Navigation, Ship Engineering, Shipping Operations Management, Cruise and Maritime Tourism, Applied Information Technology, Laboratory Training, Practical Training (Internship)

The Road to the Wheelhouse

Those who successfully complete their apprenticeship and have reached the age of 21 can take the next step toward becoming a captain and begin their journey towards earning the coveted four stripes on their uniform.

Career on the Danube

Gallery

Career on the Danube

Hands-on experience, responsibility and real career opportunities: An apprenticeship with DDSG Blue Danube offers a varied and exciting entry into the world of inland navigation.

Photo: Apprentice handling a mooring line on board a DDSG vessel on the Vienna Danube Canal.Photo: Apprentice securing a mooring line around a bollard at a landing stage in Vienna.Photo: Apprentice practising radio communication in a vessel's wheelhouse with an instructor.Photo: Apprentice working on the flag line of MS Vindobona before departure in Vienna.Photo: Apprentice checking a passenger ticket at a DDSG landing stage in Vienna.Photo: Apprentice raising a flag at the bow of a DDSG vessel on the Vienna Danube Canal.Photo: Apprentice operating a digital control and monitoring system inside a DDSG vessel.Photo: Apprentice cleaning the exterior wall of a DDSG vessel with a long brush on the Vienna Danube Canal.Photo: Apprentice cleaning the windows of a DDSG vessel on the Vienna Danube Canal.Photo: Apprentice securing a mooring line at a DDSG vessel landing stage in Vienna.Photo: Apprentice observing the waterway with binoculars from a vessel's wheelhouse.Photo: Apprentice checking passenger information with a mobile device during boarding.
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