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Cruise Ship Workers

Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements

Certification or Licensing

Most entry-level jobs do not require certification. Some technical positions, such as those in the engine room, may require special training. Physicians and nurses must be licensed to practice medicine. Child-care workers should have experience and proper training in child care. Some cruise line employees may belong to the Seafarers International Union.

Other Requirements

You will need a valid U.S. passport to work in this field. If you hold a passport from another country, you will need to obtain a work visa for the country where the cruise ship is registered. Check with your country's embassy for details and requirements. Water transportation workers are also required to have a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential, https://www.tsa.gov/twic) from the Transportation Security Administartion. This credential verifies that workers are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States and have passed a security screening.