Busser
You are the support leg of restaurant service: clearing, setting up, pre-service preparation and assisting the waiters. Known as the entry door into the shipboard hotel department.
Hotel & Catering
Life on board in this role
Shifts follow meal times. The work is busy and spent on your feet; in return you learn quickly inside the team, and the move up to waiter usually starts here.
Required documents and conditions
Document requirements vary by flag, owner and position. Once we have seen what you hold, we tell you in writing what is missing — we do not proceed on guesswork.
- 01Basic English
- 02STCW basic safety training
- 03Seaman's book and a valid passport
- 04Most openings do not require prior experience
Questions specific to this position
How long does the move from busser to waiter take?
It depends on the owner and on performance; one or two contract periods is what people usually talk about. That is not a rule but a common path, and the timing varies from person to person.
Is it suitable for first-time seafarers?
Yes, it is one of the hotel department roles most open to candidates without experience. You can apply once the mandatory documents and STCW training are complete.