Ask Mike
By Mike Groves
January 3, 2010
Hey Mike...saw your profile pic and biography on cruise bruise today.
Question:
What kind of future does the cruise industry hold for a soon to be retired corrections Sergeant with 25 years in. I'm currently 42 years old and will retire in less than 3 years. Both my wife and I are avid cruisers, but in addition to that, I'm more interested in more than just cruising. Since I will only be 44 years old when I retire, I thought of a potential career in the cruise line industry; obviously the security aspect of it. I've been a police academy and agency instructor for 19 years. I'm certified Nationally to teach supervision and management to newly promoted supervisors with rank. Though I'm not very familiar with Maritime Law, I think I would make a great candidate for a security position on board a cruise ship. My resume is very extensive and can always be provided in the future. I also have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Police Science & Corrections Administration. I'm interested in your response and what you think of this type of endeavor. Thanks.
John
New Jersey
Hi John
My apologies for the delay in responding, Christmas and New Year has been a busy time on the home front.
John in short you do not need to be an expert in Maritime Law but you will need to purchase a book regarding ISPS or otherwise try and research it on the internet if you wish to save some pennies. They book normally retails for about £16.00 in the UK but is available in the USA as well.
You would also be required to undergo an extensive medical called an ENG/1, undertake SOLAS life saving/life raft courses as well as other courses; ISPS Ships Security Course and an Advanced Ships fire fighting course which is great fun albeit a little hairy at times. Rest assured these are professionally run at all times. Often your employer will pay for this but some do tell you to pay yourself. If this is the case then that is the wrong company for you and it is also somewhat wrong to levy the charge against employees do these.
The best way to approach the industry is to start sending letters of introduction to see first and foremost if they are interested in your skill sets, which I am sure they would be. You should attach a picture of yourself together with your resume. I know it is a little early but these guys often have a quick change over of staff and in addition, they plan their HR departments well in advance for obvious reasons. You will also need to research the companies you are looking to work for - there are some very good ones and there are also some pretty horrendous ones.
Many within the industry utterly detest our [security] presence onboard, we are a serious inconvenience to some and security was mostly brought in on the back of 9/11; they had little choice but to have a security officers on each and every ship.
It is to that extent that a cruise vessel cannot leave port if there if not a qualified surgeon or SSO [Ships Security Officer] onboard. They can sail without the Captain if another officer holds a masters ticket but not without a SSO - again unless a 'qualified' officer holds a certified ISPS qualifications which is rare.
The role onboard is great fun and yes you are paid to go cruising however it is often very long days and the breaches in ILO working hour regulations is rife!
. . . Other than that you do meet many interesting people and guests alike, you will often be required to host tables in evening wear and often the SSO's tables are the most popular with guests due to our unique background.
Time away from home can be long, I have done a 5.5 month contract myself however you have to weigh that up with where you are – for me cruising the Amazon and South America’s. There are occasions where you will not go home when you think, either due to your replacement suddenly missing a flight, being taken ill or worse – resigning. Again something I have experienced and it’s not much fun, especially when the 4 day delay turns into almost 3 weeks.
On the whole all I can say is that the role is fantastic and like any position it has its highs and lows. If you can get in and secure a position then you should do so. It would be a matter for you to then decide if it is for you or not. I miss my seeing friends on the ships; life long friendships I have made equally with guests, officers and crew alike but we still meet up outside of the company.
Hope this all helps a little?
Ask Mike
By Mike Groves QGM
Cruise Bruise Security And Safety Advisor
