Since its humble beginnings in 1988 Dieter has been at the “helm” of The Viking Maritime Group (formerly Viking Recruitment) which consists of Viking Crew, and the Maritime Skills Academy, steering the company from strength to strength, year on year.
Having given the Maritime Industry over 50 years of service, joining as a Deck Apprentice in 1967, sailing as Chief Officer in 1975, coming ashore in 1976 and then having worked in Marine Recruitment, Human Resources and Training ever since.
With the head office in Dover, along with the MSA safety & simulator training centres in Dover, Portsmouth and Gibraltar, as well as offices in Guernsey, Fort Lauderdale, Auckland and Manila; He is ultimately responsible for the overall Group – as they say ‘the buck stops with him’.
In addition, Dieter provides a valuable contribution to the industry itself, with his involvement in many initiatives to improve maritime awareness in careers, training & welfare. He is ideally placed in this, sitting as he does, on various committees and steering groups such as the UK Chamber of Shipping, Merchant Navy Training Board, Trustee of Britannia Maritime Aid, past Chair of the Standing Joint Policy Committee of the Dreadnought Medical Service, and past President of the International Superyacht Society.
In recognition for his services, Dieter was awarded the UK Merchant Navy Medal in 2010 for services to Merchant Shipping, especially in the expansion of British officer cadet opportunities. He became a Younger Brother of Trinity House in 2018 and in 2023 became a Freeman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners.
Dieter oversees a global team of dedicated professionals who operate a group of businesses, which may not be the largest, but is most probably the best positioned in today’s Cruise and Superyacht industry.
Tel: +44 (0)300 303 8191
Email: DieterJ@vikingmaritime.co.uk
Office: Dover
