Application process
Interviews and required documents
First you must send your CV in English: cv@crew-cruise.com
If you match one of our positions we will contact you by email to schedule an online interview.
Please check your spam folder!
Interviews
You will be contacted for a first sonline interview only if your profile matches one of our positions. After a succesful interview directly with the company (employer), you will receive a LOE (Letter of Employment) from our client (Cruiseline or Concessionaire).
Once you have been pre-screened, all we ask of you is that you are honest with us. If you are not serious about working on a cruise ship, if your family does not want you to go or if for some reason you change your mind, please inform us as it is unprofessional of us to put CV’s forward of candidates who are no longer available.
Preparing for your interview:
Make sure you are in a QUIET location, without background noise (traffic, phones, dogs, babies, etc)
Make sure you have a good speed internet connection, with working webcam, speakers and microphone (or headset) and TEST EVERYTHING before the interview begins.
Be online at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time of the interview.
Dress professionally/smartly. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit and tie (but you can if you wish) however we recommend you wear a smart shirt, and make sure your hair is tidy.
Try to relax and not feel nervous. If you are not used to using a webcam, try talking with a friend by webcam in advance, to get used to it.
Before joining the Ship
There are a few steps to take before you can join a ship:
Documents you will need to work on a Cruise Ship
These documents will be processed once you are offered a position. There’s no need to concern yourself with obtaining any of these right now. We will assist you with the necessary information on how to obtain them at the appropriate time.
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 1 yeart. If you do not have a passport yet, we suggest you obtain one now, before starting the process. Obtaining the passport is at your own expense.
Crew Visa: C1/D
Prior to joining a cruise you will need to apply for a Seamans Visa at the US Embassy. It is Transit and Seamen visa. You may need another visa depending on the port where you join. We will let you know. Visa costs are covered by the company – however you will need to pay at the time you make the online application at the Embassy, and then present your receipt onboard the ship when you join and the cost will be refunded to you.
A tourist visa is not valid for this type of job. You will receive an LOE (Letter of Employment or a Consulate Letter) so you can obtain your visa. This visa is not required for Canadians or US citizens or residents.
* COPY OF THE PAYMENT RECEIPT must be present to your Manager onboard when joining a ship to received your refund for the cost of the visa.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
with no Criminal Background. It must be in English or translated into English.
Medical Exam
Why do I need to have a medical exam done to work on a ship?
As per the International Labor Convention seafarers are required to undergo medical examinations to reduce risks to other crew and for the safe operation of the ship, as well as to safeguard their personal health and safety.
It will include blood analysis, a chest x-ray, a urinalysis, drug screen, pap smear, pregnancy test, hepatitis A, B, C and other general checkups.
It is highly recommended that if you are taking any medications or have a pre-existing condition that you discuss it with us prior to obtaining the medical. These medical exams are mandatory as the company needs to know that you are physically fit to work on board.
Covid Vaccines:
Complete Covid Vaccine is mandatory: 2 doses plus booster.
Other Vacccines:
These will depend on the cruiseline but usually are:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
- Yellow Fever
- Polio
- Varicella
- Voluntary (Highly Recommended) Flu & Pneumonia
What medications would prevent me from getting my seafarer’s certificate?
As per the International Labor office there are medications and medical conditions that may prevent a seafarer from being allowed to work at sea . Please be aware that the below are generally accepted recommendations and is not a comprehensive list but should be used as some guidance.
MEDICATIONS:
Blood thinners, Sedatives, Sleeping pills, Some pain medications, Antipsychotics, Antianxiety, Insulin.
What medical conditions may limit my seafarers certificate or may disallow me to work on a ship?
There are some medical conditions that may limit or disallow someone to work at sea. The following is a list with some of the most common conditions. Please be aware that these medical conditions still need to be reviewed by your doctor to see exact requirements and treatable conditions.
SOME COMMON MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT MAY LIMIT A SEAFARER’S CERTIFICATE TO WORK AT SEA:
BMI of over 35, Stroke, Seizures, many active infections including Tuberculosis, Diabetes, Alcohol or drug dependence, Some psychiatric disorders, Epilepsy, Some eye disorders, Many cardiac problems for example pacemakers, heart attacks, forms of asthma, Back pain.
Once approved, this medical documentation will be valid for 2 years
The cruise line will provide you with medical insurance throughout your entire stay (contract) on the ship.
STCW Certificates:
All seafarers serving or intending to serve onboard seagoing ships are required to be certificated in accordance with the STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certfication, and Watchkeeping)
Depending on the cruiseline you will need all certificates before embarkation or you can get them onboard.
Some cruislines require only the Basic Safety Training and other the complete certification:
CHAPTER VI/1 – BASIC TRAINING:
- PERSONAL SURVIVAL TECHNIQUE
- FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE FIGHTING
- ELEMENTARY FIRST AID
- PERSONAL SAFETY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
CHAPTER V/2 – CROWD MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER VI/6 – SECURITY AWARENESS TRAINING (FOR THOSE WITH OR WITHOUT SECURITY DUTIES)
