Junior Seaman
Position Summary
The Junior Seaman is an entry-level member of the deck team who supports daily deck operations, safety procedures, and guest-facing service while learning the fundamentals of watchkeeping, mooring, line handling, and maintenance. This role provides a progression path toward higher deck ratings and STCW competencies as experience and responsibilities grow.
Essential Duties & 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 processes.
- Maintain the vessel’s deck and equipment: cleaning, painting, greasing, rust control, and 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 brand 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.
- Participate in training and mentorship to assist less experienced deck crew.
Qualifications & Training:
- Basic STCW-compliant safety training appropriate for junior seamen (eg, 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 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 may range from 0-2 years depending on vessel type and flag state.
Recommended Skills & Competencies:
- Physical stamina and the ability to work in all weather conditions at sea.
- Good dexterity, balance, and manual skills; aptitude for rope handling and deck operations.
- Ability to work well in 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 ship; work in all weather, seas, and at irregular hours including ports of call.
- Rotating watch schedules or on-call shifts as assigned; tasks 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.