Dear Musicians,

After you’ve passed an audition successfully and before you embark on a ship there’s paperwork to be done. In order to demystify this issue, I thought I’d list the things that need to get done. Keep in mind that, unfortunately, the cruise lines have not come up with a standard yet for this paperwork so changes are always possible.

1. Information sheet – This is some form that lets cruise lines (and us) know who you are, address, passport information etc.

2. Background check – Most cruise lines require one of those these days. It depends on the company whether you can just walk to your local police station and ask for a police record or whether they prefer to go through a company that will run a background check on you (in which case all you need to do is fill out a form to give them permission to do so).

3. Medical Exam – Again, different cruise lines have different medical exam procedures. Some are more involved, some less. Some cruise lines want you to go to a pre-approved doctor, some don’t. Some pay for it, some don’t. Most include a drug test – and, yes, weed counts.

4. W4 – Some cruise lines make you fill out a W4 before you get on the ship, some get this done only when you arrive at the ship.

5. Direct Deposit – Some cruise lines let you set up direct deposit on the ship. Depending on the line, you’d do that before you fly out there, some others let you do this while you’re on the ship.

6. Seaman’s book – A few countries still require ship’s crew to have a Seaman’s book so that they can record time and date of landing. If the ship goes to such a country, the company will let you know that you’ll need a Seaman’s book. Depending on which kind of book you need to get, you will either have to get it yourself or the company will apply for you.

7. Company contract – The cruise line will get you a contract that states your employment terms. Sometimes you’re given this contract only once you’re on the ship, sometimes you’ll have to have it to answer to nosy customs officials.

8. Letter of employment – This is not your contract but rather a confirmation that you have a job. This is for customs officials.

These are some of the most typical forms you’ll come across. As I said earlier, cruise line companies all have their own routine so what you have to fill out will change accordingly.