Menno Floris De Sera
About Menno Floris De Sera
Menno Floris De Sera is the Director of Planning and Compliance at Viking Cruises in Basel, Switzerland, with extensive experience in maritime operations and training.
Director Planning and Compliance at Viking Cruises
Menno Floris De Sera currently serves as the Director of Planning and Compliance at Viking Cruises. Based in the Basel Area of Switzerland, he is responsible for overseeing the planning and compliance aspects of Viking's nautical operations. His role includes the implementation of critical certifications such as ISO45001 for Viking's Nautical Operation River. Additionally, he manages the sourcing, training, and planning of a 1200-member nautical crew, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to industry standards.
Education and Training in Maritime Studies
Menno Floris De Sera has a strong educational background in maritime studies. He studied Marine Accident Investigation at Lloyd's Maritime Academy from 2021 to 2022. Earlier, he completed training at the Korps Mariniers (Dutch Marine Corps) from 1993 to 1995, focusing on cold weather and mountain training in Norway, where he achieved the rank of Marinier 1 ALG. He also studied at the K.O.F. School for Rhine and Open Waterways in Holland from 1991 to 1993.
Previous Roles at Viking Cruises
Before becoming the Director of Planning and Compliance, Menno Floris De Sera held various roles at Viking Cruises. He worked as the Corporate Learning & Quality Manager in the Amsterdam Area, Netherlands for 11 months in 2019. Prior to that, he served as a Corporate Captain from 2015 to 2018, navigating waterways across Europe. His extensive experience in these roles provided him with deep insights into the operational and compliance aspects of maritime management.
Early Career and Freelance Experience
Menno Floris De Sera's maritime career began with a long stint as a freelance, self-employed Captain from 2001 to 2014. During this period, he accumulated extensive hands-on experience in navigating European waters. Before joining Viking Cruises, he also worked aboard river vessels for Ama Waterways, Uniworld, and Scenic Cruises. These roles provided him with a comprehensive understanding of river navigation and vessel management.
Marine Licenses and Certifications
Menno Floris De Sera holds all necessary licenses for navigating barges within Europe and a limited license for seagoing vessels. These certifications are a testament to his expertise and qualifications in the maritime industry. His commitment to continuous learning is further demonstrated by his ongoing studies at Kent University for Marine Accident Investigation, enriching his skills and knowledge in maritime safety and compliance.