Public Health Officers on cruise ships monitor and enforce health and sanitation standards and ensure compliance with public health regulations to protect guests and crew.
Public Health Officer
Position Description

The Public Health Officer keeps our guests and crew healthy by ensuring shipboard compliance with the highest public health standards in the areas of Disease Surveillance, Prevention and Control of Infectious illnesses, Food Safety, Potable & Recreational Water Safety, and Integrated Pest Management through structured audits, training, and effective communication.

 

Disease and prevention control:

  • Oversees the implementation and compliance with shipboard communicable diseases prevention and control activities
  • Assists with investigating illness cases, contact tracing and infection control protocols to individuals in isolation
  • Assists the Medical Team in responding to local health authority requests for public health information


Vessel sanitation compliance:

  • Oversees the implementation and compliance with Public Health procedures
  • Reviews the food safety management, Potable Water, Recreational Water Facilities, and air handling systems and records to ensure compliance with public health standards


Public health audits and inspection:

  • Conducts internal audits of shipboard public health programs and activities to verify compliance with Public health training:
  • Delivers effective public health training


Integrated pest management:

  • Oversees the IPM program, implementation, and compliance onboard the vessel
Your expertise saves lives.
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Application Requirements
Qualifications and registration

Qualifications - a degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Sanitary Engineering, Medical & Biological sciences, or closely related fields.

Experience and background

Two years of shipboard experience or three years of full-time shoreside experience in implementing, overseeing, or auditing public health programs.

Knowledge Background

Knowledge of infection control practices and Vessel Sanitation Standards.

Certification and training

USPH Vessel Sanitation Program Certification; Infection Control Certification, SHIPSAN certification, training, potable water, recreational water facility or IPM certification or qualifications preferred.

Cruise industry experience

Strongly recommended.

Fluency in English Language

Required both spoken and written

Computer literacy

Proficiency with Microsoft 365 suite is required including good typing skills.

Electronic Health Records

Required experience with health IT systems.

Customer Service

Outstanding interpersonal, and communication skills to deliver high levels of patient satisfaction

Employee Testimonials

See what our employees have to say!

Sarah Patel
Public Health Officer

Working as a shipboard public health officer with Carnival has been an eye-opening experience. The responsibility of ensuring the health and safety of passengers and crew members is both challenging and fulfilling. I’m constantly monitoring health protocols, conducting inspections, and educating the crew on best practices. It’s a role that requires attention to detail and a proactive mindset. Carnival's commitment to passenger well-being and providing us with the necessary tools and support makes this job rewarding and impactful.

David Martinez
Public Health Officer

My role involves overseeing sanitation, infection control, and ensuring public health policies are followed—critical work that directly affects the well-being of everyone onboard. I appreciate the autonomy and responsibility that come with the position, but I never feel alone. There's a constant supportive work environment with an excellent team. The chance to travel to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations makes this role exceptional!

Emily Roberts
Public Health Officer

As a public health officer, my role is focused on preventing illness, managing health risks, and ensuring that the ship meets health regulations at all times. It’s a highly rewarding job that allows me to work with diverse teams, from medical professionals to the hospitality staff, to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone. And, of course, the opportunity to explore amazing places is a major perk!

John Lee
Public Health Officer

Working as a shipboard public health officer is an important role, especially given the global nature of cruise travel. The responsibility is high, but the shipboard and shoreside team support is exceptional. The variety of tasks and the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of people around the world make every day enjoyable. It’s a career that combines my passion for health with my love of travel.

Rashen Davis
Public Health Officer

Being a public health officer at sea has been a dream job. I’ve always had a passion for public health, and this role has allowed me to use my professional skills to respond to health concerns and ensure that the ship complies with all health regulations. The environment is dynamic, and the work is constantly evolving. The best part is contributing to the overall guest experience, knowing I keep people safe while traveling to amazing destinations.