Cabin Steward banner
a Cabin Steward thumbnail
Cabin Steward

Overview, Education, Careers Types, Skills, Career Path, Resources

Cabin Stewards ensure passenger comfort and safety on ships. They handle housekeeping, food service, and assist during emergencies, providing excellent customer service.

Average Salary

₹3,00,000

Growth

medium

Satisfaction

medium

Home/Careers/hospitality tourism and culinary arts/cabin steward
Educational Requirements

Education Requirements for Becoming a Cabin Steward

To become a Cabin Steward, several educational and training paths can be followed. Here's a breakdown:

  • Minimum Education: A high school diploma (10+2) is generally the minimum requirement.
  • Preferred Qualification: A degree or diploma in hospitality, hotel management, or a related field can significantly enhance your prospects.
  • Specific Courses: Look for courses that cover areas like:
    • Food and beverage service
    • Housekeeping
    • Customer service
    • Hygiene and safety
  • Training Programs: Many maritime academies and hospitality schools offer specialized training programs for cabin crew positions.
  • Essential Skills: Focus on developing skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
  • Certifications: Obtain certifications in first aid, CPR, and basic safety at sea (STCW) to meet industry standards.
  • Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is essential, and knowledge of additional languages can be advantageous.
  • Physical Fitness: Cabin Stewards need to be physically fit to handle the demands of the job, including long hours and lifting heavy items.
  • Background Check: A clean criminal record is typically required for employment.
  • Passport and Visa: Ensure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas for international travel.
Study Path
Top Colleges

Here are some top colleges and institutes in India that offer courses relevant to becoming a Cabin Steward:

  • Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Delhi: Offers diploma and degree programs in hospitality and hotel administration.
  • IHM Mumbai: Renowned for its comprehensive hospitality programs.
  • IHM Chennai: Provides excellent training in food and beverage service and accommodation management.
  • Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal: Offers specialized programs in hotel management.
  • Goa College of Hospitality and Culinary Education, Goa: Known for its practical training and industry connections.
  • Maritime Training Institutes: Several maritime academies across India offer STCW certification and specialized cabin crew training.
  • Private Hotel Management Institutes: Numerous private institutes in major cities like Bangalore, Kolkata, and Hyderabad also offer relevant courses.

These institutions provide a strong foundation in hospitality, customer service, and other essential skills required for a successful career as a Cabin Steward.

Fees

The fees for courses and certifications required to become a Cabin Steward can vary widely depending on the institution and the specific program:

  • Diploma in Hotel Management: INR 30,000 to INR 1,50,000 per year in private institutes.
  • Maritime Training Institutes: INR 25,000 to INR 75,000 for specialized cabin crew training programs.
  • STCW Certification: INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 for the complete set of basic safety courses.
  • First Aid and CPR Certification: INR 1,500 to INR 3,000 per course.
  • English Language Proficiency Tests (IELTS/TOEFL): INR 14,000 to INR 17,000 per test.

These fees can vary based on the location, reputation, and facilities of the training institute. Government-run institutes may offer subsidized fees compared to private institutions.

Related Exams

While there aren't specific entrance exams to become a Cabin Steward, certain assessments and certifications are crucial:

  • Maritime Training Institutes: These institutes often conduct their own entrance tests to assess candidates' aptitude and suitability for the role.
  • STCW Certification: The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) certification is mandatory. This involves completing courses and passing exams related to basic safety at sea, fire prevention, personal survival techniques, and first aid.
  • Medical Examination: A thorough medical examination is required to ensure you meet the health standards for working at sea. This includes tests for vision, hearing, and overall physical fitness.
  • Background Check: A criminal background check is typically conducted to ensure you have a clean record.
  • English Language Proficiency Tests: Depending on the cruise line or shipping company, you may need to pass an English language proficiency test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, to demonstrate your communication skills.
  • Company-Specific Assessments: Some companies may conduct their own assessments to evaluate your customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork capabilities.
Exam NameExam Date
Pros And Cons

Pros

  1. Opportunity to travel the world.
  2. Competitive salary and benefits.
  3. Exposure to diverse cultures.
  4. Career advancement opportunities.
  5. Develop valuable customer service skills.
  6. Meet new people from different backgrounds.
  7. Gain experience in the hospitality industry.
  8. Enjoy unique work environment.

Cons

  1. Long and irregular working hours.
  2. Spending extended periods away from home.
  3. Physically demanding work.
  4. Dealing with difficult passengers.
  5. Exposure to potential health hazards.
  6. Limited personal space and privacy.
  7. High level of responsibility.
  8. Risk of seasickness or other travel-related ailments.