A cruise line job is an exciting work opportunity for a young person who loves to travel and enjoys the prospect of being at sea. What a wonderful opportunity to work your way around the world, discover new cultures and meet new people every day.
While it sounds exotic, it is not the perfect job for everyone, so letโs look at what it entails and the courses, e.g. a first aid course, that you will need.
What To Expect
While a cruise ship job will help you discover new languages and new people of diverse cultures, youโll also have to work as hard as in any other job.
As a crew member, you will work long hours, your living quarters will be very small, youโll live far from home, and you canโt pop out somewhere else for a change of scenery when in between ports (the majority of your time).
You will need to be flexible with contract start and end dates and be able to work away from home for 3 to 6 months. A contract can also be extended to eight months or more.
What Languages Do You Need?
Without a doubt, English is vital because it is a common denominator language that will help with multi-cultural staff and multi-cultural passengers. If you have other dominant global languages, this will be helpful as well, e.g. Mandarin, Spanish, French, Arabic or German.
What Training Do You Need?
In addition to specific training, e.g. chef training if you intend to be the cook, there is mandatory training for all positions on board and pertains to onboard responsibilities, e.g. emergencies, fire, abandonment, first aid, etc. The more competencies you have, the higher you can climb up the job ladder.
Mandatory training is referred to as the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Surveillance for Seafarers. You will need a minimum of three proficiency certificates plus additional proficiencies specific to your job.
What Courses Do You Need?
The basic courses that you will need to support your job application are:
- Security Awareness
- STCW โ A VI/1 (Basic Safety Training)
- STCW โ A V/2 (Crowd Management on Passenger Ships)
The following courses will make it possible for you to apply for jobs that have more responsibilities (and, therefore, more income):
- First Aid Training
- Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats
Once youโve done your courses, all you need to do is type up your tip-top CV and attach your certifications.
Open your horizons up to a well-paid, fascinating career that simultaneously has you exploring the world! Book your first aid course today and set sail!
