Cruise Ship Physician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of travel and hospitality, the role of the Cruise Ship Physician is of paramount importance.

As the industry sails forward, the demand for proficient medical professionals who can provide immediate, comprehensive care for those on board continues to rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Cruise Ship Physician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the unique requirements of maritime medicine,

You’ve arrived at the right destination.

Today, we present a customizable Cruise Ship Physician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s set sail.

Cruise Ship Physician Duties and Responsibilities

Cruise Ship Physicians are tasked with providing medical care and treatment to passengers and crew onboard a cruise ship.

They are required to have a broad range of medical knowledge, as they may need to handle various types of emergencies or illnesses during the journey.

The duties and responsibilities of a Cruise Ship Physician include:

• Providing primary care, emergency medical services and promoting preventative health care
• Examining, diagnosing and treating patients on board the ship
• Managing medical emergencies, trauma, cardiac arrest, resuscitation and other critical medical situations
• Maintaining patient confidentiality and accurate medical records
• Performing minor surgical procedures when necessary
• Ensuring the ship’s medical center is clean, stocked, and properly equipped
• Coordinating with onshore hospitals for further treatment or evacuation if necessary
• Advising the ship’s captain and crew on necessary medical precautions in case of infectious outbreaks
• Reviewing health declaration forms of passengers and providing necessary vaccinations
• Administering medication, and providing health counseling and education to passengers and crew

 

Cruise Ship Physician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced Cruise Ship Physician to join our health services team.

As the onboard physician, you will be responsible for the health and well-being of our passengers and crew.

You will be required to diagnose, treat and provide emergency and routine medical care as necessary.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in emergency medicine, excellent bedside manner, and a flexible attitude towards working hours and conditions.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate medical care in emergencies, including First Aid and CPR
• Diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses and injuries on board
• Conduct regular health checks for crew members
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests
• Ensure adequate medical supplies and equipment are available
• Coordinate with land-based medical facilities for serious cases
• Ensure compliance with maritime public health and sanitation standards and procedures
• Keep detailed records of patient’s health condition and treatment

 

Qualifications

• Valid medical degree and licensing to practice as a physician
• Proven experience as a physician, preferably with emergency or marine medicine experience
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Excellent knowledge of medical procedures, terminology and medication
• Strong decision-making skills and the ability to make judgments under pressure
• Good physical health and stamina
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Free accommodation and meals on board
• Medical insurance
• Paid vacation
• Continuous professional development opportunities
• Travel and see the world as part of your job

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cruise Ship Physician
• Work Environment: Onboard a cruise ship with potential for seasickness and confined living quarters.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Medical Officer or Healthcare Services Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $150,000 minimum to $250,000 maximum
• Location: Varies (onboard a cruise ship)
• Employment Type: Full-time or Contract-based
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cruise Ship Physician Do?

A Cruise Ship Physician, also known as a Ship Doctor, operates within the medical facility on a cruise ship.

They provide healthcare services to both passengers and crew members during the duration of the cruise.

Their primary duties include treating a wide range of medical conditions, from minor illnesses and injuries to more severe cases that may arise.

They perform medical examinations, diagnose conditions, and prescribe treatments or medications.

They are equipped to handle emergencies and may coordinate evacuations if necessary.

Cruise Ship Physicians also play a key role in health education and prevention.

They give advice on health and wellness, conduct health checks, and administer vaccines when necessary.

Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining medical supplies, ensuring the ship’s medical center is well-stocked, and complying with health and safety regulations.

In the event of an outbreak of a contagious disease on the ship, the Cruise Ship Physician would be instrumental in implementing quarantine procedures, treating affected individuals and working to prevent further spread of the illness.

Due to the nature of the work environment, they must be prepared for a broad scope of medical scenarios and be capable of providing comprehensive medical care in a remote setting.

 

Cruise Ship Physician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Cruise Ship Physician should possess a range of medical, interpersonal, and practical skills as per the following:

• Medical expertise to provide comprehensive primary, urgent and emergency care to passengers and crew.
• Excellent diagnostic skills to accurately identify and treat a wide array of illnesses and injuries.
• Thorough knowledge of public health matters including sanitation, quarantine, and communicable disease management to prevent potential outbreaks on board.
• Effective communication skills to interact with patients of different backgrounds and explain their medical conditions and treatment plans clearly.
• Interpersonal skills to work in collaboration with other medical personnel and ship staff and provide a team-based approach to patient care.
• Crisis management skills to handle medical emergencies calmly and efficiently, ensuring the safety and well-being of all on board.
• Adaptability to work in a non-traditional medical setting and often with limited resources.
• Physical stamina and the ability to work long hours, as the role often requires being on-call 24/7.

 

Cruise Ship Physician Experience Requirements

Cruise Ship Physicians are required to have a significant amount of theoretical and practical medical training, typically achieved through an accredited medical school.

After earning a medical degree, they are often required to complete a residency program in their chosen specialty, such as emergency medicine or family medicine, which generally takes three to seven years.

Entry-level Cruise Ship Physicians may have one to two years of post-residency experience, typically gained in a hospital, clinic, or another healthcare setting.

This initial experience provides them with a wide range of medical knowledge and the practical skills needed to handle routine and emergency patient care.

Those with three to five years of post-residency experience are usually well versed in managing a diverse array of patient conditions.

They may also have gained specific experience relevant to a cruise ship setting, such as emergency medicine, infectious disease control, and telemedicine.

Cruise Ship Physicians with more than five years of experience are typically highly skilled and experienced medical practitioners.

They may have leadership experience and can take the lead in the ship’s medical center, overseeing junior doctors and medical staff.

Additional qualifications, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification, may be required.

Furthermore, experience in travel medicine, remote medicine, or maritime medicine is highly desirable, given the unique nature of working in a cruise ship environment.

 

Cruise Ship Physician Education and Training Requirements

Cruise Ship Physicians, also known as Ship Doctors, are required to have a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree from an accredited medical school.

They must also have completed a residency in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or another relevant specialty.

It’s important to note that the specific specialty required may vary depending on the cruise line.

In addition to this, they need to have a valid medical license to practice in the country where the cruise line is registered.

The physicians should also be certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Ship Doctors must also have several years of clinical experience, preferably in acute care or emergency medicine.

Some cruise lines may require ship doctors to have experience in remote medicine or experience working in a multicultural environment.

Additional qualifications, like training in tropical medicine, infectious diseases, travel medicine, or public health, are often considered highly desirable by many cruise lines.

To stay updated with the latest medical practices and guidelines, many Cruise Ship Physicians engage in continuing education and professional development activities.

 

Cruise Ship Physician Salary Expectations

A Cruise Ship Physician can expect an average salary of around $92,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary depending on factors such as the physician’s experience, the location of the cruise ship, the employing company, and the length of the cruise.

 

Cruise Ship Physician Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Cruise Ship Physician need?

Cruise Ship Physicians typically need to have a medical degree from a recognized medical school and a valid medical license.

They also require a minimum of three years clinical practice in general and emergency medicine.

Additional certifications in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, or similar qualifications are usually desirable.

 

What are the daily duties of a Cruise Ship Physician?

A Cruise Ship Physician provides medical care for all passengers and crew onboard the ship.

Daily duties include treating illnesses or injuries, performing physical examinations, interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications.

They also supervise the ship’s medical center and medical staff, maintain medical supplies and equipment, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

 

What skills does a Cruise Ship Physician need?

Cruise Ship Physicians should have strong clinical and diagnostic skills, be experienced in emergency and general medicine, and be comfortable using medical equipment.

They should have excellent communication skills, as they will need to explain medical conditions and treatments to patients from different backgrounds.

They should also be able to handle stress and make decisions under pressure, as medical emergencies can occur at any time on the ship.

 

What qualities make a good Cruise Ship Physician?

A good Cruise Ship Physician is compassionate, patient, and able to provide high-quality care in a challenging environment.

They should be adaptable, able to handle a variety of medical situations, and comfortable living and working in close quarters.

Professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to patient privacy and ethical medical practice are also important qualities.

 

What should you look for in a Cruise Ship Physician resume?

A Cruise Ship Physician’s resume should include their medical degree, license, and relevant certifications.

Look for experience in emergency medicine and clinical practice.

Experience working in remote locations or similar environments, like a cruise ship or offshore oil rig, can also be beneficial.

Additionally, proficiency in multiple languages can be an asset in this role due to the diversity of passengers on a cruise ship.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the exciting, high-stakes world of being a cruise ship physician.

Surprised?

It’s not just about writing prescriptions.

It’s about ensuring the health and well-being of thousands of passengers and crew, one diagnosis at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive cruise ship physician job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to embark on your next career journey.

But why not take it a step further?

Explore more with our job description generator. This is your gateway to meticulously crafted job listings or polishing your resume to a shine.

Take note:

Every diagnosis is part of the larger voyage.

Let’s navigate that journey. Together.

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