Contact is made, position chosen, forms filled out, gather all the necessary documents (don't forget that a police report stating good conduct is required), and send them to the agency and await the results of the selection's first stage.

Each agency works differently. The variables are the following:

• The existence or not of an administrative fee and how much;
• Selection stages;
• STCW Course Certificate.

The final interview will be held in English with a Company representative, coming from abroad.

• Smile at the first meeting and remember that you are entering the hospitality market, where the smile is fundamental;
• Be honest with your responses;
• If it's the case, mention your on board experience and talk about the position that interests you, even if it is not being offered by the agency at the moment;

OBS. Only leave your present employment when an Employment Letter is handed to you.

Once selected, there are two things that should be done immediately:

• Have a physical;
• Obtain a visa.

After getting the visa and having a physical, contact the agency and await the arrival of your “Employment Letter” with the date for you to embark, the location to where you are going and the name of the ship.

Professionalism: to be professional at work and show you are earnest helps a lot, especially responsibility. You should feel good at work, showing interest and sureness to those that hired you or promoted you to a new position. It's also always good to give the most of yourself, something that is not easy as you will be facing long work shifts.

Trustworthy: this is of great concern among the Companies. The interviewers reject those that are planning on just working temporarily. They look for those that will stay for at least the duration of the contract. It is very expensive to invest in training for an individual who is only intending to do just one season. A tip: don't give the impression that you are going just for the adventure or fun.

Appearance: your “looks” in this type of environment is very important - hair well kept and trimmed, beard shaved, etc. - is valid for everyone, if you are on duty or not. In relation to the musicians and the entertainment people, the men can have long hair.

Enthusiasm: show your energy and that you're always in a good mood. But be careful, don't be immature and act like an adolescent. Showing a desire to party on board or act as though you are only there to see the world, can be destructive. Remember to always show an engaging personality and have a hard work ethic, even during long shifts.

Good Personality: this is the behavior demanded daily on board by the managers. Living in a confined place like a ship and working for long hours on end, is not easy. But, nobody has forced you to be there, remember that the guests are on board and that you have the responsibility of doing your most to make them happy during their vacation. After all, are you or are you not a professional in this line of work?