How do you train to be a sailor?
Secondary school three-year marine courses are the start for Able Seaman and Engineer training. These often include experience aboard ship.
There are Marine Officer training courses for both deck and engineer officers at the Marine College in Kalmar and at Chalmers Lindholmen in Gothenburg. Training takes four years if starting directly after secondary school.
If on the other hand a person has come from employment and has deck or engine-room qualifications, it is possible to apply for a three-year course. There is also a combined deck/engineer certificate over three years which also comes within the framework of the Marine course.
What do you need in terms of certificates and qualification to work with us?
Some documents are required of all sailors, irrespective of position. These are:
- Doctor's certificate for seagoing personnel
- Passport
- USA visa
Can you get a job without having any education?
For the majority of the positions on board you do need some formal education, though it's not always necessary to have sea experience.
For cooks and stewards there are no formal qualification requirements. In order to become a deck or engineer officer, you must have been to college and obtained sufficient experience to get your certificates. To work as an engineer or Able Body, you must also have a specific qualification. You can get this by attending marine courses. In order to work as an electrical engineer with us, you require an electrical engineering diploma but you do not need sea experience. If you apply for a job in the supply service, training in marine supply services is an advantage but not essential.
How many people work on a ship and how long do you work while on board?
On most of our ships there are 17-20 crew members. Crews either work 10-week stretches followed by 10 weeks ashore or five-week turns.
Can females work on board?
Yes. And the numbers are increasing rapidly. We have female deck officers, engineer officers, deck and engineering hands and supply service staff.
What accommodation do your ships have? What can you do in your free time?
Everyone has their own cabin with en-suite shower and toilet. There is a gym on board, and a pool on the top deck. The deck is very big, about the size of two football pitches, which provides ample room to exercise. There are also common rooms with libraries and video/DVD. Many crews take their own musical instruments aboard, so there are now quite a few rock, pop, and soul bands travelling around over the world’s oceans! We have Internet onboard and wireless networks on our ships so that crew can keep in contact with family and friends at home, on land or anywhere.
What happens if someone is taken ill during a voyage?
The Second Officer will be a trained paramedic and can carry out minor surgery. There is also a direct link to the Sahlgrenska Hospital in Gothenburg so that assistance from a doctor can be obtained by satellite telephone. If someone needs urgent hospital treatment whilst at sea, the ship heads to the nearest port or calls for helicopter assistance.
Are there any systems in place to check on and deal with trouble and bullying?
Like many workplaces, Wallenius has written rules, such as equality plans, personnel policy, ethical rules and so on. We also rely on good teamwork and leadership to prevent such problems. If such problems occur, they are dealt with one at a time.
How much water must be carried in order to provide for a longer trip, such as a week?
None. Water is produced during the voyage by evaporating seawater at high pressure. Salts are separated and then the water has minerals necessary for drinking added. Around 20,000 litres of drinking water a day can be produced.
Can you drink and smoke on board?
Wine and beers in small amounts are allowed, but you mustn’t exceed a given blood alcohol limit. We do not permit spirits or strong wines on board. Our ships are smoke-free with the exception of a special smoking room.
What’s the food like?
We know that good food goes a long way towards enhancing the quality of life at sea, so we have skilled and versatile cooks who put a great deal of thought and effort into providing healthy food. They also pay considerable attention to special dietary needs. For example, we have several sea personnel who are vegetarians and they are very well provided for.
How can I get things I need during a trip?
There will be a kiosk run by the crew in their free time. They can order products from home. You can buy treats, snacks, and personal articles. At some ports it is also possible to go ashore and spend some time shopping. All that is necessary is to make sure you have room in your suitcase when you come to sign off and fly home!
Where do you sign on and off, and how do you do it?
It is best to move when the ship is in Europe, but you may often have to sign on anywhere in the world. The captain then arranges air tickets, and when you land at the airport you are met by the agent who takes you to the ship.