When you first arrive at the port, it will be an incredible experience to see this massive ship directly in front of you. When you reach the gangway, not the gangplank as it is often incorrectly called, you will have to tell the security officer that you are signing on. This officer will direct you to the Crew Purser’s office.
It is here that you will officially sign on.
After handing in your passport, you will have your picture taken for your crew identification card. You will also be issued a cabin, a uniform and a lifejacket. You will be informed regarding the ship’s emergency signals and about your designated muster station. During your contract, you will be required to attend ongoing training and lifeboat drills.
We guarantee you will be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the ship. For the first while, getting lost, turning the wrong corner and opening the wrong door will be routine. Not only will you have trouble finding your way, but you will need to appear knowledgeable when passengers ask directions. One suggestion is to carry with you a ship deck plan when on passenger decks. The crew area is located on the lower decks of the ship. This area looks totally different. It is an incredible maze of small corridors and narrow stairwells that all look alike.
Don’t worry; there are plenty of crew members willing to show you around.
Some ships will provide newly hired crew with deck plans. If you don’t have a deck plan, be prepared to get lost often. It will help to draw yourself a map, or memorize the route from your cabin to the area where you will be working and to the mess. Use your after-hours time to explore and familiarize yourself with the ship.
For your safety, learn an escape route and an alternative route in case of an emergency. You will also need to know how to get to your assigned lifeboat or life raft. Once you begin to find your way around the ship, you will truly love your surroundings.
Soon it will feel like home.
