Careers · Shipboard role
Head Sommelier (Cellar Master)
The Head Sommelier (Cellar Master) leads the ship's wine programme: curating the wine list across venues, running the daily beverage operation in the restaurants, and training the F&B team in wine service and product knowledge.
A watch or a day
Day work
The certificate that gates the job
STCW V/2 (serving on passenger ships (applies to all personnel))
The certification behind this rank
What the rules require for this role — STCW, Indian and UK implementation.
Plus the certificates every seafarer holds: medical, basic safety, security awareness, and passenger-ship training on a cruise ship.
STCW V/2
serving on passenger ships (applies to all personnel)
MSN 1866 Amd 2
UK implementation of STCW V/2
MS (STCW) Rules 2014 r.55
India implementation of STCW V/2
What employers ask for
Seen across employer job postings — a guide to what recruiters look for, not a legal requirement.
Wine qualification (WSET / CMS)
e.g. Court of Master Sommeliers · WSET
Experience / sea time / time in rank
e.g. 4 years Wine experience · 3 years’ experience
Education (diploma / degree)
e.g. high school · degree
English / Marlins / CES test
e.g. Fluent English · English Level
Seaman's book / CDC / passport
e.g. Passport
Food hygiene / HACCP / ship's cook certificate
e.g. food safety · Food Safety · HACCP
Also known as
Where can this role take you?
Map your next certificate: your rank, sea time and certificates in; the next step and its requirements out.