What's it like to be a doctor on a cruise ship?
What's it like to be a doctor on a cruise ship? On that size of a ship, you have to work every day, six hours a day. The rest of the time, you are on call for any type of emergency. On the larger ships, the medical team consists of two doctors and four nurses. You will work every other day.
How many hours do cruise ship doctors work?
We work 24-hour shifts on the cruise ship We do 24-hour shifts. Consultation hours are from 8 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. For the remaining time of the day, I'm on call. There's a dedicated medical-emergency phone number for passengers and staff.
Does a doctor outrank a captain?
First, it's a military rank: Captain - same as Colonel in the USMC, Army, & Airforce. No. While it is possible for a doctor to legitimately hold a higher rank than the ship's captain, the commanding officer is responsible for the vessel. And line officers always outrank special corps officers in terms of command.
What can cruise ship doctors do?
Doctors on the ship can prescribe medications to be dispensed and taken while on board, and treat serious illness either until passengers improve or as a stopgap measure until a passenger can be brought ashore, depending on the scenario.
Do you get paid well on cruise ships?
How much does a Cruise Ship Worker make? As of Nov 7, 2023, the average annual pay for a Cruise Ship Worker in the United States is $49,005 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $23.56 an hour. This is the equivalent of $942/week or $4,083/month.
Do cruise ships carry doctors?
Health issues may arise in these floating metropolises. Therefore, cruise lines employ doctors and nurses onboard to handle any emergencies. Generally, at least two nurses and one doctor will be on board. In many large ships, there are two doctors and three or four nurses.
What rank is a doctor on a ship?
Commissioning + Rank If you enter as a licensed physician, your rank will typically begin at captain or major (Army/Air Force) or lieutenant or lieutenant commander (Navy), but it may be higher depending on where you are in your civilian career.
What is the best paid job in cruise?
For those with a degree in hospitality, among the highest-paying cruise ship jobs are executive chef, cruise director, chief purser, hotel director, and human resources manager. While the positions of captain and safety officer pay more, they require graduation from an accredited maritime training institution.
Do you need a passport for Dr on a cruise?
A valid U.S. passport is required for all U.S. citizens seeking to enter or transit through the Dominican Republic.
How do I become a cruise ship doctor UK?
Gain clinical experience Cruise ship physicians need at least three years of clinical experience post-residency, ideally in emergency medicine or family practice. Working in these areas equips you with knowledge about various health conditions, patient demographics and medical scenarios.
Do you get days off working on a cruise ship?
There are no days off On ships, weekends and holidays don't exist. You work every day of your entire contract and just have hours off between shifts each day. On land, you can go hard on a Friday night and have a couple of days to recover. On ships, you still have to get up and go to work the next day.
Are cruise ship doctors real doctors?
Depending on the size of the ship and number of passengers and crew members, each RCG ship has two to three licensed doctors and three to five licensed nurses available to passengers and crew members 24/7. Our doctors do not have NPI numbers, as that is a US-based requirement, instead they use tax IDs.
How many months do you have to work on a cruise ship?
How long will I be onboard? Contract lengths vary by position but range between four and ten months. After each contract you will receive approximately 60 days of vacation before your next assignment.
What is the hardest job on a cruise ship?
Among many difficult jobs on cruise ships, handpicking the toughest one is tricky. Still, one job will stand out in terms of horrific working conditions and cruel working hours-the galley steward.
Is it stressful to work on a cruise ship?
There is an enormous amount of pressure that crew members deal with every single day at sea. It is essential to maintain sanity and a clear mindset when working on cruise ships, regardless of the daily difficulties and high-stress levels that life on board the ship inevitably brings.
Do cruise ship employees get their own room?
Will I have my own room? Accommodations vary depending on the ship and position. Those in non-management positions generally share a cabin with one to three other roommates whereas those in most management positions are entitled to a single cabin. Cabins include a storage space, TV, and DVD player.
Do cruise ship employees get free food?
A majority of cruise ship lines offer their employees free food throughout the duration of their contracts. There's typically a special kitchen on the boat that prepares food for staff members. Employees may eat in separate dining areas, depending on their classifications.