Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Watch Lead - 2nd officer
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Watch Lead – 2nd Officer supports the safe navigation and operational readiness of the vessel while standing bridge watches and assisting the Staff Captain and Master. Requirements typically include a valid STCW certification, an appropriate Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency, medical fitness certification, GMDSS qualifications, strong knowledge of navigation systems and maritime regulations, and relevant experience on passenger or similar vessels. The successful candidate is expected to maintain accurate navigational records, supervise bridge watch activities, respond effectively to emergencies, support safety drills, and work confidently within a multicultural crew. Strong leadership, communication, decision-making, attention to detail, and a professional safety-focused attitude are essential.
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 Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys is a luxury ocean travel brand created by MSC Group, one of the world's largest privately owned shipping and cruise companies. The brand focuses on refined, residential-style cruising, combining spacious suites, personalized service, destination-focused itineraries and an upscale onboard experience. Explora Journeys operates modern ships designed around relaxed luxury, with multiple restaurants, wellness facilities, entertainment and carefully selected ports of call. Its crew members work in an international environment where safety, hospitality, discretion and high service standards are central to daily operations. Although Explora Journeys is a relatively new cruise brand, it benefits from MSC Group's extensive maritime expertise, global infrastructure and long-standing experience in passenger shipping. Shipboard roles generally involve rotational contracts, shared crew facilities and working with colleagues and guests from many different countries.