Cruise Ship vs Land Based Career Training

The main difference I have seen between working on cruise ships versus working on land is one that makes me very happy. The ability on ships that I have had to train and mentor new members of the technical team, pass off my knowledge to them and enable them to grow in the field they desire to. Cruise ship technicians have a full array of disciplines available to them. Outside of their own jobs onboard and sometimes during their job, they can immerse themselves in the full spectrum of technical positions under the guidance of senior members of the team as well as operators that have been in working in the various disciplines for many years.

A member of the stage staff team, an entry level position can come onboard and within the 4-6 months of their contract spend many hours, shows and off time with Sound/Lighting/Automation Engineers and or Production Managers and learn both the theory and practical operation of the consoles, equipment and shows.

Prospective new technicians to the systems can get fully involved with the operations, practice running shows, spend hours working on the consoles alone or with the experienced tech to get to know the systems.

Individuals with cruise ship training have unique opportunities to gain knowledge in an industry that normally wouldn’t be accessible on land.

In comparison to land based gigs, onboard a ship quite often one individual represents an entire department and therefore has a slew of responsibilities thrust on them with multi-million-dollar equipment. Regardless of the field that they represent there’s so much to be learned on ships as you are often the only one able to troubleshoot issues, which makes it an excellent teaching ground for future programmers, riggers, engineers.

Having a working area in the same place you live can have its merits, and in this case what I have found is the dedicated technicians that arrive and strive for more than they have the knowledge for now can develop onboard within the time of their contract.

I have seen it many times, However, I must add that this is a two-way experience, and the willingness to allow the new or established techs to learn a new trade must be managed and supported by supervisors and managers who can make the time for the new techs. With the cruise ship environment being isolated, there are no deputies to call in to cover if you are sick. Thus, a significant amount of cross training is enforced and most often very welcomed.

It is with great joy that I have seen this occur on many occasions and then in the years to come see the remarkable development and experience of an individual. It’s great to see the ones that put in 100%. The results are amazing.

An example from my time onboard and one that I am still to this day following the succession of is a stage staff that was working in the Aqua Theater, an aquatic water show encompassing moving lifts, fountains and underwater acrobatics. Requiring a team of both stage staff who are PADI Open Water Certified as well as PADI Instructor level staff. One such stage staff has taken his experience of working in the pool for the shows and has relished in it, he has taken to the water and is currently working on his commercial diver training course. It brings me great pleasure to see individuals that put in the effort and now are reaping in the benefits of a cruise ship training environment. From what was an entry level position as stage staff, this individual now has a multitude of highly paid jobs available to him.

This can be said not just for technical side but for performers as well, as a manager of the Aqua Theater venue I ensured that the divers had sufficient time to practice in the pool. Wanting additional time in the water I was happy to provide for her, and now I get to see her performing and competing in the Red Bull Cliff Diving Competitions. A competition she has been in 4 times up to now, and recently performed a high dive from a hot air balloon into the sea.

In conclusion, your time on board a cruise ship is a gold mine of knowledge and information all of which if used well will further your career. An opportunity not to be missed. Don’t be afraid to ask as well, even the quiet techs will usually open and be happy to teach and pass on knowledge to others.

Also by Gareth Smith:

Family Life Vs Ship Life: Balancing Life & Work on Cruise Ships