No. Cast-A-Way does not charge any application, recruitment, or placement fees in compliance with (MLC) International Maritime Law. Some optional services may be offered occasionally with a small fee that will be advised to you before you decide to use that service.

The process can vary from 4 weeks to 1 year, depending on many variables.

A recruiter will only contact you if the position you applied for is open at the time of the application, If your professional experience matches the requirements expected by the cruise lines or concessions. If the position you qualify for is closed, you will only be contacted once the cruise line asks for crew with those skills.

A recruiter will only contact you if you qualify for any open position. You may only be notified if you meet the requirements of any position onboard.

You will only be contacted if you meet the client’s criteria for each position. If you have significant experience in a field but are willing to change departments, you may not qualify for the new position you want to start. It’s simply because there is very little time for training onboard, it’s fast-paced, and all crew members must have some recent experience related to the job they are applying for.

Some positions may also require specific certifications. You may or may not be given time to obtain them.

There are NO positions onboard that do not require minimum experience as there is very little time for “on the job training”. Therefore, all applicants must have minimum of 6-12 months of experience based on the cruise lines expectations, and in the same position that you are applying for.

For most positions, it’s not mandatory to have previously worked onboard; however, candidates with C1/D Visa or prior ship experience who present a good ship’s appraisal (evaluation) will be given priority in the recruitment process.

In some countries, the Maritime Authorities require the owner of a recruitment agency to be of that same nationality and hold a local office in that country. For that reason, under no circumstances we are not allowed to recruit candidates from India, China or the Philippines.

If you choose to apply to us via the APPLY NOW located in the menu on this website, and if we have any other opportunities that may arise in the future that include those nationalities, we will be happy to email you. That could include (but not limited to) working on islands, for resorts in the GCC area, for hotels in Europe.

The amount of notice you may get can vary. Positions are always coming up, some sooner than others. Emergency positions may only leave you with a few days’ notice, so be prepared. We will always try to give the crewmember as much notice as possible and liaise between you (crewmember, newhire) and your employer.

If you have a commitment already scheduled, we highly recommend that you mention that very early in the process so we can ensure to have it in writing and be able to negotiate for you to start at a later date, after your commitment. Examples: weddings, court dates, family members’ surgery, pre-paid family vacation, and resignation notice at work based on your country’s labor laws.

For most employers, there is a maximum amount of time from your job offer for you to board. ONCE you get the news that you got the job, get ready as soon as possible. Your recruiter will guide you through the process. Ensure to check your emails and phone daily, and also check your junk inbox.

Sometimes the employers may contact you directly, we ask that you forward any communication to us before replying, and that you keep in close contact with your recruiter, who will help you until you get onboard.

There are phones on board. However, we recommend using them for emergencies only. They are usually much more expensive than a landline phone as they operate on satellite. Some vessels will have crew phones set up at a reduced rate. You will have access to crew calling centers likely in every port. Some companies will also offer calling cards at reduced rates. Some veteran crew members will also share other options for your itinerary, such as getting a local chip/sin card.

Yes. Your uniform is supplied by the cruise line and will be given to you upon arrival on the ship. Some cruise lines may deduct uniform fees from your first salary, others may give it for free. Upon a job offer, you will be asked to provide sizes promptly, so it’s ready for you once you get onboard.

Some concessions will ask you to bring some basic pieces from home, such as black suit and white social shirt, or black shoes. You may be required to purchase or bring shoes to match the uniform given by the company.

Contracts can vary between 4 to 8 months depending on which cruise line you will be working for and the position. After each contract, you will have a work break from 4-8 weeks. Smaller cruise lines may have a larger waiting time between contracts. You may request to shorten your break or extend it, but it needs to be confirmed by the Human Resources department, your manager, and the schedulers in advance.

Most companies may pay a percentage more per month that you are onboard “in lieu” of vacation pay. That means that work breaks between contracts are usually unpaid, so put some money away for your “time off.”

Breaks can be up to months on exception cases, but if you are away for 6 months, you will be considered a new employee upon return and required to re-apply. You may lose benefits such as “time counted towards retirement packages” that some companies offer, if they offered a new contract and you refused the date given.

Depending on the cruise line, you may be paid bi-weekly or monthly. You will need to take emergency cash (recommended at least U$300) if you get any travel disruptions when heading to the ship. The employer will not cover those costs with meals, transportation, or missed flights, IF was your fault.

In most cases, you will be paid in USD debit card provided by the company named “ocean pay.” If your position receives tips, that will be given to you directly by the guests in cash, and are additional to your regular pay.

Tips and gratuities may vary depending on the ship’s itinerary and guests’ demographics. For example, Americans are worldwide known to be good tippers. On the other hand, Australians do not have the culture to tip. This may affect your “take home” compensation. Be aware.

Income taxes are only withheld for American Citizens. As every country has different tax laws, we suggest you consult an accountant to determine your tax obligations based on your nationality or country of residency.

For most countries, income made on international waters may not be taxable. If that’s the case for you, that’s an additional benefit! (please check with your revenue agency).

You will be given a few options, most companies will want to pay you on a Visa/Mastercard debit card that you can use inside the ship (ATM machine for crew, with no fees charged) or outside of the ship. This card also works for online shopping in stores such as e-Bay, Amazon and similar.

If you are American or Canadian, most companies will be able to do wire-transfer to your own bank account. Please ask HR on your sign-on date.

Some crewmembers use Western Union or similar services to send their salary home to a family member, friend, or bank. It is the most innovative and safest option.

Or you can keep your salary in your “Ocean Pay” and withdraw before going home.

Let’s use an example here. You were informed that your salary would be USD $1,600 monthly while on probation.

You will divide USD $1,60 by 30 days >>>> USD $53.33 per day.

For most companies, payments are made every two weeks. So you will multiply this daily rate X 14 >>> U$746.66.

U$746.66 X 2 = U$ 1,493.33

Note that you got paid for 28 days, and the next two days to complete the U$106.66 will come on the next pay / next month. Eventually, at least once during your contract, you will get paid 3 X that month, compensating for those “days.”

Example: You will get paid on Day 1 / again on Day 15 / again on Day 29.

Gratuities and tips are variable, and you should not “count” on them. Some companies will pay gratuities only once per month, on last pay.

If you have any additional questions about this, please make sure to ask your Cast-A-Way recruiter.

The cruise line or concession that hires you will be your EMPLOYER, with whom you will sign your “Seafarer’s Agreement” or Independent Agreement (if with a concession). Therefore, Cast-A-Way is NOT your employer, we are simply assisting our clients in finding the talent like you for each open vacancy, and making sure that you get all of the documentation required to get onboard. You will report to them directly and must follow their terms and conditions for employment.

Please take notice that all cruise lines have different rules and regulations that need to be followed. Failure to do so can result in contract termination. The agency is just an intermediary to assist candidates throughout the hiring process and is paid by the cruise line for its selection and administrative onboarding support.

As in any land-based job, there is a 90-day probation period for which the company may decide to terminate your contract with no cause if they deem you are not a good fit for the job or your performance is not as expected. You may also get terminated “at cause”. The most common causes of termination at cause are: excess drinking (against maritime laws), use of illegal drugs in the USA, harassment, low performance, other disciplinary action in which management decides your conduct was not in compliance with company’s policies. In doubt, please ask HR. You will receive an orientation session on your first few days of work to be aware of policies and main responsibilities at sea.

If you get terminated (at cause or no cause), you will get very few hours of notice to pack and go to the airport. It’s mandatory by immigration rules that an official escorts any crew member who has been terminated to the boarding gate. No exceptions apply. You will be notified by your manager, HR Director and/or the
Captain of the reasons for your termination, and you should ask any questions at this time. It is your right to know why you are being sent home. The cruise line or concession will pay for your ticket back home at this time and pay you any outstanding salary.

If you resign, you will have to pay your own ticket home, so your employer has the right to deduct from any salary they owe you.

Except for singers, dancers, musicians and the doctors onboard, you can expect to work seven days/week (with no days off) and anywhere from 8-12 hours/per day.

As per IMO (International Maritime Organization) and MLC (Maritime Labor Convention), you are entitled to a break for every 6 hours of work, and you must get at least 10 hours of rest for every 24 hours, which can be in 2 shifts or straight with a small break.

For some positions, some rotations may include night shifts, as for nurses, doctors, GSAs, and security. For some positions, you will be given a “radio phone” and will be “on call.” If needed, you will be contacted and must report immediately to resolve the “issue” as per your regular responsibilities or emergency protocols.

You will be required to clock in and clock out. If you at forget it, you must see your manager and he/she will adjust your working hours report.

The cruise line may or may not provide your flight to the ship, your recruiter should discuss that with you during your interview.  Depending on the company policy, you may have to pay your way to the ship, and upon completion of your contract, they will fly you home at no cost.

In some “rare” cases, cruise lines require you to pay for your flight there, and upon completion of your contract, you will be reimbursed for your flight and flown home.

For most Entertainment and Senior Management positions, some cruise lines and concessions will pay your 2-WAYs ticket.

Every ship has an address, and you can get this address upon your arrival at the ship at the MSA (Manning Services Administration) or Crew Services Office. If you still need to, you will receive the information onboard. Remember that it may take longer to receive mail or merchandise purchased online than when you are on land.

For most companies, the products will be mailed first to the cruise line’s Headquarters, then they pack in containers to send to each “port of call”, the port agents will then delivery to the ship, when it’s docked.

All your food and accommodations are provided free of cost. Employers also provide medical coverage while under contract (onboard), but not while you are on vacation out of the ship or at your home country.

You will be required to pay for any incidentals, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, personal internet usage, and phone calls. Discounted rates for Shore Excursions, Duty-Free, and Spa Services are provided for crew members.

Except for managers, directors, captains, doctors, and engineers/officers, all the cabins are small and compact and are shared with one other person of the same gender. Sometimes, you may have to share with up to four people as some ships will have 2 bunkbeds per crew cabin. Most cabins have a bathroom; however, some bathroom facilities can be shared by up to four people. The cabins are cleaned with linen changed weekly by your cabin steward, except on embarkation days.

While it’s not mandatory, it’s common practice for all staff positions to tip the cabin stewards who clean your cabin, make your bed daily, and wash your uniform. This service is only offered to STAFF, not to entry level CREW. Tips of U$20 or more are recommended for every pay cheque you receive.

Yes. You may have access to laundry facilities (most ships have a crew laundry-free facility open 24 hours per day), or service will be offered for a nominal fee. Depending on the position and company, uniform-free laundry may be offered for staff and officers, but not to entry level crew.

Make sure to bring lots of underwear and socks as laundry facilities may get really busy and you may want to minimize the times you MUST use it, and accommodate in between your shifts.

Yes. According to IMO (International Maritime organization, under United Nations), all crew must have an in-depth medical examination. This PEME (Pre-Employment Medical Examination) is also flag specific. (ships have different flag states, such as Norwegian, UK, Bahamas, Malta, Bermuda, etc.. – this means where the ship was registered).

For that reason, depending on the ship you are hired to work for, we will provide you the authorized facilities for that company or ship flag-state. Prices may vary as the requirements may also be different.

You have to complete medicals and receive a FFD (Fit-For-Duty Certificate) before leaving for the ship. It is an IMO requirement, and most importantly,  in your best interest that you are travelling knowing that you are in good health; you must be healthy as per their guidelines and for your safety as you will be in an environment that may impose extra stress and be far away most of the time from the coast. The employer will do everything they can to save your life and keep you healthy. Still, you must pass this Medical Certification and obtain your FIT FOR DUTY from a PRE-APPROVED FACILITY only.

Please note that we are not doctors or nurses and therefore, we cannot know if you will qualify for a FFD or not at the time of your interview.

We highly recommend that you disclose all health issues to the physicians and do not lie, NEVER. Fistly, because your health and life should be more important than getting the job and putting yourself at risk, if you have any pre-existing condition. Ultimately, if the company (your employer) finds out that you lied on your initial questionnaire, they may terminate your contract at cause for false information provided.

We’ve seen this happen many times, so do not think this is not possible to happen. Always chose to BE HONEST.

As per IMO, you may not be able to obtain a job onboard a ship if:

•   You are pregnant
•   You suffer from certain heart diseases or have suffered a stroke, epilepsy, heart attacks, severe diabetes depending on insulin, or have been hospitalized in the past year for any severe health issues that could be life-threatening.
•   Has hip replacement, has had back issues or joint surgeries recently, is under physiotherapy, cannot carry weight or walk/stand for long hours.
•   You have or had recently bronchitis or asthma, or any respiratory conditions.
•   All those conditions will need to be analyzed by approved physicians who base their decisions on many variables.

If you have a condition that worries you, please ask your recruiter for the closest approved facility information so you can confirm with them if that concern may refrain you from about this job onboard.

The medical is a thorough exam that involves taking blood tests, urinalysis, blood pressure, eye, hearing, and lung function tests, as well as a chest x-ray to identify if you have or had tuberculosis in the past.

They are testing that you are physically fit to work on board. Please note that a drug test will also be conducted as ships are 100 % drug-free environments; no exceptions apply. Some medications that may be legal in your own country, could be considered illegal in the USA. We advise you to refrain from taking any codeine based pain killers prior to performing your ship medical examination.

Failure of the medical or drug test will result in a “non-fit for duty” certificate or the termination of your contract (if you are already onboard). In most cases, it is your responsibility to pay for your medical exam, and the cost may vary from U$140 to U$900 depending on your country and if you need extra exams from the usual list. Some clinics may also charge for necessary vaccines if you did not take them or if you cannot prove you took them.

Yes, and there are many types of visas, depending on the ship you get assigned and its itinerary.

Unless you are American or Canadian, you will need a C1/D Visa (crew member/transit visa) if your home port is in the USA OR if your ship will at anytime during your contract be docking in the USA.

It will cost minimum USD$185, depending on your citizenship it may cost more to double, if they charge one fee for C1 category and one fee for D category.

Keep the receipts: your employer will reimburse ANY visa fees you paid for once you get onboard.

You will only be reimbursed if you have the original receipt.

You will fill out an online application (D-160 form), pay the fee DIRECTLY to the embassy, and schedule your appointment only once you get the job offer, meet the conditions of the job offer (Police Background Check and Medical Fit for Duty), and receive your LOE (letter of employment). If you apply for a Visa without a VALID LOE, you will get declined your visa application. Most US embassies can verify with the employer for any LOE; this is to avoid fraudulent activities. If you get your visa declined, it is harder to get it approved for a period of 5 (five) years.

The availability for an interview may vary from country to country, so we will advise you when to go ahead and book your interview. Once approved, it may take 3 to 15 business days for your passport release, depending on your country.

Exceptions may occur because they need additional time to process investigations, which may be delayed.

If you ever over-stayed a visa in the USA, such as B1/B2 or any other type of visa, and they see it in their system, you may get your visa declined. Also if any direct family member has committed the same, it may affect your visa application.

If your ship stops in Canada, you will need a transit, tourist, or eTA (electronic travel authorization) to enter Canada, in addition to the C1/D Visa.

If your ship departs from or stops in Australia, you may need an MCV and transit visa to Australia.

For some countries, you may also be required a SCHENGEN visa (for some European countries) or other country visas, depending (once again) on your ship’s itinerary.

We will guide you through it once it’s the time!

If you already have a visa, it must be valid for at least the entire contract duration + 3 months. The same applies to your passport.

Usually, you cannot for your first contract. It would be best if you accepted the position offered based on your employer’s demands and operational needs. Some companies will offer you options to “bid for” from your 2nd contract and on.

STCW: The Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping for Seafarers

There are two types of STCW courses: BASIC Training (in 4 modules, in person) or SAFETY AWARENESS (that can be taken online). For some nationalities, you may need by MARITIME Law to take it in person, and it usually takes 2 weeks to take the course + a few weeks to get the signed certification from the school and/or Maritime Local Authority.

Some Cruise Lines will require you to take the Security Awareness course only, others will require you to take the on land full BASIC course before joining your ship.  Your recruiter will advise you, once you get a valid job offer.

You must carry the originals with you and they are valid for 5 (five years). You will pay for your course and will not be reimbursed for it.

Some exceptions apply for companies that will offer the training onboard and free of cost.

Not all employers will be able to accept online training. Ask your recruiter before you invest in the wrong program. It should be discussed during your interview, depending on the position/cruise line or concession you will be referred to after your testing, interview, and reference checks are completed.

Of course, you can! When you have free time during the day in between your scheduled shifts, you can get off the ship and do what you please, providing that you are not scheduled to work and are back on board by the required time.

Usually, at the beginning of the contract, there will be a lot of training (on-the-job or mandatory security training and drills), so you might have short windows of time that you can “sneak out.” Later in your contract, you may be able to get more “time off” to enjoy the beautiful ports of call. Of course, that will also depend on your department, your manager, how many people work in your department, and if you are keeping up with your duties on time!

On very rare occasions, some port authorities have forbidden certain nationalities to get off the ships on their first contracts. This is out of our control to know in advance. It’s at the country’s government regulatory bodies to determine.

Socializing depends on your position. It may be an integral part of your job, although it is essential to note that fraternization with passengers is cause for immediate dismissal. Passengers are prohibited in crew areas, and crewmembers are prohibited in guest cabins.

Some positions have “guests’ privileges,” and some may not. If you don’t, you are not permitted to be in passenger areas when you are off duty. Positions usually have deck privileges, such as cruise staff, youth staff, merchandise, pursers, GSAs, Shorex, Entertainers, Casino, and more; you can socialize with passengers in the lounges until your set curfew, which will be given to you when you get onboard. Some ships do not allow staff to drink alcohol in passenger areas.

If you are drunk while on duty or too drunk to perform emergency procedures, this will result in automatic dismissal.

As a rule, you cannot smoke in any passenger areas. Your general manager will define this rule in more detail when you arrive on the ship. There are crew smoking areas.

Yes. The crew bar serves drinks until a set time, which may vary from ship to ship. It is where you can relax and socialize out of sight of the passengers. However, some cruise lines will have more strict drinking policies and may have very low to zero alcohol tolerance. Excess of alcohol is the #1 cause for termination – drink responsibly.

Yes, there is a crew-only gym open 24 hours per day. For the guest’s gym, as a rule, you can use it as long as you are not depriving any passengers of the facilities. Some cruise lines will not allow crew to use it, or restrict the days to only port days, and leave the “sea days” for guests only. This is an example.

As a rule, CREW is not permitted to use the pool aboard most ships. Instead, you can get off the ship and sightsee, go to the beach, or shop in port. Some clubs on ports will welcome crew and offer discounted rates.

There will be designated areas for the crew to sunbathe, usually in the back of the ship. You will be informed during orientation. Most crew go to the beach on ports of call and there are bars that offer food and drinks at special crew rates.

Of course, they can! Every cruise line has its policies about visitors. There are discounts, and it is usually based on availability.

For most cruise lines, this policy only applies for maximum of two weeks per year, and only after you are on your 2nd contract.

If you are a committed, hard-working fun-loving team player, you will have the time of your life! It is the only job that can give you so much experience and knowledge of the travel industry. The things you’ll see, do and learn, along with the many new friends you’ll meet from all over the world, will stay with you forever. It is truly an unforgettable experience.

Your confidence as a crew member can only increase as each week goes by, and we at Cast-A-Way constantly encourage our crew to develop their existing skills and learn new ones while onboard. Most people need approximately 4-8 weeks to settle in and feel comfortable in their new surroundings. All we can say is, “hang in there” – it’s worth it.

After the first two months, you will indeed start to enjoy, and when you expect less, you will be half of your contract. Then you will blink, and the contract has finished!

Many Crew Members say they will only do one contract, then they say “only one more”, and when some see, they have worked in that industry for a decade!

Certainly, SHIP LIFE is only for some. Suppose you like routine, have never been far from home and usually miss family. If you prefer to do things your way and on your own time, there may be better jobs for you.

Do not compare the salary with your “at home” by hour kind of job; when you are on land, remember you have to pay for rent, transportation, food; usually at the end of the month, most do not have saved any money. When you work onboard, you get free “housing” and food; if you are smart with your money, you can come home after a few months with some “savings” to invest, perhaps to pay off tuition debt, or to invest in further education for your or your loved ones, buy a car, or save for building a home?

You must be very resilient, flexible and have plenty of energy, enjoy working in a team, be pro-active, resourceful, coachable, the type of person that can never be bored, then you will have a blast! There is not one day that is the same as the other, and primarily when you are not working you will have fun with your new friends!