Skip to main content 
Mobile is getting a second chance for cruise ships starting now. The city is embarking on a contract with Carnival for more than 80 sailings, which could have an impact on the Azalea City’s economy. But with new jobs come new dangers, and you need to know what to expect.
The Azamara Quest docked Oct. 24, heralding a fresh start for Mobile’s port and all the city has to offer, according to Fox10TV. The ship delivered roughly 700 passengers interested in good food and a little Southern hospitality.
The reinvigorated sightseeing destination could mean many new jobs, and some you might be interested in. Here are some common employment opportunities the cruise industry might bring to Mobile, what the jobs require and what potential risks they might have.
Tourism Jobs
The guests really come to see Mobile beyond the dock, and the city is rich with cultural sites and sights that could need your help. The economic benefits travel far from the water, bringing jobs and millions to local economies, according to Cruise Lines International Association.
Tour guide positions could ramp up. The trappings might include showing guests around downtown Mobile’s shops and restaurants, taking them on historic tours, and retelling the city’s rich history.
Mobile’s food scene is well-known, and could see a big boost when it starts handling ships full of passengers. The harbor provides fresh seafood, and restaurants might need more staff for the influx of globetrotters. Preparing food, waiting tables, and event planning could all see a boom you can take part in.
Mobile is home to many other tourist offerings, like airboat rides, Battleship Memorial Park, and the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum, all of which could add positions to meet demand. Curating, guiding, and security jobs might pop up, giving you an opportunity as unique as the city’s guests are getting.
Working in restaurants, operating buses or airboats, and being on your feet all day can be demanding, and expose you to heavy lifting, slippery surfaces, and other dangers.
Port Jobs
But successful cruising starts with getting to land in one piece, and Mobile might need some help on the water even though tourism is the biggest cruise ship draw. Harbors afford many opportunities from docking ships to navigating waters, according to the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, and Technology, and Mobile is a big port of call for many ships.
Marine pilots help vessels dock, going aboard and navigating through sometimes tumultuous waters. These pilots are responsible for knowing the harbor’s layout, and safely directing a ship away hazards like rocks and sandbars.
Port operatives are a cruise ship’s unsung heroes. They help dock and moor ships, move navigation markers, position gangways, and keep things running smoothly on the docks, according to the IMarEST. Keeping the port prepared for sightseeing and helping visitors get safely ashore make them the first point of contact for many visitors. A port operative’s job carries some heavy risks, like working closely to docking ships and driving through the same dangerous waters you want other people to avoid.
These jobs could see you lifting heavy objects, being a team player, and most importantly, being safety conscious, according to the IMarEST. Perils abound on and off the high seas.
What Happens If You’re Injured on the Job?
Different jobs mean different skills, different excitement, and different dangers. Staying safe is key, especially at a busy place like the Port of Mobile. Many opportunities are on the horizon, and it’s important to appreciate the hazards you could encounter before you get involved.
Whether you’ve experienced an injury on the job while working at the port, a restaurant, or even on an airboat, and your claim is denied, or you’d like help navigating the murky waters, a qualified attorney may be able to help. Contact us today for more information.