Cruise Ship Deck & Engineer Positions

Deckhands & Engineer Jobs

Deckhand positions aboard large vessels with international crews are usually given to citizens of developing countries. However, small U.S.-registered ships and riverboats do recruit young Americans just out of college or taking some time off from school. A deckhand does everything from painting to docking the boat. They are assigned general maintenance duties; for example, monitoring gangways, operating ship drills, and basically being handy on deck. It's a tough outdoor job that requires no previous experience. Contracts usually last six months and pay varies.

The following are maritime jobs found in the Deck and Engine department. The positions are followed by a brief job description, job requirements and compensation. Please note that compensation varies throughout cruise lines and the amounts stated here are meant to act simply as a reference. Also note, that in most cases all of your standard living expenses will be covered (room, food, health coverage, etc.), so most of the money you earn can be saved.

Able Seaman

Able Seaman is one of the Deckhands responsible for the general cleaning, painting and maintenance of the ship. Typically the Able Seamen are from foreign countries from all over the world. Often the Able Seamen are not allowed to use the guest amenities and are restricted to the crew bar. Typically the U.S. ships, smaller cruise lines and private yachts allow their deckhands to socialize with the passengers. The Able Seaman reports to the Chief Officer.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Assistant Chief Engineer

This position is the Chief Engineer's right hand man. The Assistant Chief Engineer should understand the duties of the Chief Engineer and assist in these duties as deemed necessary. Responsible for the production of work in the engine rooms and in the hotel department.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Bosun

The Bosun assists the Safety Officer with assigned duties.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Captain

The Captain is the highest ranking officer on the ship with the most perks, it definitely pays to be Captain. However, this title comes with a lot of responsibility such as the care of all the crew and passengers aboard the ship. In cases of emergency the Captain makes all executive decisions. Additionally, the Captain is in charge of navigation and operations. Regulates company policies, environmental policies such as pollution effects as well as national and international maritime laws.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Carpenter

This role has changed over the years as ships have evolved. However, the carpenter is still an important position. They are responsible for the repairs and appearance of all woodwork on board including maintenance on deck and by the pool.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Chief Electrician

The number one "go to" guy in when anything needs to be done with the electrical systems. This position is responsible for all aspects of the electrical systems on the ship.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Chief Engineer

Responsible for the logistics and maintenance of the technical operations on board. Responsible for the overall management of the main and auxiliary engines. Other areas in the Chief Engineer's areas of responsibility is the generators, electrical systems, air-conditioning, heating, plumbing, ventilation and refrigeration systems.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Chief Officer

The Chief Officer assists the Staff Captain with duties and regulations. This role is overall responsible for the maintenance and external cleanliness of the vessel. In addition this officer instructs other seaman in general maritime guidelines pertaining to safety, laws and environmental procedure. Works closely with the Hotel Manager to discern maintenance issues.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Chief Radio Officer

This position oversees the ship's communications regarding weather, traffic etc. In addition the Chief Radio Officer handles the direct contact with the company's head office via e-mails, faxes and phone calls. Maintains radio log book and radio accountant. In addition the Chief Radio Officer is responsible for the maintenance of emergency communication equipment onboard and in the life boats.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

First Assistant Engineer

Supervises all work carried out in the engine room. Trains new crew members hired to work in the engine room. This position also supervises all activities that involve the transfer of oil and sludge, sewage treatment plant and sewage pumps and ejectors.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

First Officer

Maintains all navigational equipment including lights, storage of emergency signaling equipment. In charge of maintenance of the emergency life boats, rescue boats and tenders. The First Officer spends most of their time on the bridge supervising the bridge operations and navigational systems.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Quarter Master

Manages the deck staff on duties performed daily such as attending to ropes, maintenance and tenders.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Motorman

The Motorman is in charge of the cleaning and upkeep of all engines on board.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Oiler

The Oiler supervises gauges and temperature gauges. In addition the Oiler assists with general maintenance of ship including painting and repairs. Assist engineers as needed.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Plumber

The Plumber provides repairs and maintenance of all the plumbing onboard.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Safety Officer

In this role you delegate and oversee safety drills. The safety drills include abandon ship procedures, fire drills and maintenance of the ship's tenders. In addition this role is responsible for instructing the crew on safety issues and drills.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Security Officer

The security officer is in charge of all security issues during embarkation and disembarkment. This position is responsible for making decisions about suspicious luggage, passengers, crew members etc.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

Staff Captain

This is the Captain's executive officer, in charge of the medical and deck department's safety and order. After the Captain the Chief Officer is second in command in the decision making process. This role assists the Captain with all duties including the overall welfare of the crew and passengers on board the ship.

More detailed job descriptions, job requirements and compensation figures are listed in our Members Section.

 

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