Working onboard Asuka II

LANGUAGE ON BOARD
Our crew consists of several different nationalities and in order to maintain a smooth and efficient communication between the crewmembers, English and/or Japanese is the official language onboard. On the other hand, most of the passengers speak Japanese, so that non-Japanese personnel will be given Japanese language training opportunities. It is expected that you have a positive attitude to learning Japanese in order to communicate with the passengers as much as possible in the daily work and in case of an emergency.

LIVING QUARTERS
Limited free space and living together with a fellow crewmember may be a new and different experience. All cabins have shower/toilet and telephone. The electricity provided in the cabin is 100-volt and 220-volt. Some cabins have refrigerators. Cabins have a safe inside the closet; safe box keys and locks are available in the crew office.
There are several washing and drying machines for crewmembers in designated areas. Uniforms will be cleaned/washed free of charge in the ship’s laundry. Private clothes can be cleaned at reduced prices.

CREW/OFFICERS MESS
All meals are served in the Crew/Officers Mess on Deck 4. The crew mess is open 24 hours. In the evenings, a midnight snack is served especially for crew members with night duties and crew finishing work late.

EMAIL/TELEPHONE
Email service is available to all crewmembers. While in Japan and in foreign cruises, telephone cards can be bought onboard.

WAGES/MONEY TRANSFER
Payment of wages is in US currency or Japanese Yen and the pay-out will take place onboard in the Crew Office at regular intervals.

CREW FACILITIES
The crew Officer, in cooperation with an elected Welfare Committee, will arrange entertainment for the crew at various times. Activities include movies, games, crew parties, bingo and other events.

SIGNING OFF/VACATION
Sailing periods are between five and six months followed by approximately 2 months vacation. This is based on an established vacation plan worked out by the ship. Provided you follow this vacation plan, you will be guaranteed reengagement at a set date.

SIGNING ON
Upon arrival and boarding the ship, you will be required to sign on in the Crew Office. You will hand in your passport, seaman's book if any, medical certificate and employment agreement contract. You will receive SMS book, shore pass holder, emergency card, name plates, cabin key, cabin checklist, current voyage plan, "Things You Need to Know about Asuka II handout", and the Asuka II golden rule.
ID photo will be taken for Crew ID card which must be carried with you at all times when going ashore.

Safety Training will be scheduled on the signing on date. All crew members have to go through the training onboard every time you sign on. Your colleague (a member of your department) will greet you and assist you in picking up uniforms, show you around the working area. Your colleague will also help you familiarize yourself with the ship.

Our crew consists of a large number of nationalities and this gives you the opportunity to make lifelong friendships, but it also requires a high degree of patience, consideration and understanding.