What you need to perform it
Primary qualification
- Higher vocational training in live events: in Spain, the higher diplomas in Sound for Audiovisuals and Live Events or in Lighting, Image Capture and Processing (indicative).
- Common alternative: equivalent technical experience in theatre, touring or events with verifiable references.
Basic STCW
- STCW A-VI/1 Basic Safety Training and A-VI/6-1 security awareness.
- STCW Regulation V/2 passenger-ship training: emergency familiarisation; crowd management if assigned theatre-evacuation duties.
- Valid seafarer medical certificate (ENG1 or flag equivalent).
Specific courses
- Lighting consoles (MA Lighting grandMA, ETC Eos) and DMX, sACN and Art-Net protocols.
- Digital audio consoles (Yamaha CL/QL, DiGiCo, Allen & Heath) and line-array systems.
- Working at height and stage rigging (hoists, trusses) — specific training required before working over the stage.
- Stage automation and stage-machinery safety (per ship, indicative).
Indicative experience
As a guide: 2–4 years in technical production for theatre, touring or events before the first contract. On board, light+sound+video versatility is prized; large ships have per-venue teams (main theatre, lounges, deck).
Observations
Route: technician → head technician / theatre production manager → stage manager or shoreside fleet technical roles. Operating limits in heavy weather (securing sets, cancelling aerial acts) are set by the production manager in coordination with the bridge — the technician must know and apply them without debate. Luxury ships may run several venues with independent technology and a single duty technician: documenting every show is what makes covering a colleague possible.
What this role does
Every show demands specific lighting programming and an audio mix adapted to a theatre that moves. The marine particularity changes everything: rigging and stage automation work on a moving platform, preventive maintenance is critical because there is no supplier 30 miles offshore, and versatility (light, sound and video) is worth more than extreme specialisation.
Typical watches
- Shows, events and AV equipment maintenance
Key responsibilities
- Operate sound consoles, lighting desks and video systems for live shows.
- Preventive maintenance of lighting, audio and projection equipment.
- Apply stage-safety protocols in heavy weather: secure sets and hoists, and cancel aerial acts when the ship's motion requires it.
Operational scope
- Theatre, lounges, event spaces, pool deck
Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.