About the work
Working at sea is more than just a job — it’s a lifestyle.
It offers a unique opportunity to see the world, experience new cultures, and build lifelong friendships — all while developing a meaningful and rewarding career. Life at sea can be challenging, but the rewards are great. Few other jobs offer the chance to grow professionally while traveling to places most people only dream of.
At South Sea Services Ltd, we connect motivated individuals with real opportunities to work at sea — both aboard international cruise ships and domestic vessels in Vanuatu. We serve as the essential communication link between you and the employer, guiding you through every step of the recruitment process.
We are currently proud to recruit and manage crew for:
- Respond Global
- Pierre Brunet Shipping
- London Wellness Academy
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to advance your maritime career, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Available Jobs
We have lots of jobs available. Take a look at our latest listings.
Eligibility
To Apply for a Cruise Ship Position, You Must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have fluent English skills
- Bring a big smile and positive attitude
- Be willing to work 7 days a week, with shifts of up to 11 hours per day on 8-month contracts
(Note: 6-month contracts apply only for Purser positions) - Have at least 6 months of relevant work experience or hold training certificates in the department you are applying for
- If applying for a Receptionist role, you must have at least 1 year of experience working in a hotel reception
To Apply for a Vanuatu Domestic Vessel Position, You Must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have fluent English skills
- Bring a big smile and willingness to work hard
- Be prepared to work 7 days a week when required, including regular travel to the outer islands of Vanuatu
- Hold a Safety Certificate, Security Certificate, Seaman’s Book, and the relevant Marine License for your position (Master, Engineer, Deck)
- Possess Advanced Course Certificates relevant to your role
To Apply for a Position with London Wellness Academy, You Must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have fluent English skills
- Bring a big smile and positive attitude
- Be willing to work 8-month contracts
- Possess certificates or qualifications relevant to your role
How We Support You
At South Sea Services Ltd, we act as your trusted Manning Agent and primary communication link to your employer. Whether you have questions, concerns, or simply need advice, we’re here to listen and help.
We believe the best relationships with our crew are built on honesty, transparency, and open communication. Don’t hesitate to reach out — your success and wellbeing are our top priorities.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
CRUISE SHIPS
Crew members share comfortable two to four-berth cabins. All meals are provided in the crew mess. There are no deductions from your salary for accommodation or meals — they are fully covered by the employer.
VANUATU DOMESTIC VESSELS
Officers enjoy single-berth accommodation, while crew members share two-berth cabins. Meals are served in the dining room. Similar to cruise ships, there are no deductions from your salary for accommodation or meals.
WAGES
CRUISE SHIP
Wages are paid in USD and deposited directly into your preferred bank account on a monthly basis.
VANUATU DOMESTIC VESSELS
Wages are transferred to your preferred Vanuatu bank account. Contributions to Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) are made as required.
APPRAISAL
CRUISE SHIP
At the end of each contract, the Head of Department conducts a performance appraisal. If your performance is deemed satisfactory and you are suitable for re-employment, you will be scheduled for another contract.
VANUATU DOMESTIC VESSELS
Every 6 months, South Sea Services Ltd conducts a review to assess your progress and discuss your future career direction. Your performance is regularly evaluated by the Master and the Employer, who provides updates to South Sea Services Ltd to support your development.
If the end of contract appraisal, the Master or the Employer indicates the crew member’s performance was satisfactory and he or she is suitable for re-employment, they will be scheduled for another contract.
Every 6 months a review will take place which is conducted by South Sea Services Ltd to see how you are progressing in your role and the future direction in your career you wish to take. The Master will review your performance and provide updates to South Sea Services Ltd on a regular basis.
SCHEDULING
CRUISE SHIP
Crew members are typically assigned to a specific ship for the entire duration of their contract. However, for operational reasons, the company may transfer individuals to another ship during the contract period. Please note that requests for specific ship assignments cannot be accommodated.
After completing your first contract, you will be scheduled for your second contract. A minimum of 5 weeks’ holiday is required between contracts before returning to sea.
VANUATU DOMESTIC VESSELS
Once signed on, you are considered a permanent crew member unless your contract specifies casual or part-time status.
For special circumstances, you may request to rotate with another crew member on a rotation basis to allow more time at home. Such requests should be submitted to South Sea Services Ltd for consideration.
Working Hours
CRUISE SHIP
Work schedules are arranged by the Head of Department and vary depending on your position and the ship’s itinerary. The average working day is eleven hours, with crew members working seven days a week (no scheduled days off). Time off is granted at the discretion of the Department Head, provided passenger service, operational, and safety requirements are met. Crew members are also required to participate in regular safety drills and embarkation duties.
VANUATU DOMESTIC VESSELS
Work schedules are arranged by the Master or your Line Manager/Supervisor, varying based on your position and the vessel’s itinerary. The average working day is ten hours, with crew members working seven days a week. Time off is granted at the discretion of the Master, subject to passenger service, operational, and safety needs. Participation in regular safety drills is mandatory.
Drinking Policy
CRUISE SHIP
A strict zero-tolerance alcohol policy is enforced onboard. If you are found to be over the onboard alcohol limit or intoxicated, you will be dismissed immediately and barred from future employment onboard. Breathalyser tests are regularly conducted to monitor compliance.
VANUATU DOMESTIC VESSELS
A strict zero-tolerance policy applies to alcohol and kava onboard. If you are found intoxicated or in possession of alcohol or kava, you will be reported to the Master and terminated for violating the Company’s Code of Conduct.
Ready to Apply?
CRUISE SHIP
If your application is successful, you will be offered an entry-level rank and given the opportunity to work your way up through the ranks based on performance and experience.
VANUATU DOMESTIC VESSELS
If accepted, your rank will be assigned according to your certificates, experience, and licenses. When applying for a Vanuatu Domestic Vessel role, please select the “Marine” option in the job search.
READY TO START YOUR CAREER?
If you believe this is the right career path for you, click on the APPLY tab and submit your application form. Your application will be sent directly to our office for review. Prepare yourself to take your career to the next level—you might even have the chance to visit some of the world’s most exotic locations. This is truly a life less ordinary!