The Application Process:

Q1. What happens after my application is sent?

Your application will instantly be sent to our recruitment team in Southampton where the Operations office is based. Our recruitment team will make contact with you either by telephone or e-mail within 2 days.

If you are a UK resident, you will be invited to a group interview, which is a very motivating and dynamic day out!

Q2. What is the interview procedure?

You will learn all about The Onboard Spa Company, Life at Sea and have the opportunity to ask many questions. The interview process is not limited only to a Trade Test, but we provide you with an opportunity to show off your people, organisational, team work and problem solving skills. There will be a number of forms to fill in and it is always a good idea to bring with you a note pad, pen and clip board.

• Applicants should be dressed smartly and to have all information at hand to complete the forms accurately. You will have been sent confirmation and details of if tools are required for your trade test.
• Fitness Instructors will be required to bring 2-sets of work out apparel.

All requirements for your interview are confirmed to you via email/post and a confirmation call is made to you the day prior to your interview.

Q3. How will I know if I am successful/unsuccessful at the interview?

If successful you will be sent a starter pack with a C1/D visa letter and confirmation of everything that was discussed at your interview. If you are unsuccessful at the interview then you will be sent a letter to inform you that your application has been denied. On some occasions we simply require you to gain more experience. You appreciate the time and resources that are required to attend an interview and we are always happy to provide you with feedback and any helpful tips so that you may be successful at a second interview.

Q4. Why do I need to have an Enhanced Disclosure check?

As a matter of course, all staff members are required to obtain this as a clean enhanced enclosure check is required by the US Embassy for a successful C1/D1 visa.

Q5. Why do I need a C1/D Visa?

All applicants must apply for a C1/D Visa to enable you to work on ships.

To obtain this visa, you will need to book an interview with the US Consulate, in the country you reside in. During this interview you will be asked to produce the C!/D letter, supplied by The OnboardSpa Company, as proof of your reason for travel.

Q6. What happens if I’m declined a C1/D Visa?

I’m afraid that without your C1/D Visa you are unable to embark the ship. Staff are very rarely declined their Visa providing they have all of the supporting documentation in place. Any member of our recruitment team can assist you with the application process.

Q7. What happens when my Passport is returned?

You will now be required to attend a Medical. The ships will accept an ENG1 or Norwegian Medical, most people have an ENG1 due to price. An ENG1 will cost you £80. We have a doctor onsite who can perform an ENG1 medical.

Q8. Why am I required to have a Medical?

This is a stipulation in Maritime regulation.

Q9. What happens if I fail Medical?

You can not work onboard without a medical. You are required to complete a Health Questionnaire at interview stage. Any medical issues are highlighted and dealt with at that stage and therefore the pass rate is extremely high.

Q10. What happens once I’ve passed my Medical?

You continue to complete the outstanding documentation prior to starting at the Academy. A suggested reading list is also provided so that you can be familiar with a number of different aspects of the business.

Q11. What other costs are involved?

When joining the training academy you will pay for your uniforms £150 (you will receive three tops and three trousers).

You are required to have Personal Survival Techniques (STCW95) £90 and Crowd Management (STCW95) £50 Certificates in place prior to arriving at the Academy. We send you a list of nautical colleges, in order to obtain these, in your starter pack.

You are required to have your Seamans Discharge Book £40 in place prior to arriving at the Academy. You would have been sent an application form and supporting letter in your starter pack.

You are required to have a Yellow Fever Vaccination £40, this can do obtained at your local doctor.

You are also required to have Travel Insurance to cover you for the duration of your contract onboard. We have supplied you the number of a company in your starter pack.

Q12. How do I arrive at my accommodation when arriving in the UK?

Our recruitment team will provide you with the necessary maps and address details. Most staff tend to either catch a train to Southampton or the National Express Coach, which is the cheapest option. In addition, Southampton has an airport close to town and reasonable cost flights with ‘flybe’. We suggest you take a taxi once arriving to Southampton for the last short journey to the accommodation.

Q13. How do I get from the accommodation to the Training Academy?

We will supply you with a map along with address details. There will already be students residing at the student house, which know how to get to the Training Academy. There will be public service transport available although most students prefer to walk the distance from the student house to the Academy.

Q14. When do I arrive at the Academy?

We suggest you arrive at the accommodation provided on the Sunday before you start your training on a Monday. Our recruitment team will ensure to liaise with you regarding your accommodation and once confirmed times of arrival; existing students at the accommodation will be there to greet you. We will look forward to introducing you to our team Monday morning at 8.30am.

Q15. How long will I be in training before being assigned to a ship?

Your training will last up to 7 weeks. During your time in the Academy, we will determine which type ship and team you are most suited to before assigning you to your vessel.

Final Note

From day one you will be supplied email addresses and telephone numbers for our Recruitment Team. Our team is here to support you throughout the application process. We are readily available to answer any queries you may have and are able to advise you on every part of the application process.

We pride ourselves in helping to guide you through the application process. We are always available by phone and or email. We value your dream of working onboard a cruise ship and it will be our pleasure to help you turn it into reality.