FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions relating to the search for jobs and careers aboard merchant vessels, selection and recruiting processes, and requirements on board.

There can be many questions when considering the idea of working onboard merchant vessels, and we have established this section of our website as an information archive on specific subjects to try to solve specific doubts and provide orientation to any person interested in the merchant marine industry as a source of employment opportunities.

1. Does WIND ROSE NETWORK offer employment aboard merchant vessels?

WIND ROSE NETWORK is not a direct employment agency. Among other functions, our personnel prepare an appropriate job application for the maritime sector with your personal information and send them back to you along with a complete directory of the addresses of employment agencies and the human resources and personnel departments of many companies dedicated to the specific sector in which you are interested.

2. What if I don’t have my resume and I don’t know how to write it?

There is no problem at all. Our web site offers a diversity of options. You only have to visit our section Our Services, in which you will find all the necessary elements for an optimized job application, according to the needs of the job market and the specific sector.

3. How long does it take for my application to be dealt and received at my e-mail address?

From 1 to 4 days, since we receive confirmation of the payment for our services.

4. Will there be any sort of advertisement with my application?

Absolutely not. We are a professional agency dedicated to help you to find a maritime employment. Your application will be sent as if you had submitted yourself.

5. How long does it take for my to start my work once my application is accepted?

It depends on the personnel needs in the sector.

6. How can I pay?

By credit card, through Internet, cheque or cash sent to our address, or by bank transfer or deposit in our bank account. To see the specific details of each system, you must take a look at the different offers displayed in the section Our Services.

7. Does the service offer any guarantee?

In the term referred above, you will be sent an e-mail to show you the work we have done for you, and the list of companies and agencies to which you can start to send your job application, for you to carry out a productive search for employment. Should you have any doubt after receiving our service, you only have to contact us through the section provided for that specific purpose.

8. What kinds of positions are available?

If you want to work aboard a merchant vessel, you will find a range of different positions. Some of them do not require previous training or experience, such as steward/waiter, oiler, pot washer, kitchen attendance, cleaner, etc. To be sure, you have to pay attention to the different posts and check their requirements (click here).

9. What do I need to work aboard a merchant vessel?

Generally, most positions on board don´t require any special professional skills. To be sure, you have to pay attention to the different posts and check their requirements (click here).

10. What previous work experience do I need if I want to get hired?

Most positions on board require a special previous experience, but there many entry-level jobs available for people without experience at all. Plus, the merchant marine companies use to train new employees for the different jobs. Anyway, you’ll have to check the different positions (click here).

11. Age to be hired?

Most merchant marine companies require you to be aged 18 or 21 and considered an adult according to the legislation of your country.

12. What kind of documentation do I need in order to work aboard a merchant vessel?

Passport.
If you are not American or Canadian citizen and the company is based on any of these countries, you need an American C1-D seaman’s visa, which is obtained from any American consulate abroad.

13. Do I need some medical certification to get a job on board?

Yes, but it is easy to obtain. In the most of cases, it will be done by the physicians of the shipping lines. However, sometimes a certificate authorized in the country you live in. The medical certificates are usually cheap ($75-$90). If it has been done by a particular company doctor, it is free.

14. How long are the contracts?

Normally, from 6 to 12 months, depending on the company and the specific project. The different sort of contracts can be extended by mutual agreement.

15. Can the new employees decide the region or territory where they want to work?

Not initially. It is the shipping company that assigns the ship aboard which you will work. After the first contract, when you are already working for the company, it is possible for you to ask for a change.

16. What does it happen if you want to finish the contract earlier than the end date?

The employee will be responsible for the cost of the ticket to her/his nation of residence. In the case of being discharged, the company will be responsible for that cost.

17. Is there any soft of discrimination on board?

Absolutely not.

18. Is it possible for the crewmembers to go down to the ports of call?

Yes, if they are not on duty.

19. Will the crewmembers cancel taxes while they work on board?

If the company has its offices and is registered under laws of the United States of America, American citizens will get their taxes deducted from their paychecks. In another case, crewmembers will have the responsibility to declare their taxes to the government of their country when they return home. The amount taken from the paycheck depends on the legislation of the government. You can find out the details in the shipping company office or employment agency.

20. Will the employees have to pay their air ticket from their origin place to the shipment port and from the port of disembarkment to their country when the contract is finished?

In the most of the cases, the shipping companies pay for it. But, sometimes, the employees will have to pay the air ticket to the place of embarkment, and it will be refunded after the end of the contract. You will be informed about it in the company offices or employment agency during the interview.

21. Is there any expense on board?

No, save exceptions such as the telephone and mail cost.

22. Are the crewmembers allowed to use drugs and narcotics while on board?

Not at all. Any employee caught using drugs on board will be discharged and, regardless of the location of the ship, disembarked and submitted to local police authorities. In addition, the crewmembers have to be prepared to the tests performed regularly to detect any prohibited drug.