Our story
in 2019
4500+ tours dispatched
250 calls managed
Start your story with us
Our Dispatch Team oversees and coordinates operations directly on the pier for visiting cruise ships in Bergen - last year, we dispatched over 4500 tours and accommodated over 250 cruise-ship visits.
We would like for you to start your story with us, and make Bergen the very best experience for visitors in 2020!
Lénaïc - Dispatching since 2018
"As a Dispatcher, you are the one the Guides and the cruise ship Dispatch Team rely on. They know if anything is going wrong, you are here to fix it - that is really rewarding."
Dispatch FAQ
General
What is Dispatch/Dispatch Team?
Do I need to be Norwegian or from Bergen to become Dispatch personnel?
Some of our team are Norwegian while others are from different parts of the world. You do not need to be Norwegian or from Bergen to become a Dispatcher with Norwegian Guide Service (NGS) but you do need to be genuinely in love with Bergen and Norway. Working as a Dispatcher means working in an international environment, and we see the cultural diversity of our Dispatchers as an asset.
Do I need to know Norwegian to become Dispatch personnel?
You don’t need to know Norwegian to become Dispatch personnel, as the core educational literature and training is in English and daily working language is English. Knowing Norwegian is however useful, so we do warmly encourage you to learn and use it if you don’t already.
What is the season in Bergen?
The season is defined by the tourist activity in Bergen. Cruise ships start arriving in January and the last are leaving Bergen in December. However, the high season in Bergen is from the end of April to mid-September, with June usually being the busiest month of the season. Refer to Bergen Havn’s website for statistics on cruise calls at https://bergenhavn.no/en/cruise-en/cruise-statistics
How can I apply?
Firstly take your time to carefully read the job description on our website to familiarize yourself with our offer and the job requirements. After you have decided that becoming a Dispatcher with NGS is something for you, you need to apply via our online form. After that we take it from there together.
What do I get in return for working with NGS?
The skills you acquire as Dispatch personnel will help you for the rest of your life: how to create and maintain an overview; how to speak to people so that they will listen; how to lead groups of people; how to manage emergencies and difficult situations; how to react professionally to complaints and emotional outbreaks, and many other skills. In addition, we offer an international environment of professionals to work with and a chance to develop skills to build a career.
Can I develop a career with NGS?
Once you become Dispatch personnel you also have the possibility to return to the Dispatch Team for NGS the following seasons. NGS is also a part of a larger network of companies all over Norway and Northern Europe. Working as Dispatch personnel with NGS might just be the stepping stone towards future career in the service industry. Our network is continuously growing, and should you apply for other positions, starting as a Dispatcher is a great way to get noticed.
What are the steps towards becoming Dispatch personnel?
You will find details of the application process on our website.
Training
Do I need to do the training to become Dispatch personnel?
Yes; everyone who wants to become Dispatch personnel with NGS must complete the on-site training led by experienced Dispatch personnel. This is because there are specific tasks, routines, procedures and techniques as well as quality standards required by our company and our clients.
Will I get paid while I am doing the course?
Dispatchers work as freelancers which implies that when they accept assignments they bring with them the skills and competence to fulfill the assignment to a satisfactory level. It is the responsibility of every Dispatcher to acquire and develop these skills and competences. This is why the Dispatch Course is not paid. We aim to get you working as soon as possible after your completion of our Basic Requirements training. The education and certification programme to become a Dispatcher is an investment in your future.
Do I have to pay for the course?
The costs for the courses, seminars and materials are sponsored by NGS. Dispatchers do not get paid for training, but attending these and continuously developing your competence will open up possibilities and opportunities to take on longer and more complex assignments. When Dispatchers develop their knowledge and skills, they should view it as a long term investment that will pay back over the years to come.
How is the training organised?
You will find details of the training on our website or receive further details later in the application process.
What do I need to bring for the training?
Am I guaranteed paid assignments after the training?
If I want to come and work next summer with NGS, do I have to go through the selection process again?
No. Once you have received your certification you are qualified to work for NGS in the future. We will of course update our training each season.
Is there further training during the season?
Employment
Will I be employed as Dispatch personnel?
Do I have to pay tax?
Do I get employee insurance?
Being consultants to NGS, regular employee insurance does not apply to Dispatchers. However, you will be covered by an obligatory Norwegian occupational injury insurance for medical emergencies when at work. If you are a resident of Norway, then you have the standard health insurance provided by the social security system. EU/EEA citizens are covered for most health expenses by their European Health Insurance. Very often our Dispatchers from other countries obtain travel insurance for convenience.
Do I have the right for paid sick-leave?
Freelancers do not have the right to paid sick-leave. The argument goes that since you are not obliged to take all assignments you are offered, the right for paid sick-leave does not apply. After the 17th day you are declared sick, you have a right to apply for sick leave from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV).
Do I have to stay and work the entire season?
To plan the season, it is important for us to agree the period during which you are available to take on assignments. NGS will prioritise Dispatch personnel who can and show the desire to work consistently. A Dispatcher’s availability is a large factor in the number of possible assignments they will be offered during the season.
How are assignments assigned to Dispatch personnel?
How much can I expect to earn?
Can I do other paid work while working as Dispatch personnel?
Due to the level of the demand over the season, Dispatch personnel should consider this as their primary occupation particularly during the peak season.
When do Dispatch personnel get paid?
Is this a full-time job? How much can I expect to work?
Administration
Do I need a mobile phone and Norwegian phone number? Do I get refunded for the costs of my calls/SMS?
You must have a contactable mobile phone to work as Dispatch personnel; mobiles are required for receiving and confirming assignments. When on assignment you will be issued with a work phone for all work related calls.
Is there a uniform? Do I have to pay for it?
Are there any other clothing requirements?
Since Bergen can be such a rainy city, we recommend that you are prepared for the weather with rain boots, rain trousers, wool underwear, etc.
International applicants
Is there anything I need to do to be able to work in Norway?
It is your responsibility to check whether you are able to work in Norway. Please consult the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) website at www.udi.no/en and the Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA) at www.sua.no/en for more information.
Do I need a work permit?
Citizens of an EU/EEA country are allowed to visit and work for 3 months. After 3 months you have to register with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). It is your responsibility to check whether you need a work permit. Consult the UDI website at www.udi.no/en and the Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA) at www.sua.no/en
Do I need a tax card?
Yes. You can apply for a tax deduction card in person at the Service Centre for Foreign Workers (SUA) in Bergen. You will need to fill in the relevant forms and provide documentation to prove your requirement to pay tax. Refer to https://www.skatteetaten.no/en/person/foreign/are-you-intending-to-work-in-norway/tax-deduction-cards
Will I have to pay tax? And if so, how much?
Do I need a visa to come to Norway?
Citizens of Nordic and EU/EEA countries do not need a visa to come to Norway. It is, however, your responsibility to check if you do need a visa to come to Norway. You can do that here: https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/
Does Norwegian Guide Service organise accommodation?
Dispatch personnel are responsible for finding accommodation in advance of their arrival to Bergen. We strongly advise you to find accommodation in the city centre as this makes life and work much easier.
How do I find a place to stay in Bergen?
Most people looking for a place to rent use websites such as www.hybel.no or www.finn.no
How much does it cost to rent in Bergen?
Prices vary depending on location, size and standard, but in Bergen city centre you can find a room in a shared flat for as little as 3700 NOK and as much as 7000 NOK. The average is around 5000 NOK per person. On top of that you should usually calculate electricity costs. Be advised that many places will require a 2 or 3 months deposit which will usually be returned at the end of your stay.
What should my budget be to live in Bergen?
What other financial practicalities are there to consider?
Application
I have worked with a different Dispatch agency in the past. Can I still apply?
We welcome Dispatch personnel that have worked with sister companies within our network.
The deadline has passed. Can I still apply?
If the deadline for applications has passed you can no longer apply.
I am not available throughout the whole season. Can I still apply?
You can still apply but Dispatch personnel who are available for the whole season have an advantage in the recruitment process.
I do not have enough funds to support myself during the training until my first salary. Can I still apply?
After the training period you will start working and the first salary you will get will be on the 15th, the month after. It is your responsibility to provide for yourself during the training period. If you cannot manage this season, we hope you can try again the next season.
I do not have any previous work experience. Can I still apply?
Not having work experience does not mean you cannot become fantastic Dispatch personnel. But you must prove in the application process that you have experience to being committed to work as an employment or volunteer in a charitable or non-governmental organization, and that you have people that can endorse you as a worker.
I do not live in Bergen. Can I still apply?
Yes. But you do have to be in Bergen and available for the on-site training so that you can start working as Dispatch personnel.
I do not live in the city centre. Can I still apply?
Yes, although we have experienced that those living outside the city centre have a higher chance of being late because of trouble with their means of transportation (bus, tram etc.)
I do not have a passport and I live outside of Norway. Can I still apply?
You must make sure to obtain a passport by the time you travel to Norway. Those who have come to Norway and did not have a passport, have had difficulties with the paperwork (opening a bank account, getting a tax card etc.)
I am not an EU/EEA citizen. Can I still apply?
Unfortunately not, unless you already reside in Europe and have the appropriate documentation to live and work in Norway. It is your responsibility to check that you are entitled to live and work in Norway. Check via https://www.udi.no/en/
I don’t currently live in Bergen. If I get invited for an interview how will that work?
All interviews will include an online video call first, from which we will make a prelimanary selection of candidates.
I don’t have a visa for Norway. Can I still apply?
Unfortunately not, unless you already reside in Europe and have the appropriate documentation to live and work in Norway. It is your responsibility to check that you are entitled to live and work in Norway. Check via https://www.udi.no/en/
I don’t have a work permit for Norway. Can I still apply?
You must be entitled to work and live in Norway by the time you apply. This includes the application for a work permit. It is your responsibility to check that you are entitled to live and work in Norway. Check via https://www.udi.no/en/
Photo by Ian McFadzean/BergenPhotoWalks
START YOUR STORY
Please read all the information above and the Dispatch FAQ before starting!
Deadline: ongoing
Dispatch personnel need to be available for the full duration of the on-site Dispatch training.
Dispatch personnel must be able to support themselves financially during the Dispatch Course and until the first salary payment on the 15th of the month.