A purser assists passengers and handles important documents on ships or aircraft. An airline purser supervises flight attendants, ensures safety, and handles disturbances. A cruise ship purser manages attendants, helps with documents, and ensures safety. Previous experience in the travel industry is required, and knowledge of a foreign language is an advantage. The term comes from the stock exchange, and the best-known purser is probably Burl “Gopher” Smith from The Love Boat.
A purser is a person who assists passengers and handles important documents. An individual in this role may work on a ship or an aircraft, but the two careers are distinct and not interchangeable.
An airline, or purser, usually supervises flight attendants to ensure passengers are safe and comfortable. He or she can confirm that all baggage is securely secured and all passengers are served refreshments efficiently. The purser also makes sure that safety procedures are always carefully followed. Sometimes called the cabin manager, he may also be called if there is a disturbance in the cabin and may need to fill out detailed reports after the flight has landed.
A purser on a cruise ship manages the ship’s attendants to ensure that the safety and comfort needs of all passengers are met. He or she can also help guests prepare customs declarations and other documents. Some may work at the ship’s information desk during part of their time on the job, answering questions about sightseeing trips. The security of passengers’ personal belongings stored in ship’s safes and/or safety deposit boxes is the responsibility of the purser, who is also responsible for freight documentation and payroll records.
Previous experience as a ship’s steward is usually required before becoming a purser. Other experience working with the public in the travel and tourism industry, such as experience as a concierge, may be considered for employment. A concierge helps hotel guests with appointments, attraction information, and maps. A purser usually must complete an approved employee training program. Both positions require excellent personal skills and knowledge of a foreign language is also an advantage.
The first recorded use of the word purser dates from the early 15th century, although the word was used as a surname in the late 13th century. The term comes from the word “stock exchange” and means the one who is in charge of the stock exchange. One of the best-known pursuers of modern popular culture is probably the TV personality Burl “Gopher” Smith played by actor Fred Grandy in the 1915-13 TV series The Love Boat. Grandy’s portrayal was loved by many Love Boat viewers.
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