How to find maritime and cruise jobs with Jobs on a Ship in 2026
Jobs on a Ship is a specialized staffing agency based in the UK, focusing on recruitment, manning, and training for the maritime and cruise industries. They serve professionals across business services, transportation, hospitality, science, engineering, and travel. Candidates should know that this agency prioritizes industry-specific certifications and maritime compliance alongside standard professional experience.
Who pays Jobs on a Ship
Paid by the employer, not by you.
Jobs on a Ship earns a fee from the company that hires you, usually a share of your first-year salary or a margin on your contract rate. Their client is that company.
What that means for you
Expect roles that fit their open vacancies before roles that fit your plan. Ask which company a role is for before your CV goes anywhere, and apply direct where you can.
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Sectors we track
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Markets we track
Source: JobMentis Agency Directory, 29,247 agencies across 102 markets, 2026.
Their side
Operates in
What sectors and roles does Jobs on a Ship specialize in?
Jobs on a Ship focuses exclusively on the maritime and cruise sectors, placing candidates in roles ranging from shipboard hospitality and travel operations to technical engineering and science positions. They also recruit for shore-based business services that support global maritime logistics and transportation networks. If your career path involves working at sea or within the specialized infrastructure that supports it, this agency is a primary point of contact.
Where you meet
How does the staffing process work for a candidate?
The process begins with a review of your maritime certifications and professional background against current manning requirements. Once your profile is vetted, recruiters match your qualifications with specific vessel or shore-based openings. You will then participate in interviews and potential skills assessments before being presented to their maritime clients for final selection.
What should I expect once I engage with the agency?
Expect a communication cadence that aligns with the urgency of maritime manning schedules, which can be faster than traditional corporate hiring. The agency acts as the intermediary between you and the cruise line or maritime firm, meaning they handle the initial screening and salary negotiations. You are not charged a fee for these services, as the hiring organization covers the costs of recruitment and placement.
Your side
How can I get on the radar of their recruiters?
To stand out, ensure your CV explicitly highlights your maritime-specific training, safety certifications, and any previous experience working in regulated transport or hospitality environments. Use industry-standard terminology for your technical skills and list your current availability for deployment. Keeping your profile updated with the latest expiration dates for your mandatory maritime documentation is the most effective way to remain visible.
Is Jobs on a Ship the right fit for my career search?
This agency is an excellent fit if you possess the specific certifications required for maritime or cruise industry roles and seek a partner familiar with the unique regulatory environment of the sea. If your experience is strictly in land-based corporate roles outside of transportation or hospitality, you may find better success with a generalist agency. They are best suited for candidates who are comfortable with the unique lifestyle and operational demands of the maritime sector.
How to work with Jobs on a Ship: candidate playbook
- Ensure all your maritime safety certifications are current and clearly listed on your CV.
- Use industry-specific keywords to describe your technical experience and vessel types worked.
- Specify your availability for deployment and any geographic preferences for your next contract.
- Keep your contact information updated to respond quickly to urgent manning requests.
- Ask your recruiter specifically about the regulatory requirements for your target role.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay any fees to register or be placed by Jobs on a Ship?
No, you should never be charged a fee by a legitimate staffing agency for recruitment services. The hiring maritime companies pay the agency to source and vet qualified personnel for their vessels and operations.
Should I apply directly to cruise lines if I am registered with this agency?
It is generally acceptable to apply directly to employers, but you must be transparent with your recruiter about where you have already applied. This prevents duplicate submissions, which can complicate your candidacy and cause confusion for the hiring team.
What happens to my personal data and CV after I submit it?
Your information is stored in their secure database to match you against current and future maritime vacancies. They are required to handle your data according to UK data protection regulations, ensuring it is only shared with potential employers with your consent.
How should I follow up if I do not hear back after an application?
Wait at least one week before sending a brief, professional follow-up email to your recruiter. Maritime staffing can be highly seasonal or project-based, so a polite inquiry helps keep your profile at the top of their list without appearing pushy.
Applying through Jobs on a Ship?
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General guidance for candidates. JobMentis is not affiliated with the agencies listed.