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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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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