Last edit: Sept 2026

1. Overview & Scope

This policy governs the terms regarding expenses, certifications, pre-boarding documentation, and financial reimbursements for candidates placed through Jobs on a Ship.

Jobs on a Ship acts strictly as a recruitment and placement agency. Operating practices and reimbursement models vary across different cruise lines and vessel operators. Candidates must familiarise themselves with the specific terms outlining what can or cannot be claimed back.  If a candidate has any questions about a specific client/cruise line or other operator they must as their Jobs on a Ship assigned recruiter.

2. MLC 2006 Statutory Disclaimer

2.1 Agency Non-Liability

Jobs on a Ship is not liable for processing, approving, or disbursing any expense reimbursements. All candidate reimbursements, if offered, are handled directly by the respective cruise line employer.

Jobs on a Ship is an independent recruitment intermediary. We do not collect, process, manage, guarantee, or disburse expense reimbursements on behalf of candidate clients. Any dispute, delay, or failure regarding expense reimbursement is strictly between the candidate and the employing cruise line, and candidates irrevocably agree not to hold Jobs on a Ship liable for any unrecovered pre-employment or travel expenses.

2.2 Applicable International Regulations

In compliance with international maritime standards under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, Standard A1.4 (Recruitment and Placement), Paragraph 5(b):

• Candidates are never charged any recruitment, placement, or administrative fees by Jobs on a Ship for securing employment. 
• Pursuant to MLC 2006 Regulation 1.4, seafarers are solely responsible for the initial costs required to secure statutory personal documentation, including:
  • Statutory medical certificates (e.g., ENG1 or equivalent) 
  • Seafarer Discharge Books 
  • Passports and personal travel identity documentation 
  • STCW certificates/documents

3. Pre-Boarding Certificates & Candidate Costs

Candidates are entirely responsible for their own pre-boarding qualifications, visas, safety certificates, medical clearances, and any other documents.

3.1 Non-Reimbursable Pre-Boarding Expenses

The following expenses are at the candidate's own cost and MAY only be reimbursed by the cruise line following completion of the contractual onboard probation period:

• Medical Examinations: ENG1, C1/D medicals, or company-specific pre-employment medical examinations (PEMEs).
• Certifications: STCW Basic Safety Training certificates, Security Awareness, Crowd Management, or any role-specific qualifications.
• Background & Police Checks: Criminal record checks, background verifications, and other similar checks.

3.2 Failure of Pre-Boarding Requirements

If a candidate fails any pre-boarding requirement, including but not limited to, failing a medical examination, visa refusal, or failing an STCW training module:

• All associated costs remain the sole responsibility of the candidate.
• Neither Jobs on a Ship nor the hiring cruise line will offer compensation, refund, or reimbursement for failed examinations or rejected applications.

4. Cruise Line Specific Reimbursements

Reimbursement policies vary significantly depending on the hiring cruise line, contract type, and position level.

• Visas & Travel Documents: C1/D Transit Visas, Schengen Visas, passport applications/renewals, or associated consular fees -  You will need to pay for these costs ‘up-front’ and these will be reimbursed once you have completed your onboard probationary period.

4.1 Variations in Cruise Line Policies

• Partial or Full Reimbursements: Certain cruise lines choose to reimburse specific joiner costs (e.g., C1/D visa fees, STCW courses, or other costs) as part of their employment benefits package. Other lines offer no reimbursements for joiner costs.
• Direct Processing: Any applicable reimbursements are governed exclusively by the Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) provided by the cruise line.

4.2 Onboard Probation Requirement

Where a cruise line agrees to reimburse qualifying pre-employment expenses:

• Reimbursements are paid directly by the cruise line to the employee.
• Reimbursements will only be issued AFTER the crew member successfully completes their initial onboard probationary period (as defined in their SEA).
• Candidates who fail probation, resign prematurely, or are terminated before completing their probationary period forfeit all rights to expense reimbursements.

5. Summary Table