Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Assistant Electrician / Asst. ETO
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Assistant Electrician / Assistant ETO supports the Electrical Officer and engine department with inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of shipboard electrical systems, equipment, lighting, alarms, and control systems. Candidates generally need electrical or electrotechnical training, practical experience, good technical knowledge, and the ability to read wiring diagrams. Previous marine or cruise-ship experience is advantageous. A valid seafarer medical certificate, STCW basic safety training, and relevant certificates may be required. The successful candidate should work safely, follow company procedures, respond promptly to technical faults, keep accurate maintenance records, and cooperate effectively with multicultural teams. Flexibility, physical fitness, reliability, and functional English are important because the role involves long contracts, emergency duties, and living onboard.
Can I work on cruise ships?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: No host-country permit: a seafarer medical, safety training, a seaman's book, a US crew visa and a Schengen visa.
Watch for: Recruitment fees are banned on ships.
Official source: US Department of State: crewmember visa. Checked October 2026.
What the job usually comes with on cruise ships
Usual for cruise ships, varies by employer. Checked October 2026.
| Housing | Free cabin, usually shared |
|---|---|
| Meals | Free (by law) |
| Flights | Joining and home flights usually paid; free repatriation (by law) |
| Service charge | Passenger service charges pooled on many lines |
| Contract | 6 to 9 months on board, about 2 months unpaid between contracts |
| Leave | 2.5 days a month, often paid as cash |
| Income tax | Usually not withheld; depends on your home country |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
About MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is the cruise division of MSC Group, a Swiss-based family-owned transportation and logistics company. Headquartered in Geneva, the cruise line operates a large and expanding fleet visiting destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, the Middle East, and other regions. MSC Cruises employs an international workforce across deck, engineering, hotel, entertainment, guest services, and corporate operations. The company is known for Mediterranean roots, modern ships, extensive onboard facilities, and a strong focus on guest experiences. Shipboard employees typically work rotational contracts, live onboard while assigned, and receive accommodation, meals, travel arrangements, and access to onboard facilities according to company policy. Exact benefits, working schedules, salary, and promotion opportunities vary by position, vessel, nationality, and employment contract.