Junior Seaman

Role summary:
A Junior Seaman on Royal Caribbean is an entry-level deck crew member who supports daily deck operations, safety procedures, and guest-facing service while learning the fundamentals of watchkeeping, mooring, line handling, and maintenance. The role provides a progression path toward higher deck ratings and STCW competencies as the individual gains experience and responsibilities.

Key responsibilities:

  • Assist with basic watch duties and lookout support under supervision; follow commands from deck officers.
  • Help with mooring, unmooring, anchoring, line handling, fendering, rigging, and general deck operations in port, at sea, and in varying conditions.
  • Support embarkation/disembarkation procedures, gangway operations, and port activities as directed to ensure safe and orderly procedures.
  • Maintain the vessel’s deck and equipment: cleaning, painting, greasing, rust control, inspection of deck machinery (winches, capstans, cranes, ramps).
  • Participate in routine safety tasks: safety drills, inspection of lifesaving appliances, fire extinguishers, PPE, and emergency systems; report faults.
  • Assist with deck maintenance such as ladders, gangways, walkways, and non-slip treatments; perform minor repairs as trained.
  • Help with waste management and environmental procedures in line with Royal Caribbean standards.
  • Support cargo stores and provisioning tasks as required; ensure stores handling adheres to safety procedures and documentation.
  • Follow orders from deck officers, communicate clearly, and maintain basic logs and reports as required.
  • Assist in emergency situations (fire, flood, man overboard) and participate in rescue and survival procedures as directed.
  • Contribute to a safe working environment by adhering to safety rules and wearing proper PPE.

Required qualifications and experience:
  • Basic STCW-compliant safety training appropriate for junior seamen (examples: Basic Safety Training, Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility) or as required by flag/state.
  • Valid medical fitness certificate suitable for seafaring work.
  • Legal right to work and hold a valid passport; appropriate visas if required.
  • Proficiency in English (spoken and written); additional languages are a plus.
  • Prior sea service is not required or limited to 0-2 years depending on vessel type and flag state.

Recommended skills and competencies:
  • Physical stamina and strength; ability to work in all weather conditions and at sea.
  • Good dexterity, balance, and manual skills; aptitude for rope handling and deck operations.
  • Ability to work as part of a team, reliability, and the ability to follow orders and procedures.
  • Basic problem-solving and mechanical aptitude; basic math and measurement skills.
  • Safety-minded with a proactive attitude toward maintaining a safe deck and vessel.
  • Customer-service awareness and a professional demeanor suitable for guest-facing environments when required.

Working conditions:
  • Deck duties on a cruise ship; work in all weather, seas, and at irregular hours including ports of call.
  • Rotating watch schedules or on-call shifts as assigned; task and itinerary dependent.
  • Exposure to hazards typical of deck work: wet and slippery surfaces, heavy equipment, moving machinery.
  • Living aboard with crew from diverse backgrounds; frequent travel between ports of call.

Reporting relationships:
  • Reports to the Bosun (boatswain) or Deck Officer; collaborates with other deck crew and engineering as required.