Doctor (Cruise) – Worldwide
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Location | Worldwide |
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Job Type | Permanent |
The Shipboard Doctor is responsible for delivering comprehensive medical care to both guests and crew, including emergency response, general medical services, preventive care, chronic condition management, and health compliance with international port authorities. This is a senior management role requiring a high standard of professionalism, clinical competence, and interpersonal conduct.
Responsibilities
Medical Care & Emergency Response
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Provide primary and emergency medical care to guests and crew.
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Remain on-call and respond to all medical codes, including during off hours.
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Perform minor surgical procedures and trauma care: suturing, fracture immobilization, lesion removal, etc.
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Maintain patient confidentiality while complying with public health reporting obligations.
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Accurately document all medical interactions in the patient’s record.
Public Health & Outbreak Prevention
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Assist with sanitation inspections of galleys and food service areas (CDC/USPH compliance).
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Support outbreak response protocols, hygiene training, and infection control procedures.
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Report communicable diseases to appropriate port and company authorities.
Inventory, Medications & Budgeting
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Oversee inventory and proper storage of medications and controlled substances.
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Participate in monthly drug counts with security and leadership present.
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Assist in annual budgeting of medical supplies and manage related expenditures.
Administrative Duties
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Understand and follow all policies within the Safety and Quality Management (SQM) system.
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Attend safety meetings and contribute to recommendations for improvement.
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Maintain professional decorum both inside and outside the Medical Center.
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Uphold company billing practices; only the Staff Captain or Master may authorize fee waivers.
Teamwork & Supervision
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Work collaboratively with the Senior Doctor to manage caseloads and ensure coverage.
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Orient new crew on hygiene and safety as part of general onboarding.
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Alternate on-call shifts and assist during port days or leave rotation
Requirements
Required Certifications and Documentation
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Medical School Degree (original diploma required at boarding)
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Medical License (active, valid for the entire contract)
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Valid certifications in:
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ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
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PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
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ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support)
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Basic Safety Training certification as required by maritime law
Qualifications
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Minimum 3 years clinical experience post-medical school in an acute care setting
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At least 1 year experience with ACLS protocols
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Experience in one or more specializations preferred:
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Emergency Medicine
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Internal Medicine
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General Practice
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Cardiology
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General Surgery
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Anesthesiology or Critical Care
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Knowledge and Skills
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Capable of handling medical emergencies independently
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Experienced in minor surgical procedures and trauma stabilization
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Skilled in medical documentation, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis
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Knowledge of public health protocols for maritime settings
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Strong communication skills in English (written and spoken)
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Comfortable working in multicultural and high-pressure environments
Personal Attributes
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Professional demeanor and hygiene
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Committed to exceptional guest service and crew welfare
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Able to maintain composure and privacy in sensitive situations
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Demonstrates respect, courtesy, and cultural sensitivity
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Must live in shared quarters and adapt to close living environments
Physical Requirements
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Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, walk long distances onboard, climb stairs
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Full use of arms, legs, hearing, and vision (corrected or uncorrected)
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Capable of participating in emergency drills and life-saving procedures
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Able to work in varied climates (indoor and outdoor exposure)
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Must correctly use PPE and understand decontamination protocols