From School To the High Seas With DCL
Original article posted on Life at Disney on 11.14.2024
What did you dream about when you were young? Growing up, Third Officer Jarrett envisioned a career navigating cruise ships. Their passion for the maritime industry was ignited during family vacations aboard Disney Cruise Line ships. “I have vivid memories of spending hours in the Oceaneer’s Lab playing the ship driving simulator and steering the Disney ship model,” Jarrett recalled.
After graduating, Jarrett achieved their dream by securing a position as a Third Officer through Disney Cruise Line’s Postgraduate program. This unique opportunity is designed for recent graduates from U.S.-based maritime schools, allowing them to gain hands-on experience aboard Disney vessels. During the program, participants sail and develop valuable real-world skills. After completing the program, Jarrett passed their COLREGs assessment and was invited to join the rotation as a Third Officer.
In this role, Jarrett is responsible for watchkeeping on the ship’s bridge and overseeing the maintenance of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) equipment. Safety is a top priority, and a typical day includes inspecting various areas of the ship to ensure everything is functioning according to standards. “I also check segments of our main water line used for fire hoses to ensure they’re in good working condition, and I update our SOLAS training manuals for crew members to learn more about the safety equipment onboard,” they said.
As a vital member of the marine and technical operations team, Jarrett contributes to safety during sailings around the world, ensuring that both guests and crew can fully enjoy the magic of their experience. “While my role is mostly behind the scenes, I’m creating magic at sea by keeping the ship safe through navigation and vessel maintenance.”
As their career as a Third Officer progresses, Jarrett is excited about the fleet expansion occurring from now until 2031. “There are so many opportunities to develop in my current position and advance to higher roles. With new vessels joining the fleet, there are countless positions that need to be filled, which is very promising for the future.”
For anyone considering a career with Disney Cruise Line, Jarrett has one important piece of advice: “When you first get onboard, you’re not expected to know everything. It’s normal not to learn everything right away, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. A big part of the magic for me was how understanding and supportive everyone onboard was in helping me succeed in my role as a Third Officer.”
