For a ship server, the customer service duties comprise of a variety of tasks in different work environments onboard, ranging from the mess to cafeterias and à la carte restaurants. The tasks include, for example, mess or dining room preparation, setting of tables, taking orders, serving foods and beverages, clearing tables, as well as selling and charging. A server may also portion and garnish foods for customers in the dining room.
In addition to customer service skills and language proficiency, this occupation calls for an ability to adapt to the special work environment onboard as well as an active and independent approach. Working onboard requires a good physical condition and stress management skills.
Education
The skills and competences required of a ship server are provided by a Vocational Qualification in Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Services, with specialisation in the competence area of Customer Service, as completed in an upper secondary vocational institute. Catering department services must be included as a module in the degree studies.
Tasks onboard
Ship servers work, for example, in restaurants and cafeterias onboard passenger ships and ropax vessels or as catering assistants onboard cargo vessels.
