Deck Cadet for Royal Caribbean Cruises

V.Ships Leisure
Recruiter:
V.Ships Leisure
Category:
Deck Jobs
Position:
Deck Cadet
Published:
October 7, 2025

Position Summary

  1. Under the guidance of the Captain and Staff Captain the Deck Cadet is to apply practically the knowledge gained at nautical college gaining first-hand experience in seamanship. Develop knowledge and understanding of the overall operation of the vessel by introduction to other departments.

Reporting Structure

  1. Directly reporting to the Captain, Staff Captain and on duty Officer.

Safety Duties:

  1. Participates in crew and passenger safety drills according to instructions.
  2. Always complies with the Company’s safety and pollution prevention regulations and operating procedures.
  3. Leads by example by taking care of Health and Safety of self and others.
  4. Ensures that all work equipment, personal protective equipment, chemicals and safety devices are being used correctly.

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

  1. Valid STCW certification.
  2. Completion of a Maritime Cadet program or current enrollment in an accredited Maritime Cadet program.
  3. Appropriate certification as required by regulations.
  4. Physically and medically fit.
  5. Moral integrity is required.

Language requirements:
Fluent English (verbal, written and technical). English is the working and safety language on board. This also includes the ability to give and receive instructions in verbal and written forms and to effectively and efficiently engage with guests and crew members. Additional languages are considered beneficial.

Computer knowledge:
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.


Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Required to stand, walk long distances, reaching and sitting. Repetitive motion of bending, going up and down stairs, climbing ladders. Lifting or pushing of up to 50lbs. The position requires overtime work and irregular schedules. Works on the Bridge with noise, light traffic and distracting environments.

Profile:

  1. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead, motivate and develop a culturally diverse work force.
  2. Punctual.
  3. Proactive approach to problem solving.
  4. Ability to be flexible, well organized, self managed and motivated.
  5. Ability to handle multiple demands, remain calm and effective under pressure and resolve issues quickly.
  6. Safe, professional and personal practices.
  7. Well-groomed and neat appearance.
  8. Ability to live in close quarters, share limited space with cabin mates.
  9. Ability to deliver a high standard of technical performance.

Status - Cadet.
Salary - Refer to contract.
Rotation - Refer to contract.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Gain a thorough knowledge of equipment, maintenance, watch keeping and learning the various onboard systems (to include but not limited to the following):
    1. Gyro compass
    2. Radar.
    3. ECDIS.
    4. Magnetic compass.
    5. Echo sounder.
    6. VDR.
    7. Navigational lights.
    8. Pilot card.
  2. Gain a thorough knowledge of the following regulations and Company policies, during all prevailing circumstances and conditions:
    1. International Safety Management Code
    2. ISPS Code.
    3. SOLAS.
    4. ECDIS.
    5. Code of Safe Working Practices.
    6. MARPOL.
    7. Pollution prevention.
    8. COLREG 72.
    9. GMDSS.
    10. International Code of Signals.
    11. STCW.
    12. ILO/IMO/ITF/MLC 2006.
    13. Ballast Water Management.
    14. US CDC Vessel Sanitation Program.
    15. Stability and Trim.
  3. Merchant Shipping Legislation of the Bahamas.
  4. Participate and assist in navigational watches under the supervision of the on duty Officer to learn watch keeping requirements, the practical and theoretical aspects of a safe navigational watch.
  5. Responsible to learn the handling characteristics of the vessel, including stopping distance, a full knowledge of every aspect of safety features of the vessel and become fully conversant with the Company’s VMS.
  6. Assists in maintenance tasks under the supervision of the on duty Officer.
  7. Keeps Captain, Staff Captain and on duty Officer promptly and fully informed of all problems, any issues that may compromise the ships safety and any deficiencies found in equipment.
  8. Become familiar with all matters of administration and organization of the vessel.
  9. Observes and enforces uniform and grooming standards according to Company policies.
  10. All other duties as assigned by supervisors.
  11. Cadets are expected to be proactive with their approach to their time onboard and seek out opportunities for their own growth and development. Proactively engaging with officers and crew to benefit their professional knowledge.
  12. Cadets are potential officers and therefore expected to behave as such both on and off duty.
  13. Completion of training/cadet record book.

About Royal Caribbean Group

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates three global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. They are also a 50 percent joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49 percent shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of over 70 ships, with many more on order.  They operate diverse itineraries around the world, calling at approximately 540 destinations across all seven continents. We are always hiring for all of the amazing brands.


STCW Certificates

You will need valid STCW certificates to apply for this position. Find an STCW course near you.