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Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Jul 01 2008

My First Contract on the Ship

Posted by: dolphinlover in Cruise Ships, My Life as A Seawoman, tags:




Pride of Le Havre
Pride of Le Havre

After 6 months of completing my documents and attending all seminars and trainings on how to work as a seafarer, I had mixed emotions when finally I was called by my agency that from our batch of trainees, I will be the first one to fly going to U.K. for the 8 months contract on P & O Ferries.

That was 1998, that was my first international flight and I felt a bit nervous to be miles away from home, but I was determined to take the job, I am a single parent of two boys, I have 4 younger sisters and I’m the breadwinner in our family. The ferry goes back and forth from Portsmouth, England to Le Havre , France for a 5 hour journey so when i have day - off, I disembark at 6am and goes back to work when the ferry arrives at 8pm.

scan0007-300x173 My First Contract on the Ship

I enjoyed my stay in P & O Ferries and P & O North Sea Ferries, I had Filipina colleagues so I didnt felt too homesick. We work at night when the ferry sails going to the other port. I was assigned in Pride of Le Havre, Pride of Portsmouth, Pride of Bilbao, MV Norsea, MV Norsun, and MV Norland. At first, I had a culture shock because of the different European culture and behavior. Mostly, the officers and passengers in P & O Ferries are British, and Dutch. I was able to see Le Havre France, Bilbao Spain, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Zeebrugge and Antwerp Belgium. Our homeport were in Portsmouth and Hull England.

Read my Other Topics for Aspiring Seaman and Seawoman:

My First Contract as a Seawoman

How to Get SOLAS in Philippines

How To Apply for Seamans Book in Philippines

CAV - Certificate of Authentication and Verification

Passport Requirements for Filipinos

How to Get NBI Clearance in Philippines

Thomson Cruise Ships

Louis Cruise Lines

Fred Olsen Cruises

P & O Ferries

Carnival Cruise Lines

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 at 8:00 am and is filed under Cruise Ships, My Life as A Seawoman. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

28 Responses to “My First Contract on the Ship”
  1. gladz says:
    October 29th, 2008 at 2:00 pm - Edit

    hello ma’am, may i ask how old were u when u got ur first contract as a seawoman, cause i really wanted to be a seawoman but i’m having doubts, i’m already 29,married but no kids. do you think i can still pursue a career on seafaring?thanks!

  2. rene says:
    July 21st, 2009 at 12:43 pm - Edit

    hi rochelle,
    i wish follow the above question. my sister is already 42 but she wishes to become a seawoman. pwede pa ba siya? ska di ba delikado para sa isang babae ang ganitong klaseng trabaho? Saang agency ka ba nag-apply previously?
    i admire your being open sa pagbibigay ng information thru personal experience.

  3. dolphinlover says:
    July 27th, 2009 at 12:16 pm - Edit

    hi rene,
    you did not mention what position your sister would like to apply on the cruise ship. if she’s 42 already, and she’s just starting to apply in cruise ship, she cannot apply for crew and staff positions, because there’s an age limit now for hotel staff. however if she’s appying for top managerial positions, she can be considered, like bar manager, restaurant manager, doctor, casino manager and the like.
    yes its safe for women to work in cruise ships, actually, sila pa nga ang nagdadala ng harmony sa cruise ship management, kasi women are artistic and creative. pagdating sa entertainment, public relations, and guest service, mas magaling ang mga female crew and staff sa service. well, thats only my opinion, based on my experience. about agencies, there are many agencies for cruise ships, pls. check the POEA listing. you can get a complete list of agencies at the ground floor of POEA office. anyway, i hope i answered your questions. and more power to you and your sister.

  4. James says:
    January 28th, 2010 at 12:53 am - Edit

    hello po ask ko lang din kung ano ung max age requirement kasi im already 33 sa tingin mo pede pa ko apply for staff positions tnx

  5. anonymous says:
    February 9th, 2010 at 6:05 pm - Edit

    Just wanna ask..I’m going to undergo a training (solas) but i dont know how to swim. is it just ok or is that required?pls answer my question..thankyou..and Godbless..

  6. dolphinlover says:
    February 9th, 2010 at 8:08 pm - Edit

    hi its ok if you don’t know how to swim, youre going to use life jackets, life bouys, and life rings in your solas training. Not everyone who works on the ships knows how to swim, and im one of them. International passenger ships abroad can be trusted and i wasnt afraid to be onboard even if i was not a good swimmer. So its ok to have solas training even if you’re not a swimmer.

  7. Anonymous says:
    February 10th, 2010 at 1:48 pm - Edit

    Thank you for answering my question! I really appreciated it! bilis ng response..kala ko po di na masasagot..Godbless you and your family! Thanks so much! Ahmm..my question pa po ako… Mas advisable po ba na magapply sa magsaysay if you have complete requirements na for faster processing and better chances to get hired? kasi po my nagtext saken sa magsaysay..actually my interview po ako naun don kaya lang po di ko pinuntahan naun kasi passport palang meron ako..Anu po bang mai-aadvise nyo? And do you still remember pa po ba yun exact address nun nagtraning ka para makakuha ng certificate? Yun solas po ba yun? Thanks!

  8. vince says:
    March 4th, 2010 at 3:31 pm - Edit

    hi maam,

    im 24, a cpa currently working in an audit firm in makati. i would like to ask if there are opportunities for filipino auditors or accountants to work in a cruise ship. i really love to travel and i consider working in a cruise ship as a means to actually do it. thanks a lot!

  9. Twinkle says:
    March 10th, 2010 at 11:13 am - Edit

    Hi Ms. Rochelle,

    good day!

    You are really awesome and blessed. I really wanted to be a seawoman, I underwent all those staff that requires but after waiting for almost 2 years I was unlucky enough to have my US Visa ( I failed 2x ). CCL is my agent also. Can you recommend some cruise ship agency here in phils that does need a US Visa? I knew for a fact that if your destination is bound in US, US visa is significant. I heard that dest in Europe and Spain doesn’t undergo consul interview, their company will settle all the docs needed. I’m so desperate, coz this is really my aspiration and It would be delightful for me if this desire will come true. I’m still praying for it,, maybe in God’s time..:-). thank you and Godbless…

  10. dolphinlover says:
    March 16th, 2010 at 9:57 am - Edit

    hi vince,
    yes there are opportunities for accountants to work in cruise ship. usually they work as night auditors, pursers, and accountants onboard. you can check the websites of some seabased agencies we have here in manila, and check if they have openings for auditors. some of these are magsaysaycareers.com, cfsharp.com, ptc.com.ph and so many others. you can get a complete list of seabased agencies in POEA website. good luck!

  11. sirch says:
    March 24th, 2010 at 1:32 am - Edit

    hi just wanna ask my husband is currently working here in shangrila as waiter in middle east but his under graduate, dis coming april he will be 29 years old. My questions are,is there age limit for applying in cruise ship?does he need a training aside from solas training?hope u can help me..thank you!godbless!

  12. dolphinlover says:
    March 24th, 2010 at 4:44 am - Edit

    Hi Sirch,
    There are some age limits in cruise ship applications but it also depends in the department, for example, Chefs and cooks in Galley department usually don’t have age limits. Your husband belongs to hotel department as a waiter ( restaurant or bar?). He still has chances to work in cruise ship because he has international experience. My advice for him is during his vacation time, he can have some solas trainings and apply for seamans book, at the same time, find an agency, there are some openings in the Manila Bulletin lately or you can try to apply online. You can get a complete listing of seabased agencies in POEA website. you can also try this http://www.magsaysaycareers.com, http://www.cfsharp.com, http://www.ptc.com.ph and so many others. Good luck!

  13. sirch says:
    March 25th, 2010 at 3:37 am - Edit

    thank you ms. rochelle ur site is a great help tlga!godbless u for helping us …

  14. ann says:
    April 6th, 2010 at 2:24 pm - Edit

    hi God bless for the courage.i am a foreigner and now in phillipines cebu.i wished to have my training before i go back.is it possible?can i apply for my seemans book here in the phillipines?which other seminors do i have to undergo?please help me.thank you and God bless

  15. shiela says:
    April 14th, 2010 at 5:43 pm - Edit

    hi, i just want to ask lang po kc po ung husband ko gusto nya magapply sa magsaysay agency po.gusto ko lng po malaman kung bago po ba sya pumunta ng agency kaylangan meron na po syang solas at seamans book at if ever nman po n kumuha n muna sya bago maapply malaki nman po ba ang possibilities na matanggap sya.tenks po godbless u!

  16. maan agnas says:
    April 15th, 2010 at 5:38 pm - Edit

    hi ms rochelle!…im maan..i’m going 32 this year..juz like to ask..is there age limit in applying as a room steward?…but my job background is related only as a customer service and sales associate…i have plans kase n mag take up ng solas training and apply for seamans book..and i have plans din na mag undergo trainings din s hotel pra may certificate aq n i-ppresent kpag nag apply aq s mga agencies…need q kase n maka-earn ng mas mlaking in-come pra s future ng family q..give me some tips nman or some guides on how i can get this job…pls…tnx in advance….

  17. Noemi says:
    April 19th, 2010 at 10:30 am - Edit

    Hi, just want to ask if it’s hard to work at a cruise ship as Hotel stewardess…As of now, i’m so worried that i can’t accommodate to do the job because most of my experience is on admin matters. I applied as management trainee but turned out to be a hotel stewardess because as what the principal told me, i don’t have any experince in a hotel or a cruise ship. As of now, i am still thinking if i pursue to get the job or not?

  18. dolphinlover says:
    May 11th, 2010 at 5:56 pm - Edit

    hi ann,
    you said youre a foreigner and would like to apply for a seaman’s book here in Philippines. as far as i know, the Marina only issues SIRB or seamans book to Filipino seafarers because that is a requirement in POEA or Philippine Overseas Employment Agency. but just to be sure, pls. contact the Marina office, or you may check their website at http://www.marina.gov.ph/default.aspx. they might have special procedures for foreigners. honestly, im not sure about this. Good luck and God bless!

  19. dolphinlover says:
    May 11th, 2010 at 6:05 pm - Edit

    hi sheila,
    if your husband is really determined to pursue a career as a seafarer, it is advisable to have all the documents ready if only you have the budget because usually the agency prioritized applicants with seamans book. but if youre on a tight budget, he may apply even without those requirements, as long as he is qualified for the position, the agency will just instruct him to complete the requirements when he passed the interview and exams. the principal is looking for skilled and experienced crew so the preparation of the documents will just follow…Good luck and God bless!

  20. dolphinlover says:
    May 11th, 2010 at 6:31 pm - Edit

    hi maan,
    if youre really interested to work in housekeeping department in a cruise ship, you have to have all the trainings and certificates of employment, usually this is a long process especially that your background is in sales, so you have to take the risk of shifting career, plus a job as a cabin steward involves lots of physical strength. but it is a rewarding job…so just be patient in your trainings, practicums, and job experience. Good luck and God bless!

  21. dolphinlover says:
    May 11th, 2010 at 6:49 pm - Edit

    hi noemi,
    its really hard to work as a cabin stewardess, as what i have said in my other replies, you have to be really physically fit to do the job, but as everybody says, theres no easy job. you said you were offered already to work as a cabin stewardess even if your experience is in admin office. if you really need a job, you can accept the offer. there are lots of long queaus in agencies just to be interviewed by the principal, and in your case, you were already considered for the position. maybe the agency will just be the one to train you or they have arrangements for that position…you have to have all the courage and patience in this field of being a seafarer…Good luck and God bless!

  22. Yashchris says:
    May 15th, 2010 at 5:07 pm - Edit

    hi Maa’m..I’m yashchris 31 years old I’m planning to work in a cruise ship but my job background is teaching for 3 years I am not a board passer that’s why I’m looking for a great opportunity to earn money for the future of my children…I will accept any job even in housekeeping…would it be possible na matanggap ako basta may training ako sa SOLAS and have other requirements needed? Please give me an advice…Thank you for sharing your experience lumalakas ang loob ko na i-pursue ko ang pagwowork as a seawoman.God Bless po.

  23. Mark Bernarte says:
    May 16th, 2010 at 5:59 pm - Edit

    Hi rochelle,

    I’m mark, currently working as shift manager in a fast food restaurant for 1 year and 2 months here in philippines. And i’m 24 years old, if i will be taking and getting the SOLAS training and also do have a seaman’s book, would my experience be enough to fit any position on cruise ship? Hope you could help me with this. Do I need to have hotel experience or certificates? Thank you very much and godbless.

  24. audie says:
    May 16th, 2010 at 9:57 pm - Edit

    mam kailangan po ba na ang certificate ko ay galing tesda kc electrician ang apply ko in cruise ship pano po kung wala?necessary po ba yun?

  25. jhessygurl says:
    May 18th, 2010 at 10:37 pm - Edit

    hi.. I’m just browsing this site and read all the comments.. this is really a big help for those who pursuing career in cruise.. hmmmm.. actually I’m one of those individual who’s planning to build a career in cruise ship.. i am a commerce major in management graduate and had a 2yrs experience in Insurance company when i decided to open new opportunities for my career..i took up Hotel and Restaurant Services (Food & Beverage and Bartending) at TESDA and had my on board training at Superferry.. next thing i will do is to acquire the trainings and requirements needed to have seaman’s book.. ma’am do u think this will be an edge for me to pursue a career in cruise even i’m only 4′11″? is there height requirement? thank you.. god bless

  26. amel says:
    May 30th, 2010 at 7:28 pm - Edit

    hi ma’am gud evening i was inspired after i’ve read your stories,
    i’m also most likely the breadwinner in my family, i am presently working in a drugstore, i have a good job though.. but it is not enough to support my family financially,
    i’m a 4th year nursing undergraduate, i undergone scholarship training in caregiving from TESDA.. i am planning to be a seawoman, honestly speaking coz of the salary,
    i want to seek your advice on how to’s in this career i’m planning.. where can i undergo additional training ?
    I’m Mary Carmel Gana 27yrs old and i can say that i have a good looks and skills too..
    im expecting for your response..
    Thank you
    Godbless you more

  27. jen says:
    June 8th, 2010 at 3:50 am - Edit

    @ jhessygirl, pano po kayo nag apply for board training sa super ferry? thanks :)

  28. Aimee says:
    July 2nd, 2010 at 8:29 pm - Edit

    Hi Rochelle,
    I liked your blog site here…it is very informative specially for me who had no idea on the know-hows of becoming a seaman/sea-woman…I am 24 years old and a registered nurse hoping to pursue a cruise nursing career…I’ve read that you are also taking nursing courses now…I’m just curious though because most of the qualifications I’ve searched via web requires an experience of either emergency or operating room nurse with a minimum of 2 years experience…I’ve been lucky to have a reliever job as a nurse in a clinic recently and it was actually my first nursing job. I’m actually planning to pursue the solas courses as well while I am waiting for a position in a hospital…as we all know, hospital positions are dire in the Philippines, I was just wondering if there are any luck on entry level nurses to be able to pass the applications in a cruise ship or should I really wait for the hospital experience before I take in any courses such as solas and eventually apply for the position? I would also like to ask if you’ve met cruise nurses who really are actually an entry level? And if you could recommend any cruise ships that may accept entry level if you know any…I am hoping you could give me an advise on this since I really wanted to apply for any cruise nurse…Thank you…and God bless…

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