Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Second Deck Officer
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Second Deck Officer supports the Chief Officer and Master in the safe navigation and operation of the vessel. Requirements typically include a valid STCW certification, an appropriate Officer of the Watch certificate, medical fitness certification, shipboard experience, and strong knowledge of bridge procedures, safety regulations, navigation systems, and emergency response. The candidate is expected to maintain professional watchkeeping standards, assist with passage planning, supervise deck operations, participate in drills, complete safety documentation, and support compliance with company and international maritime procedures. Good communication, leadership, teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure in a multicultural environment are essential. Previous cruise or large passenger-vessel experience may be preferred.
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 a global cruise company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and part of the MSC Group. It operates a large fleet of modern cruise ships serving destinations across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, Asia, the Middle East, and other regions. The company offers onboard services including accommodation, dining, entertainment, excursions, family activities, wellness facilities, and retail. MSC Cruises employs an international workforce and places strong emphasis on maritime safety, guest service, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Shipboard employees generally live and work onboard under fixed contracts, with meals, cabin accommodation, and access to crew facilities provided. Roles such as Second Deck Officer support safe navigation, regulatory compliance, and the smooth operation of passenger vessels while working within a multinational marine team.