Deckhand Job Description Template

Job title

Deckhand

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable deckhand to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will handle mooring lines and tie up vessels, build and break barge tows and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

• Handle mooring lines and tie up vessels
• Build and break barge tows
• Stand lookout and security watches
• Load, secure and check cargo
• Clean, chip and paint the vessel
• Maintain deck equipment such as winches
• Take part in safety drills and emergency response
• Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

• No formal educational credential
• Current license or certification as required by [state]
• Working knowledge of line handling and knots and watchstanding
• Teamwork and stamina
• [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

• Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
• TWIC card
• STCW Basic Safety Training
• Experience with mooring lines and wires

Skills

• Cargo securing
• Deck maintenance
• Safety drills
• Basic seamanship
• Adaptability
• Reliability

Work environment and schedule

Deckhands work on vessels in all weather, on slippery decks, around heavy lines and machinery and far from shore. They live aboard for weeks at a time on many jobs. Many work rotations, such as 14 or 28 days on followed by equal time off, with six-hour or twelve-hour watches.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.