Cruise ship jobs for South Africans: salaries, benefits and what to expect

• Working on a cruise ship can earn South Africans between R15,800 and R175,500 per month, depending on the role
• Crew members pay nothing for food, accommodation or medical care while on contract, meaning most earnings can be saved
• South Africans qualify for a full income tax exemption on cruise ship earnings if they spend at least 183 days outside the country

For South Africans looking to earn in US Dollars while seeing the world, working on a cruise ship is one of the more practical routes available. Contracts typically run between four and nine months, and because accommodation, meals and medical care are all covered onboard, crew members can save almost everything they earn.

What cruise ship workers actually earn

According to a report, monthly salaries vary widely depending on the department and level of experience. Entry-level roles such as utility cleaners, galley stewards and housekeeping attendants pay between $900 and $1,500 a month, which works out to roughly R15,800 to R26,300.

Hospitality and service positions, including waiters, bartenders, cabin stewards and guest services staff, earn between $1,500 and $3,500 a month, with the potential to boost that significantly through passenger tips and service charges.

Technical and specialised crew such as sound and lighting technicians, betting dealers and IT staff can earn between $2,000 and $5,000 or more each month. Senior management roles, from executive chefs and cruise directors to chief engineers and staff captains, can pull in anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 a month.

The South African tax and savings advantage

One of the most significant benefits for South African seafarers is the tax exemption available under Section 10(1)(o)(i) of the Income Tax Act. Provided a crew member spends at least 183 full days outside South Africa in a 12-month period, with at least 60 of those days being consecutive, their foreign earnings can qualify for a full exemption from local income tax.

Combine that with the rand-dollar exchange rate, and the financial case becomes compelling. A mid-level salary of $2,000 a month converts to around R35,000, and with zero living expenses at sea, nearly all of that amount can be saved or sent home.

What you need before you can board

Before signing a contract, South Africans need to cover a few upfront costs to obtain the required certificates and documents. These include the STCW 2010 Basic Safety Training, which is a mandatory set of international maritime safety courses, as well as an ENG1 Medical Certificate from an accredited doctor. Those heading to vessels that dock at United States ports will also need a C1/D Seaman's Visa. Finally, a Seaman's Book, also known as a Discharge Book, must be obtained through the South African Maritime Safety Authority.

Once those are in place, the financial rewards of life at sea can be substantial, particularly for South Africans willing to commit to several months away from home.

More on salaries and jobs

• Briefly News recently reported on the monthly salary threshold skilled workers must meet to qualify for Abu Dhabi’s 10-year Golden Visa.
• A ward councillor’s monthly payslip shared by Boni Xaba showed a R17,537.69 basic salary plus cellphone and car allowances.
• A bus ticket seller’s payslip revealed a R13,000 basic salary and R6,000 in deductions, and South Africans were divided over whether the pay was fair.

Source: Briefly News