Safety tips to be aware of when working on a cruise ship

Working on a cruise ship might seem like a fun opportunity to see the world and experience freedom, but it comes with challenges. As a crew ship member, you’ll experience highs and lows.

You’ll have to work every single day of your contract, depending on its length. Contracts range between two to nine months. You will even have to work any holidays that fell under your contract. Most extended contracts offer the option of a six to eight-week break before resuming your duties. These contracts are in addition to a 13-week training curriculum before you’re allowed to board.

Some perks include the amount of opportunity, steady promotions (under individual companies) if you stick around, a variety of food options, and cruise lines (especially Royal Caribbean) will help their crew members find on-land housing.

Because of renewable contracts, stable housing can be challenging to secure for crew members; Royal Caribbean Cruise Line will provide long-term committed crew members the appropriate financial stability needed to buy a home for their family.

Crew Safety

To stay safe on the high-seas, remember the four tips below.

1. Know maritime regulatory laws: Maritime law can differ by country. Your cruise ship will abide by the maritime law of the country its flag represents. There are also specific cruise ship law to understand.
2. Take safety meetings seriously: These meetings often take place after initial boarding and before the ship setting sail. The meetings cover obligations in the vent of emergencies, and where you should be in case of an evacuation.
3. Obtain certification: The three certificates you should obtain before choosing a position as a cruise ship crew member are basic firefighting, surviving at sea, and basic first aid.
4. Protect yourself from slipping: You work on the ocean. Spills by travelers will make the floor wet from time to time, but also will the sea that surrounds you. To avoid slips, falls, and subsequent personal injury, invest in a couple of good pairs of slip-resistant shoes.