Nature of Job:
Pursers are responsible in business related jobs and other activity functions in a cruise ships. They also do office related jobs, prepare and keep payrolls for the crews, prepare clearance papers and other relevant documents for foreign customers or shipments.
Basic Tasks:
- Coordinate with the Ship/ Cruise manager regarding to functions and important documents.
- Prepare the legal documents of the ship and custom’s declarations.
- Prepare activity plans that will give entertainment to guests such as games, parties or beautiful and scenic destinations.
- Maintain and secure the flow of the daily activity in the cruise.
- Make daily and monthly reports on the changes, customer’s suggestions and other important matters.
- Assist customers with their valuables, inspection of their baggage and assisting them with their legal documents regarding with their belongings.
- Assist customers with other legal/business concerns such as passports and travel documents.
- Prepare and store payroll for crew members.
- Disseminate rules and orders from Crew Managers to other crew members.
Education and Training Requirement:
- Must be a graduate of any 4 year course preferably in Hospitality Management.
- Must have at least 3-5 years working experience in a cruise or any related field.
Skills and Competency Requirements:
- Must have wide knowledge and experience in cruise/ship operations.
- Knowledge in legal immigration and customs systems.
- Must be creative and spontaneous in thinking activities fun activities that guests can enjoy.
- Knowledge in planning and preparing events and activities.
- Must be courteous at all times to guest.
- Must have good communication skills.
- Know how to assist foreign guest with their demands and concerns.
- Must know basic bookkeeping and accounting.
- Must know basic bookkeeping and accounting.
- Ability to do multi-tasking.
Employment Opportunities:
Jobs in cruise ships remain in demand despite of recession felt by most countries. There are lot of job slots in a cruise, these includes Purser position. Experienced worker in cruise ships has a lot more advantage for Purser position because it requires the applicant to have wide knowledge In Cruise ship system.
Work Environment:
Purser is considered as one of the highest position in a cruise. Their work place is very convenient and friendly. Purser often works under time pressure because they often work on the concerns of the customers. However, creative and dynamic person can enjoy the tasks of a Purser for they are the one responsible in thinking entertaining activities for the customers.
Work Hours:
Purser often works for long hours. They work for 8-10 hours a day to secure that everything are going well in the cruise.
Career Advancement:
An excellent promotion awaits experienced and skilled Purser, they can be promoted as Senior or Head Purser or Cruise Manager.