Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Chief Plumber
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Chief Plumber oversees the vessel’s plumbing and sanitation systems, including freshwater supply, drainage, sewage, pumps, pipes, valves and related equipment. Requirements typically include proven marine, shipboard or industrial plumbing experience, strong knowledge of maintenance and repair procedures, and the ability to read technical plans. Relevant trade qualifications, safety training and supervisory experience are usually expected. The successful candidate should be practical, reliable and comfortable working in confined spaces, at heights and on rotating shifts. Responsibilities include diagnosing faults, organizing preventive maintenance, supervising plumbing staff, maintaining accurate records and responding promptly to operational or emergency issues. Candidates must follow maritime regulations, company procedures, health and safety standards, and maintain professional conduct while working with a multinational crew.
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 line headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and part of MSC Group. The company operates a large fleet sailing to destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, North America, South America, the Middle East and other international regions. MSC Cruises provides accommodation, dining, entertainment, excursions and onboard services for holiday guests, while employing crew members from many countries. Shipboard roles range from marine operations and engineering to hospitality, culinary services, guest relations and entertainment. The company places importance on safety, operational reliability, customer service and teamwork in a multicultural environment. Crew members generally work on fixed contracts and live onboard throughout their assignment. Depending on the position and vessel, employment packages may include meals, shared accommodation, travel arrangements and access to onboard facilities during off-duty periods.