Become a Cruise Ship Chaplain
To become a Cruise Ship Chaplain is a long process, but those who make it to the top will have a very rewarding career, and get to see some of the world's best locations in style.
Steps
- Obtain a place on a training programme with a cruise ship company: These programmes are sometimes known as a deck cadetship, deck officer trainee or apprentice. This stage of training leads to certification as Officer Of the Watch and takes around 3 years, partly spent in a maritime college, and partly on board a ship understudying the ship's staff.
- After successfully obtaining an Officer Of the Watch certificate, you'll need to work on board the ship in a junior officer position, to gain experience and increase knowledge.
- Once you've spent at least 18 months working on board the ship, you'll become eligible to return to maritime college for some further study, around 3 months, and sit exams for the Chief Mate certificate. This certificate permits you to be the second in command of a ship.
- Following another 18 months of time working on board the ship, you can return to the maritime college to prepare to sit the Master examination. If you successfully complete this one, you'll be qualified to take charge of the cruise ship and all those on board.
Warnings
- There are many people working on board the ship, and it could take some time to gain promotion through the ranks
- Being qualified for a post doesn't necessarily you'll find a job in that role immediately or easily.
